Terrific debut album of a totally underrated band

Terrific debut album of a totally underrated band

Happy Families (+ Bonus) (Audio CD)

Customer Review

One finds it hardly possible. But at last a label has to be convinced of it, to revise the published in the years 1982 to 1985 3 albums of the British pop duo Blancmange digitally and be equipped with bonus tracks. Why only now, although the albums were barely or not at all available for years? Answer: Because Blancmange a shadowy existence eked already in the 80's hardly understandable reasons within the shimmering synth and wave scene. The musical output of the band that can certainly not have been. Probably but the fact that depended in the early 80's especially true of the success of a band of the image capability. Well ......, the London guys came up not quite as cool styled therefore such as Depeche Mode or Steve Strange and not illuminated at all the annoying but profitable hubris of Duran Duran and his associates from. As then entirely forthcoming with the third album of the commercial success, Blancmange disbanded. Only 3 years ago (1982) had presented with Blancmange Happy Families "an outstanding debut, which is certainly to be among the absolute classics of synth-decade. And then this sensational album cover !!! Some will the kitschy and bustle of the cat family certainly look incredulous head-shaking - I am certainly enthusiastic Incidentally, the cover already reflects almost genial irony and obliqueness resist that can be found everywhere in the songs of men and Arthur Luscombe..
As with Gary Numan, OMD and Human League, who had end of the 70 pioneers of the British electric wave, the power plant-influence is unmistakable even at Blancmange. Responsible for the typical Blancmange sound are in particular the unusually edgy song structures and Neil Arthurs distinctive and versatile voice. With I Can`t Explain "and Feel Me", the disc starts brilliantly. One would almost think that talking heads would be covered with electrical equipment, such neurotic and unpredictable present themselves Blancmange. Threatening synth walls duel with Arthur almost hysterical vocals. As a contrast, the poppigste phase of the album follows. First, the melancholy I`ve Seen The Word ", followed by the catchy and weightless Wasted". The biggest hit of the band Living On The Ceiling "thrilled not only by a haunting chorus, but also through the courageous efforts of Far Eastern instruments. Waves", another successful single, one for me until today the most moving synth ballads of all time. Instrumentation and vocals are little more dramatic: What are these waves, They`re coming over me, It must be my destiny. "
Overall, the album contains a real low point. With Sad Day "a heavenly chilliges instrumental piece is still presented.
Since the new version in addition to the highly successful Digital Remaster top of that comes up even with bonus tracks (mainly old remixes), you have to recommend any fan of this genre buying - or better, order! No discussions: 5 stars. And by the way, the following albums Mange Tout "and Believe You Me" also included many pop gems.

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