Search - Various Artists :: Lonely Is an Eyesore

Doug S. (dschulte) from ARLINGTON, VA
Reviewed on 12/8/2011...

A time capsule for the ages. This is what good taste in experimental, independent music sounded like in 1987. 4ad is an impeccable independent label and this is a sampling from among their best artists of that time. Though many of the 4ad artists could be thought of as sharing something of a "sound" or vibe (gloomy comes to mind), and this compilation reflects that, there is really quite a bit of diversity, with the Throwing Muses and Colourbox tracks being the most notable departures from the "core" sound (This Mortal Coil, Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, Wolfgang Press). Had a tape of this years ago and so glad to get it replaced on CD. Great great stuff!!!

2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Best Compilation Ever

11/20/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the most cohesive compilations ever put together regarding overall sound as well as packaging. I still regret passing over the deluxe edition album, which included the 24 page book, in favor of the standard album that saved me a whole five dollars or so. Regardless, I still get chills listening to "Frontier" and "Muscoviet Mosquito" after twelve years. The comp. as a whole has a dark, atmospheric, post-punk sound that successfully documents 4AD's hey-day. I would recommend releases by any of the bands on the album, especially MEDUSA from Clan of Xymox, SPLEEN AND IDEAL from Dead Can Dance, IT'LL END IN TEARS and FILIGREE & SHADOW from This Mortal Coil, THROWING MUSES from Throwing Muses (available as IN A DOGHOUSE), VICTORIALAND from the Cocteau Twins, and THE LEGENDARY WOLFGANG PRESS AND OTHER TALL STORIES from The Wolfgang Press (if you can find it). Do not hesitate to buy this, the video of the same name is excellent as well and worth seeking out."

CLASSIC ALTERNATIVE

Simon | Melbourne, Australia | 01/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My first taste of Alternative Music when this album came out and the damage had been done, there was no turning back.
A mixture of Electro-sampling of Colourbox to the gurgle delights of Cocteau Twins and the atmospheric Dead Can Dance just signifies this as an undeniable classic. It has a blend of ambient music which mesmerizes the listener in many ways. Friends have borrowed it from me due to speculation of not understanding. Hence they purchased the album and further more, some of the bands forth coming LPs.
The a few tracks may sound slightly dated (e.g.Colourbox) but this is nearly 20 years ago and very few bands would even get close to becoming timeless in music form.
This compilation came in five forms, LP, CD, Cassette, Video and a limited edition wooden box set. Get any, listen for yourself and be hypnotised."