New Interpol CD and ghosts of Joy Division....
Well, the new Interpol CD is out. I went out and purchased the deluxe edition which includes a full poster among other artsty packaging. I really think the deluxe edition with it's black plain cover has the look of the earlier cover art compared to the new animal theme on the standard CD issue. The relatively colorful addition of the animals into the album art seems somewhat of a departure from their minimalist style... Anyway, this new release is Interpol's debut on a major label (Capitol) leaving their old label Matador. Overall, the new CD doesn't deter too much from their classic post-punk dark soundscapes and dark monotone singing. Although, their first CD (Turn On The Bright Lights) was a little more subdued and dark and their second (Antics) had added the sheen of some faster disco type beats, this CD seems to steer clear of the second and trys to sound more like the first CD. While most reviews so far that I have read, paint the CD off as "bloated" with the addition of other instruments, long solos, etc., I am enjoying my first few listens. I have also read that some think they have concentrated too much on the soundscape and not enough on the lyrics.. I will have to listen a bit more to see what I think of that. Overall, my favorites are the swagger and energy of "All Fired Up" and "Rest My Chemistry" and the dark soundscapes of "Pioneer To the Falls".
In celebration (by coincidence of course) to the release of the new Interpol album, I had the opportunity to check out a pre-screening of a new film called "Control" telling the story of Ian Curtis. For those who may not know, Ian was the lead singer of Joy Division, a British band influence of Interpol from the late 70s'. The movie was based on a book ("Touching From a Distance") his wife wrote about his life (which I picked up at the store recently). The black and white biography was directed by reknowned director Anton Corbijn. The cinematography and acting were excellent. The actor who played Ian (Sam Riley) was supurb. It was an interesting look into Ian's early life, starting a band, and his eventual suicide. I think the movie was somewhat depressing, but it was definitely worth seeing for any fan of Interpol or post punk music. So look for that in the theaters (hopefully) as we rated the movie after the showing. Any thoughts on the new Interpol CD or Joy Division?