Interpol 28 November 2007 Blackpool Empress

[JackT]

To put Interpol on par with the Bunnymen is to willfully ignore the fact that Interpol are almost explicitly derivative, whereas the Bunnymen were not.

As much as I like Interpol, they can never achieve the artistic status of the Bunnymen, purely by virtue that they are part of a seimi-gimicky revival of a milieu that the Bunnymen had a large hand in creating.

[Dave Smith]

-'explicitly derivative'...of whom explicitly?All bands are derivative it just that some put the components together in a much better way than others and then sustain and develop their own sound for others to be influenced i.e The Bunnymen.The Bunnymen's biggest asset in deflecting any suggestion of derivation was Mac's prowess on stage and his (unrivalled) ability as a frontman/big mouth.Interpol dont have that.If you actually read about Interpol's music taste then Banks likes rap(!) and Carlos is into classical.They are continually compared to that average band from Manchester whose singer couldnt sing,dance or breathe for long because of the timbre of Bank's voice.They are actually more similar to the best of british twin guitar bands from the 80's like The Chameleons but have surpassed their forefathers with quality songs and hardwork.However I agree they need a change of direction for album no 4.

I'm not actually putting them on a par with the Bunnymen but suggesting they have,along with Mew, the potential to be held in such high esteem in the future.What the Bunnymen also had were great producers for those first four albums.Without Broudie,Porcupine would have been a total mess.He's the one who should take credit for moulding The Cutter into a classic.The input of others -Drummond,Balfe,Broudie,Jones,Griffin-in contributing to The Bunnymen's success is almost forgotten by Mac.If you compare the recent Teardrop Explodes Peel sessions with the Bunnymen's Peel output,TTE hit the ground running and seemed to have a much clearer vision of how they should sound themselves.The Bunnymen's sessions at times sound confused(Taking advantage) and unfocussed(HUH) and in need of production.Ian Mac take note.

[JackT]

Interpol are derivative of the post-punk bands of the '80s. You didn't notice this?

Also it is incorrect to say that all bands are derivative. All bands have influences, but not all are derivative. To suggest that the bunnymen were as derivative as INTERPOL is ludicrous.

[Dave Smith]

1)You need to look up the correct definition of explicit.
2)Read the post properly.

[JackT]

1) No I don't

[black francis]

Check out the line at 3:10. Love those types of parts. All hammers can get old sometimes.


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[Grumpy_Jimbo]

1) No I don't

Maybe you should !!

Jimbo

[JackT]

Maybe you should !!

Jimbo

If you believe that, maybe YOU should.

[JackT]

OK now I'm irritated, "Dave Smith." I assume you are saying I misread your post because I accuse you of asserting that the bunnymen are as derivative as Interpol.

In fact, this is EXACTLY the upshot of your post. Specifically:

1) In response to my characterization of Interpol as derivative, you came back with the lame and insipid "all bands are derivative." You really don't see Interpol as being especially derivative? Really? Really really???? If you say "no", you are either a liar or deaf.

2) You remarked that the bunnymen were able to "deflect suggestions" of being derivative essentially through the charisma of Mac. Note that you do not concede that the bunnymen were not, in fact, derivative, merely that they avoided the label.

So, at this point, I would like you to come straight out and say "Interpol are vastly more derivative than the bunnymen ever were." Then I would like you to square this with your earlier remarks about Interpol being on track to match the bunnymen's masterpiece album output.

If you can't do this, then go bother the people on the Interpol forum, 'kay?

Oh, you wanted a definition of "explicit":Fully and clearly expressed; leaving nothing implied;Forthright and unreserved in expression; Readily observable;very specific, clear, or detailed

[Dave Smith]

"JackT"-you're confusing derivation/influence with plagarism.'kay?Everything in life is derived from something else but copying is a completely different matter.

Oh and dont get irritated-life's too short.

[Scouser]

You have to admit Dave, good as they are, there is nothing especially unique about Interpol.

Now Mew on the other hand...

[JackT]

"JackT"-you're confusing derivation/influence with plagarism.'kay?Everything in life is derived from something else but copying is a completely different matter.

Oh and dont get irritated-life's too short.

You are avoiding the question at hand, Dave. Do you or do you not acknowledge that the bunnymen were MUCH more original than Interpol? Or are you going to reply that I don't understand what "original" means?

And again, no, I'm not "confused" about derivation/influence/plagarism. It's not that complicated, so let's all assume we command a basic vocabulary.

And yes, Mew are much more original than Interpol.

[Scouser]

The Scientific Experiment

I had abit of DIY to do this weekend so I thought I would approach this discussion from a scientific standpoint. Over the course of Sunday I have hooked my Ipod up to it speakers and played the first three Interpol albums followed by the first three Bunnymen albums...(yes, I am sad)

Round One

Crocodiles vs Turn On The Bright Lights

The Interpol album got me limbered up. Obstacle 1, NYC, Stella - amazing songs. The New - New Order B side at best. Crocodiles - tinny production in parts, some songs dont quite work, All That Jazz destroys everything on the Interpol album. One up to the Bunns.

Heaven Up Here vs Antics

Antics - great step up from the NY doom mongers. Chunky production, great melancholic strains, beautiful vocals. Then I put HUH on. From the opening chords of the first track Interpol havent got a prayer. By midway through Over The Wall Interpol are dead and buried. There just isnt anything to compare. Two nil to EATB.

Porcupine vs Our Love To Admire

Decent(ish) Interpol album. Production values stepped up a gear, greater use of instruments, great vocals, hook laden songs. Then I put Porcupine on. The Cutter floors me, Back Of Love, Gods Will Be Gods, Porcupine, In Bluer Skies. Its resonant, discordant, angry, spiteful...its awesome, cataclysmic, universal, genius. Interpol might as well be working in a Kwik Fit in Croydon. Its over. No contest.

Summary

I like Interpol, I really do. Of all the bands that have emmerged over the last 10 years after Mew they are my second fave. But - they dont hold a candle to the Bunnymen. Not even in the same league.

Conclusion

I think Dave was a victim of post gig euphoria. Interpol are a great band, but are the sum of their influences. I dont mean that as a criticism, as so are Editors - and they are shit.

Give me Mew anyday, they bend time and space. I like Interpol, but its lunacy to compare any modern band to the sonic perfection that was Crocodiles - HUH - Porcupine - Ocean Rain. No matter who helped out / produced - it was sheer once in a lifetime magic.

[Blackheathen]

Wow Scouser!



Impressive.

[JackT]

Wow Scouser!



Impressive.

Indeed. I completely concur with this summary:

"I like Interpol, but its lunacy to compare any modern band to the sonic perfection that was Crocodiles - HUH - Porcupine - Ocean Rain. No matter who helped out / produced - it was sheer once in a lifetime magic."