Thoughts on Barking (Track by Track)

[bas_I_am]

I really thought I was going to hate this album, but I have to say, it is a grower. I dont think you can listen to it with the same critical perspective as you would their other albums. Its a totally different beast.

Bird 1: a great tune but it is missing a bridge around the 5 minute mark, else it would be a perfect pop song ( 8 )

Always Loved a Film: blissful pop. . . hated it when I heard the radio edit. I understand the New Order comparisons. Good or bad. . . its the best New Order track in 20 years. This one has a bridge and it gives me chills ( 9 )

Scribble: Ugh. . I just can't get into this. The begining reminds me of Peter Gabriel's "Red Rain." I can't stand the snare drum nor the synth line. It just goes on too long without doing anything interesting ( 2 )

Hamburg Hotel: Love it! Am I the only one that hears elements of "blueski" in it??? ( 9 )

Grace: Love it!!! The guitar line is haunting ( 9 )

Between Stars: I thought I hated this track, but I am really growing to love it. . . the builds and the releases. . . a total wall of sound. the production seems a little too bright possibly, but its a winner. ( 8 )

Diamond Jigsaw: Its as if they took Juanita's bouncing ball rhythm, mixed in elements of U2 by putting guitar and pop lyrics on it, and created something that the masses can love. C'mon guys. . . there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with that!!! ( 8 )

Moon In Water: Perfect execution! its got all the underworld sonic bells and whistles but with a perfect pop structure. The way it undulates from melancholia to pure joy is simply beautiful!!!! "manifests. . . manifests. . . manifests. . . manifests. . . " BOOM!!! ( 10 )

Lousiana: As was said in a review somewhere, it sounds as if Karl has been listening to Talk Talks's Spirit of Eden. It really doesnt do anything for me ( 5 )

Simple Peal:I guess this is a bonus track for the japanese release??? It does nothing for me. ( not rated as it isn't on the release proper)

This averages to 7.5 on a track by track basis. Add a point for overall album construction and I give it a 8.5 or 4 out of 5 stars

Now I can understand why many don't like it. Thats your opinion and you are welcome to it. But I think the guys succeeded in what they set out to accomplish - make a "Pop" album.

Again, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!