#498 Suicide, ‘Suicide’ (1977)

Previously #441

Another drop in placement. I listened  to and re-listened to this record 4 times. I wanted to make sure my opinion was fully formed before writing my review. I went back to see what I wrote last time, but was reminded that last time I only started writing reviews from #300 onwards, so had no idea what I thought last time; a fresh opinion.

I wanted to love this. I really did. I know artists that I really admire, like Bruce Springsteen, for example, really look up to this band and album (Springsteen covered one of their songs, ‘Dream Baby Dream,’ on his album, ‘High Hopes’ – that song not from this album). Track 1, ‘Ghost Rider,’ reminded me of The Black Keys’s ‘Lonely Boy,’ another two-piece band. I quite liked it, actually, but as the album progressed, I got bored quickly. Not to say that there’s not merit in the songs, but for me, the songs all feel like a frenetic race over simple synth beats and melodies. That said, the more I listened to it, the more I’m finding myself hypnotised by the synth-bass. The sound on this record is cohesive and is as punk as anything you’ll ever hear, despite its lack of guitars. It’s about the attitude.

I have no doubt that this album is more than the sum of its parts. Its influence is heavily felt in music since its release, especially in post-punk, synthpop and industrial rock (I would think Nine Inch Nails & Nick Cave would have been influenced by this too).

It’s not an easy listen at all. It’s about the lyrics, it’s about the crazy beats. I have no doubt these guys would have had an intense live show. It’s not my favourite album, though, and I don’t see myself returning to it very often. I wonder if I felt the same way last time? Surely.

#rs500albums