Echo and the Bunnymen creates its own identity

[In The Margins]

Someone from BOF wrote this one.

http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_de ... ntity.html

The Alarm's Mike Peters had the right idea when he released a single under a pseudonym, The Poppy Fields, rather than put out the song under his band's moniker in 2004.

There was a buzz around the cut by this young, energetic band. But then it was revealed that a middle-aged '80s rocker crafted the lauded cut and + well, the hubbub around the song faded.

If Echo and the Bunnymen's latest album, "The Fountain," was credited to an unknown band, the disc, which dropped in October, may have received some notice.

However, the under-heralded disc has been reduced by some as just another Bunnymen disc.

That's a shame.

"Fountain" is the finest Echo and the Bunnymen offering since the Liverpudlian act released its eponymous 1987 release.

The stylish, passionate album, which will be showcased Sunday at the Keswick Theater, isn't a groundbreaking release, but it is a consistent album of catchy, compelling songs.

However, the disc, like most from bands a generation from their glory days, has gone largely unnoticed.

"We can't do much about that," vocalist Ian McCulloch says. "We can only make the music. Whatever happens then is up to the people."

McCulloch remains an elegant sage. His voice has aged well and he and co-conspirator, guitarist Will Sergeant, seem to genuinely get along.

"All is well with us," McCulloch says. "One advantage is that we're older and more mature. I think we can deal with things better."

McCulloch is more laid-back about songwriting than he was during the band's salad days.

"I think I'm more sensible about that," he says. "I don't just write for the sake of writing. So when I write, it's not forced. It's a perfectly natural thing. It all comes from the songwriting. I think the reason Echo and the Bunnymen is what it became is due to the fact that it's never been about a formula. We do things a certain way - our way. We have a certain style that's been there since we made 'Crocodiles' (in 1980). You know what you're getting with this band."

Echo and the Bunnymen has always made dark, atmospheric post-punk. It's obvious that the Doors and Velvet Underground influenced the band. However, Echo and the Bunnymen created their own identity through dreamy but melancholy songs.

Songs such as the gorgeous, captivating "Killing Moon," the sensual "Lips Like Sugar" and the hypnotic "The Cutter" helped build a sizable fan base.

"We look back fondly on that period in which we established ourselves," says McCulloch. "The fans don't want to let go of that period, nor do we.

"The songs from that period still stand up. We enjoy them, but don't want to turn into this nostalgia act. We'll still play the old songs, but we're still going to write new ones."

[Dr Cheese]

"The songs from that period still stand up. We enjoy them, but don't want to turn into this nostalgia act. ."

Mac cracks me up he really does.

[the ghost of guitarplayer]

Actually, that's quite bizarre thinking about it. For the majority who still listen to the Bunnymen or attend their gigs it's a nostagia act reminding them of their lives during the 1980s. I feel all alone here.

[fat cherry]

has he lost it do you think? Or does he just think its funny? Perhaps we should hold an intervention. an ilovesausages intervention. I can see the headlines now - former 80s rocker held by concerned fans until he stops talking bollocks.

[fat cherry]

its not ilovesausages is it? cant remember what it is now. its the onions thing isn't it? hmmm. what a looser eh.

[Dr Evil]

has he lost it do you think? Or does he just think its funny? Perhaps we should hold an intervention. an ilovesausages intervention. I can see the headlines now - former 80s rocker held by concerned fans until he stops talking bollocks.

[frackk00]

I love their song "Lips like Sugar." I heard Coldplay has their own version ? Haven't heard it though.

[DivaDiana77]

I love their song "Lips like Sugar." I heard Coldplay has their own version ? Haven't heard it though.

It sorta sucks compared to what the 19080s Bunnymen.

[Dr Evil]

I don't think The Fountain would interest anyone no matter who's name it was under.
Though Reverberation had every right to claim the Bunnymen name, since it actually represents progress on the first four incredible albums, if it had been released under another name they would have been hailed as the greatest new band on the planet. There was a lot of completely unjustified ill-will and resentment about Noel Burke's great effort with the Bunnymen, even on my part, until the greatness of this album finally dawned on me. In complete contrast, after Siberia I really thought the band had emerged from the darkness, like a lot of other fans I was rooting for them, but found this album a crushing disappointment, and rather than the band and the people around them taking the flak like men, the BOF added another kick in the teeth to the real fans by mutating into the BFF-Bunnymen Fake Forum.
Still, they seem to be getting their mojo back live. I wonder if their reputation can recover from this, or if we might even get a decent album off them one day? As for the BOF, unless it lets all the real fans back and issues a public apology, I think it really is the end for this entity.

[black francis]

The band still have it in them but they seem to be getting some shit advice. Unless it's all Mac's idea. Hey work with this boy band producer. The kids will love it. So while I believe the band are still capable of ground breaking work I'm not holding my breath or expecting anything great out of them. If it happens fine. I'll still buy the product, see the local shows but it's out of obligation to what they did for us in the past not what they're doing now.

As for the BOF they let us all know exactly what they think of us here when we were referred to as fucking losers. I think we all suspected that was their opinion all along but at least it's out in the open.

[withahip]

When people ask me if EATB have put out a new album I tell them to get Glide's Curvature of the Earth.

[Mr. Brian]

As for the BOF they let us all know exactly what they think of us here when we were referred to as fucking losers.

It's "loosers"

[In The Margins]

I didn't mind being called a f'ing looser because that was in response to an April Fool's prank and written by a fellow that lacks any command of the English language.

The remark about the new album being for new fans because the long-term fans don't matter is the one that got to me. So EATB management, how'd that work out for you?

In my opinion, the album was only released because Ian had incurred new financial obligations (whether by design or not) and needed to increase his cash flow.

[camden jack]

[rather than the band and the people around them taking the flak like men, the BOF added another kick in the teeth to the real fans by mutating into the BFF-Bunnymen Fake Forum.
Still, they seem to be getting their mojo back live. I wonder if their reputation can recover from this, or if we might even get a decent album off them one day? As for the BOF, unless it lets all the real fans back and issues a public apology, I think it really is the end for this entity.[/quote]

Although I like most of the Fountain, this is really spot on concerning the BOF. Any revenue they're earning is coming from these long time fans still supporting whatever they put out and attending wherever they play. Don't think it's a wise bet to focus on recuiting new young fans. Anyway, well-said, but no one is listening.

[DivaDiana77]

I don't think The Fountain would interest anyone no matter who's name it was under.
Though Reverberation had every right to claim the Bunnymen name, since it actually represents progress on the first four incredible albums, if it had been released under another name they would have been hailed as the greatest new band on the planet. There was a lot of completely unjustified ill-will and resentment about Noel Burke's great effort with the Bunnymen, even on my part, until the greatness of this album finally dawned on me. In complete contrast, after Siberia I really thought the band had emerged from the darkness, like a lot of other fans I was rooting for them, but found this album a crushing disappointment, and rather than the band and the people around them taking the flak like men, the BOF added another kick in the teeth to the real fans by mutating into the BFF-Bunnymen Fake Forum.
Still, they seem to be getting their mojo back live. I wonder if their reputation can recover from this, or if we might even get a decent album off them one day? As for the BOF, unless it lets all the real fans back and issues a public apology, I think it really is the end for this entity.

Siberia was alright? I liked Flowers but the vocals were shit. Siberia's the only one I don't have and wondered if it was worth my $$.