| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Ernesto |
Posted - 03/16/2009 : 12:21:43
the albumtracks ranked in my order of preference :
1. The Long Song
2. Break the Angels
3. Black Suit
4. Lovesick
5. Come over to my House
6. Ermesinde
7. Volcano!
8. Seeing Stars
9. Fort Wayne  yeah,i'm not kidding people
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| 35 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Pete Egress |
Posted - 07/11/2009 : 11:06:35
I just finally got around to downloading from iTunes, and MAN I think its terrific.
I love Violets musical sensibilities and love the synth. Very interesting mix of styles and it works. Love the subtle chord changes during "guess Im seeing stars again" in Lovesick. Kind of reminds me of some of the surprising changes in some of FBs older songs. And then there's the raw driving tension of many of the bass lines on several tracks that take things towards the "Nadine" vibe, the kinds of songs I'd love to hear live in a small night club (too bad there's no Philly shows)
I find mr. Charles Thompson to be one of those rare and inspiring people that remind you to just keep doing what you love, and never stop. Such a creative and prolific human, and never afraid to try something compleltely different. |
| soderstromk |
Posted - 06/28/2009 : 11:09:31
I've decided it's great!
It's a series of love songs - even Black Suit!
I think Violet helps FBF focus. It's a very "disciplined" album. It's layered and more complex than it first seems. It's rich, like a petite four. YUM!
Every track is a winner. Black Suit didn't suit me at first, but somehow its become a favorite. It keeps playing on in my head -- I love it! |
| kfs |
Posted - 06/22/2009 : 10:26:57
I think it's interesting that so many people seem to love Black Suit. There are several tracks that I like more than that one. I'm still loving Volcano! |
| MissMaceo |
Posted - 06/18/2009 : 09:18:39
I am on my second listen today of this album, trying to have a very open mind, trying to not want Bluefinger Part 2, skipping past The Long Song because it bugs me.
Trying.
Sometimes trying to like an album backfires and it becomes synthetic, sometimes trying to like an album is the best way to make it your unexpected friend. |
| Itchload |
Posted - 06/17/2009 : 06:00:09
See I would have preferred an album full of "Black Suit"s. I love when Frank gets into a post-punky atmospheric groove (see the moodier stuff on Bossanova, Trompe and FB).
I would have liked that whole 4AD (see the cover artwork) Euro synth angle played up a bit more. Instead PF plays more like a 90's alternative album, which can be nice too.
Nevertheless, count me as someone who is in full favor of future GD releases not shying away from the synth/dancey element, even embracing it more.
I know Frank is a fan of Iggy Pop's The Idiot and Roxy Music and Violet likes the 80's synth stuff...would love to see a marriage of this brought out to album length. Plus, Frank's screams/raw guitar mixed with the ordinarily muted discordance in that type of music (Iggy doesn't scream once on The Idiot!) gives it a fresh, exciting vibe. |
| OLDMANOTY |
Posted - 06/12/2009 : 05:26:06
I like it a lot. Favourite tracks - Seeing Stars, Lovesick, Fort Wayne, Ermesinde, Volcano. I like Black Suit too when it gets going - a bit too 'goth by numbers' to start with for me. |
| soderstromk |
Posted - 06/10/2009 : 03:28:15
My enthusiasm is growing! It's good! Will it become great? More assimilation is required. |
| danjersey |
Posted - 06/07/2009 : 17:05:42
looking forward to buying this Album at their show along the north river. Listening to them now online and enjoying. I can't imagine the night not being fun.
Black Suit Live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2s3gZTmgbw&feature=related
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| Brank_Flack |
Posted - 05/31/2009 : 15:18:10
I think i'm too biased to say whether it's good or bad, in that i really don't like any dance or club music. My favourite songs from the album are those which sound the least 80s dance pop, like come on over, fort wayne and volcano. I don't know how succesful frank's and violet's sounds are together - it's like the album is in this limbo where it can't be a rock record and it can't be a dance pop record. Once again, i'm totally biased. |
| Daisy Girl |
Posted - 05/26/2009 : 18:02:40
Nearly a month later, PF is still in heavy rotation. I even sing along during parts when alone in my car. (A good sign that I love an album.) I really like how Violet's and Charles' voices interplay with each other. I like the synths, too. I like how sometimes it sounds fun and sometimes it sounds dark. |
| pixie punk |
Posted - 05/15/2009 : 03:33:58
Finally received yesterday my special order copy of PF from Borders down here in the Island.I really like Ermesinde,Seeing Stars,Break The Angels,Fort Wayne.I heard some Missing Persons and Gary Numan style keyboards in there which are great 80's influences and I think Volcano has some kind of that early Pretenders style where Violet kinda sounds like Chrissie Hynde(and that's a compliment)!!!.
PUERTO RICO PIXIE |
| gary13th |
Posted - 05/10/2009 : 05:01:05
I like some of the tracks, I like Fort Wayne, The Timbers (from Lovesick single), Vapours (ditto) and Lovesick, but for me most of the other tracks are just ok... though Violet sings nicely and makes the rest listenable, kudos to FB for this project, even if its not "great" for me yet, It could be...!
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I joined the Cult of the Catholics, Oh when will they return ? |
| ccuadros |
Posted - 05/07/2009 : 09:48:45
Today I recieved the CD, I´m happy! |
| vilainde |
Posted - 05/06/2009 : 10:40:01
Lovesick gets on my nerves.
Denis
"Can you hear me? I aint got shit to say." |
| tisasawath |
Posted - 05/06/2009 : 10:06:34
i can't get over the comment of Lovesick being weak. guess i'm sucker for weak then. |
| fbc |
Posted - 05/01/2009 : 02:09:25
You took your time. I've been expecting your post. Sort your tags out, yeah. |
| coastline |
Posted - 04/30/2009 : 18:41:01
[quote]Originally posted by fbc
I like the Fort Wayne.
[quote]I like the Fort Wayne, too, Mr. FBC. Despite my listening to it roughly 25 billion times, it hasn't lost an ounce of its lustre.
 Please pardon me, for these my wrongs. |
| trobrianders |
Posted - 04/30/2009 : 14:37:30
The Timbers. I knew you'd like that.
_______________
Ed is the hoo hoo |
| fbc |
Posted - 04/30/2009 : 13:52:08
I know. I read your post in the "What Frank.." thread )
I like the Fort Wayne.
quote:
Off Petits Fours, which was officially released in the United States April 14, “Fort Wayne” was the very first song Thompson and Clark recorded together on equal footing — not knowing it at the time, but as Grand Duchy. According to both of them, it soon became apparent that this would be more than just a one-song recording session.
“We did the song ‘Fort Wayne.’ We deemed it to be kind of special,” says Thompson. “We didn’t think we were going to have magic every time, but we did the first time.”
http://www.weeklyvolcano.com/2009-04-30/music-main/3735
One of those "where the **** did this come from" tracks. Like "Don't Get Me Wrong" and "Virginia Reel". Just when I think we're turning left we take a right. IMO. |
| trobrianders |
Posted - 04/30/2009 : 11:53:20
I like the sexy-silly bits best. I'd like the album more if it were sexier and sillier. I got The Timbers on repeat a while so I'm happy.
_______________
Ed is the hoo hoo |
| fbc |
Posted - 04/30/2009 : 11:40:56
Probably :) I haven't seen it. I bet these songs come alive played live. |
| badronald |
Posted - 04/30/2009 : 11:03:56
quote:
Originally posted by fbc
Black Suit Slowed down Tame intro, heh. I count to 4 quite a few times during this one. FBF can write songs like this in his sleep, someone once said.
At the show last night they mentioned this song was written last minute for possible inclusion on the Spiderman III soundtrack. It didn't make the cut, and the movie suffered for it.
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| fbc |
Posted - 04/30/2009 : 08:25:48
I'm sitting down with a cup of tea, the tele on but mute, listening to Petit Fours for the first time without skipping a track.
ED: Finished the tea. The record's over. I quickly jotted down some thoughts as it played. I'm rubbish at lists favouring one song over another when there's more than four songs to consider. It might give someone something to read. Here goes
quote:
Come On Over To My House Stairway to Mars Elevator music intro. I'm nodding along to the verse. I'm liking the synths wa-wa-wa wa waaaaaaa. Is Rosie a dog?
Lovesick I'm nodding along so far. Still nodding. 1:20+ sounds sweet. Back to nodding, thinking of Hermaphroditos. "THIS is a long song", he said with a smile.
Fort Wayne I got stuck on Fort Wayne when the urge to strum along got too much. Every time I hear this song it feels like the first time. It's the opening chord progression. It's not the average 4 chord repeat progression, that's for sure. He plays over 20 chords! I'm in awe.
Seeing Stars Very seductive start. I like Violet's vocals, especially the chorus. 2:30 nifty little change in direction here. Nice.
Black Suit Slowed down Tame intro, heh. I count to 4 quite a few times during this one. FBF can write songs like this in his sleep, someone once said. Love the background vocals at the end.
Long Song I'm a sucker for this kind of beat. Love the synth at the end, sorry, 3 minutes odd in. It IS a long song, innit. Guitar and drums at the end makes me smile = Give me a record like this, hell yeah!
Break The Angels I'm not one to want Frank to sound like the pixies but when he does it's alright by me. Familiar. The intros like a jam. I bet it was fun to play. Violet owns this song.
Ermesinde I'm familiar with this one. Love the beginning. Love the production. His guitar sounds sweet when it kicks in to clarity. The chorus is a bit electronic for me but then a cool change back to the beginning. And repeat. I do like this one. Alot. When I hear it.
Volcano For 3 minutes plus it flies by. This one just nails the fun I imagine they had making Petit Fours. I like.
I'm at a place where I don't listen to Fb like I used to. Petit Fours is caught up here, too. Its release is bad timing on my part, but I do know I've heard enough to want more Grand Duchy and hope for a European Tour more than ever. |
| Daisy Girl |
Posted - 04/29/2009 : 16:09:49
Thanks for the update KFS. I should have been more clear, I got my Japanese import yesterday! It rocks!!! |
| moonruler |
Posted - 04/29/2009 : 11:49:47
Definitely pleased with this disc, but am jonesing for a longer release. I dig the 18+ song opuses.
Long Song and Ermisande are probably my faves, but the only song I have problems making through is Black Suit. |
| kfs |
Posted - 04/29/2009 : 06:09:46
I got the bonus tracks from itunes (U.S.).
I love Beg just as much as I love Donnes Moi. I don't really care for that other one....but I'll give it time. |
| solofloyd |
Posted - 04/29/2009 : 02:21:56
quote:
Originally posted by Daisy Girl
Got it today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
how can i get it? i just tried to download from amazon uk but it won't let me to geographic restrictions. i am in the US (in PA).
thanks |
| Daisy Girl |
Posted - 04/28/2009 : 15:16:46
Got it today!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| Daisy Girl |
Posted - 04/26/2009 : 09:46:08
hi, where did you order them from? |
| kfs |
Posted - 04/25/2009 : 12:34:59
I got the bonus tracks today. I.REALLY like Donnes Moi! Get it if you don't have it!! |
| Daisy Girl |
Posted - 04/24/2009 : 12:54:17
Still waiting to get my copy. I got very excited thinking that my Japanese import came early. Instead, it was a cd from the Current, so I was happy. But is sure wasn't the happiness I will have when I get PF. |
| tedbra |
Posted - 04/23/2009 : 17:51:11
This is not a weak album. You need to give it more time before you start reviewing. Dude, chill on the drum machine, some of these songs are flat out awesome. Lovesick and Break the Angels are a little "weak" possibly, but the rest are kick ass in my mind. Almost every album has a few weak tracks, besides DITS possibly. And don't discredit Come Over To My House, that song rules! |
| pot |
Posted - 04/20/2009 : 12:38:10
I haven't really listened to PF much since I got. I agree with the AP, it is slightly weak.
-cult-of-ray-wassabee- |
| Skatealex1 |
Posted - 04/20/2009 : 12:08:26
Black Suit is kicking indeed. I kind of agree with you in a way- because I think this album is a bit hokey. I particularly can't listen to Long Song and lovesick- they're very musically boring to me. I also grew out of Fort Wayne a bit- loved it when I first heard it though. I dig the Vapors song- I think that is the best use of their synths!
I am sure Black Francis can still write great songs. I personally feel like the Grand Duchy album is kind of weak. Props to the man for trying something different, and I'm sure other people dig it and disagree with me! |
| surgicalblue |
Posted - 04/20/2009 : 11:45:14
nope, i fully realize the concept, but the bottom line is that the album, IN MY OPINION, is lacking, due to the fake drumming and all the other dance music crap. sound is sound in the end, and this one just doesn't sound very good nor convincing to me. of course, this is only one man's measly thoughts - just thought i'd share my review, as this is a forum, and all that you ever see are positive comments. ya gotta rock the boat every now and then, eh??!?! and, let it be known: my faith in Frank Black as a singular artist remains intact. He is THE best, mon amies. oh yeah, and that, 'Black Suit' song is kickin'!!! |
