471 - Echo and the Bunnymen - Heaven Up Here

I honestly never paid much attention to Echo and the Bunnymen through the years. Ian McCulloch's vocals certainly seem inspired by Jim Morrison. About half of the tracks on this album remind me of early Talking Heads ("With A Hip," "It Was a Pleasure," and "" in particular). It is mostly the guitar work that deviates from that Talking Heads sound as sometimes Ian's vocal delivery manages to more into David Byrne's hiccup. The rhythm section definitely is better at mimicking the Talking Heads consistently.

The atmosphere on the tracks is the lasting impression I had after several listens this weekend. I do wonder if the songs would stand up quite as well if you removed all of the echo.

Songs I knew I liked: None

Songs I didn't know but now like: None of the songs really stood out enough to initiate any craving by me for repeat listens.

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: I don't feel compelled to hear the album again, but I wouldn't turn it down if someone else wanted to listen to it. However, I really would HAVE to skip "Over the Wall" because, of all things, the lyrics. SOrry, but the repetition on the latter section of the song is painfully silly to me (akin to the "When Lovers Love" song that Pearl and Brain Guy sing during the pledge drive on MST3k).

I can't sleep at night
How I wish you'd hold me tight
I can't sleep at night
Come on and hold me tight...


I can't sleep at night
How I wish you'd hold me tight
Come on and hold me tight


I can't sleep at night
How I wish you'd hold me tight
Come on and hold me tight
Come on and hold me tight