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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (April 26, 2001)
Courtesy of Reprise Records Nick Cave, center, and the Bad Seeds blend jazz, goth rock and deep melodies to produce a haunting and breathless soundtrack. Nick Cave’s latest album shows brilliant brooding ■ Dark and unconventional, ‘No More Shall We Part’ is perfect for a night alone Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds ‘No More Shall We Part’ Reprise ★★★★★ By Dave Depper Oregon Daily Emerald Attention music enthusiasts: If you are in any way depressed, down on yourself, lacking faith in the world or just plain mopey, do not listen to the new album by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. It will put you over the edge, and I cannot be held responsible for this. For the rest of us, however, “No More Shall We Part” is nothing short of musical manna from heav en. Utterly bewitching, beguiling, confusing and contemplative, this album is the perfect companion to a night alone, eyes closed and can dles lit. The former leader of original goth rockers The Birthday Party, Australian native Nick Cave has released 11 studio albums with the Bad Seeds. Cave has long been known for his darkly observant and introspective lyrics, and he’s . x iiip X" xxx:xS’ april 13-14,19-22, 27-28 DrO benefit matinee april 22 fcjaBiffivice.. I NIVERSITV Robinson Theatre EMU Tickets 346-4363 UT Box Office 346-4191 Hull Center 682-5000 truly gifted at blending the humor ous with the macabre. A few years back, Cave even released an album called “Murder Ballads,” on which every song dealt with homi cide — not exactly conventional songwriting. For “No More Shall We Part,” Cave has assembled his Bad Seeds into a beautifully understated en semble of elegant piano, sighing drums, groaning organ, stately vi olin and muted guitars. The sound of the album flirts with jazz, but it is far more varied than just one genre. On the opening song, “As I Sat Sadly By Her Side,” the musi cians start out quietly, each verse growing in richness and complexi ty. By the end of the song, tension and dread are barely contained within the bolero-like gait of the violins and bass, and the listener is left breathless. “Love Letter” is simply one of the most gorgeous songs I’ve ever heard. The Bad Seeds sound like a faraway soundtrack to a classic movie, and Cave’s stately baritone weaves its way through verse after verse of naked emotion. On the horror story that is “Fifteen Feet of Pure White Snow,” the Bad Seeds rock out with barely bridled con viction, evoking the necessary dread from the listener as Cave spins out of control. And the lyrics — oh, the lyrics! Cave has long been known for his engaging stories of social disor ders, heartbreak, madness and murder, and he definitely does not disappoint on. “No More Shall We Part.” “God Is In The House” is a scathing indictment of perfect picket-fenced Bible Belt commu nities: “homos roaming the streets in packs / queer bashers with tire jacks / lesbian counter-attacks / that stuff is for the big cities / our town is very pretty.” In “Oh My Lord,” Cave spends the verses working up a fever pitch as he describes an ordinary man who is very close to going ab solutely mad before pleading in the chorus, “oh lord, oh my lord / how have I offended thee / wrap your tender arms around me.” And marvel at the imagery con jured up in “Gates To The Gar den”: “Past the ivy-covered win dows of the Angel / Down Athenaeum Lane to the Cathedral / my back to the gates of the gar den.” Cave’s smoky baritone is in fine form on “No More Shall We Part.” Dripping with scorn, irony and regret, it is the perfect vehicle for such somber material. Clocking in at more than 67 minutes, “No More Shall We Part” is a long album. It might be a bit much for the casual listener to di gest in one sitting, but believe you me, it is well worth the effort. I cannot speak highly enough of this album. It may not be what you are used to, but it is a modern master piece that insists on being taken on its own terms. Conscious Productions Proudly presents from the Hiyh firm Can nobis Cup Band Itoeto T & tto 1.M B&ftd W¥¥w/ Sister Sara i Balou the Sasquatch - Friday, April 27th * Afate Halt m and Afate uo campus) Tickets $12 advance, $14 day of show Tickets ® House of Records. Face the Music. Lazars Bazar. EMU ticket office and alt fastixx outlets also look for Rocker T at Ocean Rythms 2001 * lune 15,16.17 Cold Beach OR * music, camping, food, waves, fun loin the Conquering Lion after hours at Planet Coloka 679 Lincoln St. D.l. Balou the Sasquatch £ Iron Fist Crew w/quest after Rocker T Show starts ® 12:3c a.m. till you decide A Planet Goloka/Conscious Production joint venture 431122; Look for: Prezjdent Brown nay 23 • ITALS Reunion lune 4 * ■« ■ ■ ■*' * ■ **•* ■ F.lftZZ TONiSHTj CD WORLD TODAY! all events are FREE i thur > apr 26 8pm-10pm noontide friends pop | folk fri > apr 27 9pm-midnight Sign-up to perform at The Break [located next to The Buzz] or call Jessica at 346-3725 eclectic open mic sat > apr 28 9pm-1:30am asian-pacific american students fund raiser fashion show | date auction | raffle | dj dance Bring 3 cans of food for Food for Lane County • poetry open mic mon > apr 30 9pm-11pm Sign-up to perform at The Break [located next to The Buzz] or call Jessica at 346-3725 the buzz coffeehouse emu ground floor www.emu.uoregon.edu/buzz |*f you advertise, they will dome. Try it > Advertise.your, event .in the ,Qregfr\Qajly Emerald, 34^37 yf\Y -r-H TT. 'I w ."rvc -i ;
