Statues

by

Moloko

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Generally speaking, one has to be highly motivated regarding a CD to take the time to compose a review for Amazon.com. Contributing writers usually must either absolutely LOVE or HATE a record enough to want to share their strong feelings with the rest of the world.

And admittedly, that is exactly why I write to you today.

Simply stated, STATUES - the fourth album by MOLOKO - immediately established itself as the BEST CD OF THE YEAR when it was released in Europe in March 2003 - a distinction that no other recording ever came close to claiming for the balance of the year.

2003 was a relatively strong year for popular music including incredible records released by MUSE, PLACEBO, OUTKAST, MASSIVE ATTACK, THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS, THE CORAL, FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE, SUPER FURRY ANIMALS, BLUR, THE ROOTS and many others. But as 2003 draws to a close, STATUES still stands head and shoulders above the rest.

I have been a fan of MOLOKO since the first time I heard one of their tunes - FUN FOR ME - on a compilation CD in 1996. MOLOKO is comprised of MARK BRYDON - who handles most of the composition, production, instrumental and arrangement duties - and the incomparable vocalist/lyricist ROISIN MURPHY. From the beginning of their recording career, MOLOKO have defied classification. They have a reputation primarily as a somewhat quirky, dance-oriented pop duo. But that is far to simple a label for this band that has always taken a very unique approach to the genre of dance/pop. From early on, their trademark sound and sophisticated recordings have always featured truly inventive songs played on REAL instruments, very meaningful lyrical content and, of course, the incredible vocals of ROISIN MURPHY.

While MOLOKO's first three CD's are far superior to most of what is "out there" in terms of popular music, their prior recordings have sometimes been a bit too inconsistent, quirky and clever to achieve "masterpiece" status. Nonetheless, each of these past collections has been an improvement over its predecessors and all have contained significant moments of brilliance while also displaying a willingness to take true creative risks. While MOLOKO is probably best known in the U.S. for their massive worldwide dance floor hit from 1999 - SING IT BACK - that irresistible tune doesn't even begin to reflect the incredible breadth and scope of their body of recorded work. The band truly began to gel with the 2000 release of THINGS TO MAKE AND DO that contained 8 or 9 magnificent tracks, including two absolute classics in THE TIME IS NOW and ABSENT MINDED FRIENDS, songs that still take my breath away every time I hear them. But even that record was flawed by a handful of filler cuts and the unnecessary brief oddball transitional pieces that have cluttered all of their previous CD's.

But STATUES represents a truly stunning landmark in their development as a band on a number of levels. For the first 6-7 years of MOLOKO's existence, Brydon and Murphy were involved in a long-term personal relationship in addition to being band mates. However, that personal relationship came to an end last year prior to the recording of STATUES. Fortunately for the world, MOLOKO nonetheless decided to carry on with their creative and professional partnership and the subtle echo of this transition in their relationship and lives is unmistakable throughout STATUES.

But make no mistake, STATUES is NOT an overly reflective or morose collection of songs. In fact, the opposite is true. This CD absolutely bubbles with life and is overflowing with an embarrassment of creative musical riches.

But clearly there is much more focus and seriousness of purpose reflected in STATUES than in their prior efforts. For example, the album consists of only 10 tracks instead of the average of 16-18 included on their prior CD's. But each of these songs represents a fully realized and brilliantly executed musical vision and there isn't a single wasted moment or sound on the entire collection. And while Roisin Murphy has always been a gifted lyricist, she has ascended to an entirely new level of brilliance on STATUES, composing and singing true poetry in words that clearly come from her heart as well as her mind.

But while there are unmistakable personal themes in evidence throughout STATUES, the songs themselves run the gamut of styles and the album is, as expected, overwhelmingly up-tempo and optimistic in tone.

One other MAJOR added element to the signature sound of MOLOKO throughout STATUES are the complex and brilliant horn and string arrangements written for virtually every track courtesy of Mark Brydon and longstanding MOLOKO keyboardist EDDIE STEVENS, who is now the "official" third member of the band.

These arrangements add incredible sonic dimension to STATUES and yet are never heavy-handed, and include energetic jazzy brass bursts on some of the funkier tunes as well as use of a full 50-piece symphonic orchestra on a couple of others. Song highlights on STATUES include several instant high-energy dance classics such as CANNOT CONTAIN THIS and I WANT YOU), the soul-burning disco of FOREVER MORE, and one of the most awe-inspiring album closers of all time in the fully orchestrated (and...almost ten minute long!) OVER AND OVER.

While MOLOKO have had a significant string of hit records and a sizable growing following in Europe, it is almost criminal that they are not HUGE superstars in the USA as well. If you are not familiar with MOLOKO, no words that I could possibly write will adequately describe their unique brand of musical magic. But PLEASE... do yourself a favor and experience the brilliance of this record. Even if you have been aware of the band in the past...you are still in for incredibly pleasing surprise in STATUES by MOLOKO, far and away the finest pop musical moment in 2003!

Moloko's new album "Statues" is good. It's definitely different from their previous material, but music moves on. This album is drenched with poppish styles which is a good thing for those of you who enjoy pop music. Unfortunately, I'm not a huge fan of pop at all, so I wouldn't place this album in my top ten list or anything. However, "Statues" does have some very nice tracks.

My absolute favorite would definitely have to be "Familiar Feelings." Not only is this song a great introduction to the album, but it's just totally groovy. I would like to think even an underground or an "Old Moloko" listener could appreciate the upbeat creativity of "Familiar Feelings." Another nice touch are the acoustics. I personally love "Trip Hop," downtempo, and acoustics, so to hear a combination of these styles is always a good thing.

Another good song would be "Statues." This is a slow, cold, and lonely, yet haunting track between acoustics, piano, and Roisin's gorgeous voice. What's nice is that it subtly runs into "Forever More" which is another upbeat song. Although not quite as good as "Familiar Feelings," it still has a good beat with nice twists and turns of melody and of course excellent vocals. It reminds me of a contemporary type of disco. Very nice.

After that, I'd say the next most noteable song is "The Only Ones." This track is slow, but in no way as slow and haunting as "Statues." In fact, "The Only Ones" is a relaxed tune with good subtle beats. This song often reminds me of some of Morcheeba's material.

And last but surely not least is "Over and Over." This is a great song to end the album. Although this song is sad and haunting, it is filled with a vibrant and powerful orchestra to compliment chorus lines and Roisin's voice. Under this pleasant orchestration is a good, solid downtempo beat. Yet another good song.

On most of these songs, Roisin's voice is beautiful and quite pleasant. There are small times to times where her voice can be a bit agitating, but these times are definitely small. As for the rest of the tracks, I didn't find too impressive. However, they did have musical orchestrations that made these less favored songs listenable. Overall, as I said before, "Statues" is a good album. I'd suggest buying this album once you've already purchased your favorites.

And don't forget, music is music. What defines good music is who does the listening.