I really loved this lot when they burst onto the scene back in late 2002. It was this thrilling song and wholly memorable video that first got me hooked:
This led me to go out and buy a mini-LP called Whip It On. Every single one of the tracks was recorded in the key of B-Flat Minor (not that I have a clue about these sorts of things...but it is a claim made on the front of the sleeve and seemingly can be substantiated). All 8 songs rattle along at a cracking pace...most between 2 and 3 minutes in length and the longest at 3:14. There isn't time to get bored with any track as the next one is not far behind.
In addition to Attack Of The Ghost Riders, there was this other excellent single:-
mp3 : The Raveonettes - Beat City
While the other track that I adore from that particular recording is this:-
mp3 : The Raveonettes - Chains
It took a full year for the debut LP to be released. And quite clearly the band felt 'if ain't broke, don't fix it' as it was very similar to Whip It On. But this time on Chain Gang Of Love there were 11 songs, with the times ranging between 1:44 and 3:16. Oh and the album was recorded entirely in B-Flat Major (like I could tell!!)
The whole LP can be devoured in around 33 minutes. It contained yet another classic single:-
mp3 : The Raveonettes - That Great Love Sound
But if truth be told. I was left a wee bit disappointed at the time as I didn't think the LP was as good as the mini-LP of 12 months earlier. And while I haven't altered that opinion, I gave Chain Gang Of Love a fresh listen in its entirety and really enjoyed it. Especially this:-
mp3 : The Raveonettes - New York Was Great
I know that Drew has remained a bit of a fan over the years and he has excellent taste in music. I've made up my mind that next time I'm in one of those shops that often sell old CDs at reduced prices I'll have a peek to see if the later Raveonettes material is available.
Happy Listening.
6 comments:
The follow-up album to Chain Gang Of Love, Pretty In Black is probably the best.
What has always frustrated me about the Raveonettes is that live they sound stunning but that never quite translates on record which always sounds a bit flat in comparison.
It's about time they toured again, it's been nearly two and a half years since they last played the Hut.
Btw - Sharin Foo is lovely into the bargain.
Agree with Drew - 'Pretty In Black' is the best album. The later stuff is very inconsistent. 'Lust Lust Lust' got the best reviews, but I was never really taken by it.
And once more I have to agree with Drew - Sharin is lovely!
Thanks for posting these. The Raveonettes were a band that passed me by. However, after hearing the four featured songs, I'll certainly be looking to buy their back catalogue.
Much appreciated.
I actually just grabbed "Chain Gang of Love" a few days ago based only on the strength of the cover, and it hasn't been off much since. Somewhat ashamed to have not heard them before.
Also had a nice debate with the fiance on which one was Sharin and which one was Sune Rose before we could get to the internet to settle.
There's something in every album that endears me to The Raveonettes and makes me look forward to the next but they can be a bit patchy. 'LustLustLust' is pretty near flawless though but they've never bettered that debut EP. They played the latter in its entirety last week in Copenhagen, would love to have been at that one.
Kinda scarry - this post could have been written by me.Same experience - same thoughts on the album, same love for the same songs.So much for indi(e)viduality. ;-)
Beat City still blows me away though.Thanx for reminding me.
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