Search - Suicide :: Second Album + the First

Thief of fire

loteq | Regensburg | 11/01/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Suicide's first studio album was the highly acclaimed "First album", a somewhat cold and manic record which fired off a sonic assault of electronic noise and angst-ridden, morbid lyrics. Despite the purely synth-driven sound, it was still a punk album - and a very influential one, too. Connected with the famous "CBGB's scene" at that time, the duo's live performances in the late-'70s were still intact, but their "Second album" and nearly every following studio effort confirmed that Suicide were inclined to take the 'easy option'. For their much-delayed second outing they entered the studio with Ric Ocasek, and "Second album" indeed is given the same immaculate and slick production that was the trademark of several other Ocasek products. The abrasive nature of the first release has been replaced by a somewhat laid-back, more accessible sound which makes clear why Suicide are often considered as forerunners of all these '80s pop duos, for example, Erasure, Soft Cell, Pet Shop Boys, and OMD. On the other hand, this makes it all stranger because the band doesn't really write pop songs on "Second album" instead of coming up with layers of atmospherics and arrangements which employ more details and a stronger rhythmic foundation. Given the still primitive equipment at that time, the effects and sounds Martin Rev manages to wrangle from his machines are still awesome. "Fast money music" is worth of comparison to some of Aphex Twin's gentler ventures, particularly "Analogue bubblebath Vol.1". "Diamonds,..", "Mr.Ray", and "Harlem" are magnificent electro-pop classics. "Sweetheart" and "Dream baby dream" are moderately paced love songs which almost border on saccharine. Alan Vega's vocals are much calmer than on "First album", but they still have a somewhat menacing aura. However, the variations and changes Suicide can create with their formula are limited, towards the end of the album it all sounds a little to similar. Nevertheless, this is a worthy successor to "First album" and Suicide even experienced some commercial success with this second outing. The bonus disc is a grave disappointment, though. It features home recordings from the early-'70s which are so poor in audio quality that their inclusion seems pointless. Although titles like "Speedqueen" and "Spaceship" appear interesting, it's almost impossible to work out what's going on and it only gets slightly more rewarding after repeated listening. All in all, 4 stars for "Second album" and 2 stars for "The first rehearsal tapes". OK?"

Up from the Underground

Daniel Mintz | Eureka, CA, USA | 06/23/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Sometimes slagged as a sell-out, Suicide's second effort bore the imprint of pop star producer Ric Ocasek yet stayed true to the band's urban roots. Though updated (for its time) electronics replaced Martin Rev's thrift store gear, the sound retains the monotonous urgency that defined Suicide as a pacesetter two years prior. Alan Vega delivers brilliant, madcap vocal performances, most often on the tracks that blast street atmosphere into the mix (Mr. Ray, Harlem).

Here we also see the duo venturing into starry-eyed fascination with fame and riches, which is strangely in line with its blighted vision -- when Vega croons about Diamonds, Fur Coat, Champagne and Fast Money Music, it sounds like the daydreams of a rotter. Dreams go sour on Las Vegas Man, a haunting and ultra-sedated exploration of gambling's self-defeating lure.

Vega unintentionally summed up the vibe of this album when he told an interviewer that he knew the band was nearing success when he saw a go-go dancer do a striptease to the glossy beat of Diamonds, Fur Coat, Champagne. That must have been a thrill but Suicide's mainstream appeal never went much further, an eventuality perhaps ensured by a wretchedly sentimental single release, Dream Baby Dream, here included as an obligatory but bum bonus track.

The powerfully morbid B-side, Radiation, is also included and is far better. Super Subway Comedian rounds out the extras with Vega's take on the lighter side of city life.

For contrast, the bonus circa-1975 second disc gives all us lo-fi junkies something to mull over and is impressively creepy.

"

The Boss gives 'em thumbs up

Movie fan from another galaxy | 01/22/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, even Bruce is a fan of Suicide, believe it or not and covered "Dream Baby Dream" on his solo tour from a few years back.



Suicide was so influential in many ways and this cd just highlights their impact on what would become the 80's synth driven music. From Depeche Mode to Nine Inch Nails, Suicide's sound is reflected, and is still infuential today in bands like Shiny Toy Guns.



Great beginnings by a band that certainly blazed a trail but sadly did not reap the benefits.







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