Icehouse - Measure for Measure
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Free Music Notes for Measure for Measure
Free Music Review: Iconic Album for the 80s
Hit: 5 Stars
Despite this album being grounded musically in the 80s aural soundscapes it still holds up very well over time. The original album was produced in the mid 80s when digital audio was just new and mastering had gone up a notch and CDs were still a new technology, so to buy a DDD compact disc was a rare thing. I recall buying this the same summer as Peter Gabriel's "So," playing both on my CD player, and just being blown away by the fidelity. A wonderful summer those albums became a soundtrack of sorts to it, and both albums will always hold a fondness in my heart.
In terms of the music on this CD it's, as I think other reviewers have said here, incredibly underrated material. Their label at the time did a horrid job and marketing/getting the word out but I remember most friends who'd come over to my loft hearing this album, winding up buying it, it's that good, but because it got so little play, both on the radio (which, in the 80s, was still a decent place to find new music) or even in stores, it floundered in sales, a complete shame for the quality of songwriting, songcraft, and musicianship on this stellar album. Iva Davies vocals have never been finer here, his use of his range to convey and emote across the songs bests any of the other Icehouse work, including in my opinion the lesser effort that is "Man of Colours," which is to say, if there's only one Icehouse album to own, this is the one.
Also impressive is the little known Sydney Dance Company production "Boxes" which, not only used the music from Measure for Measure, was also available on video around the same time. Though it's been 20 years since I've seen it, I recall the video made for Australian TV had Iva Davies and Icehouse starring in the staging for the video, a passionate and moving performance with dancers and the band. Now THAT is a rare find.
Free Music Review: still underrated
Hit: 5 Stars
Icehouse was and continues to be one of the most underrated bands of the 80's. Iva Davies is a deeply talented musician who has continued to write and score music away from the mainstream American spotlight. Listening to Measure for Measure takes me back to an incredibly wonderful, silky and soulful time for music. A must have.Free Music Review: Don't let the cover fool you...
Hit: 4 Stars
Like many Americans, I was introduced to Icehouse through their 1987 album Man of Colours and its big hit singles (Crazy and Electric Blue). It wasn't until recently that I first heard its predecessor, Measure for Measure, in its entirety, and what a pleasant surprise it was! For one thing, it's better than Man of Colours by a good stretch. And what is more, despite having some of the worst cover art in history, it is, musically, one of the best synth-rock albums of the 80s. The opening track, Paradise, builds slowly and beautifully, while the more familiar No Promises and Cross the Border stand the test of time. Some of the keyboard sounds on Measure for Measure even remind me of Rush's albums from the same era, particularly Power Windows. The biggest surprise for me was the majestic anthem The Flame, an anti-apartheid song in the vein of Peter Gabriel's Biko, Simple Minds' Mandela Day, and U2's Silver and Gold. This one outshines them all, especially the live version included as a bonus track.
Measure for Measure isn't a kitschy, campy 80s album (ok, Lucky Me and Baby, You're So Strange are a bit of both). Rather, it is representative of the best that decade had to offer. Brian Eno's presence (not as producer but as a full-fledged band member contributing keyboards and vocals) certainly contributes to this album's success. Around the time Measure for Measure was released, Eno was also working with Daniel Lanois producing U2's Joshua Tree. While his work with U2 will always receive more recognition, his collaboration with Iva Davies and Icehouse shouldn't be overlooked. It's a great album.
Free Music Review: Truly remarkable...
Hit: 4 Stars
After completing Sidewalk Iva Davies couldn't go wrong. Measure for Measure was a turning point for Icehouse. 'No Promises' is truely a beautiful song and the key song on the album. Leave off 'Regular Boys' and 'Lucky Me' and this album would no doubt be as good as 'Man of Colours'. The Live version of 'No Promises' is just as good as the studio version. You'll feel like your right there in the crowd. Hurry up and get a copy of Measure for Measure..it won't be in print much longer. ***You'll really want a top notch stereo too truly experience this album***Free Music Review: Simply Classic
Hit: 4 Stars
4 and a half is my real score
This one is a big 80s album, The Icehouse big-jump to the Rock (in a classic way, not post punk as the Flowers album).
With Measure For Measure, Iva Davies has reached a balanced pop-rock-synth album with very good songs.
The lyrics and the musical work are clear and effective, most of the songs show us the exceptional creativity of the group to fill many styles. The Mastering work is pretty good (with total respect to the original 80's release)
My pick-up songs (almost all): No promises, Paradise (of the best Icehouse's work), Angel Street (so Beautiful), The Flame (Powerful), Too Late Now (Subblime), Just a Word (Good New Wave-style Ballad) Regular Boys and Cross The Border (Booth good songs).
The half of the star empty is for Lucky in Me (the album 'filler') and Baby you're so strange (I Wonder why the boys selected this one as a single when any other song is better).
But that's all the complain, the rest of the songs are fine, the album worth the importation's price,and in global this is simply a good material from a good band.
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