My first thought on being given this disc to review was 'why?' Why me, and
why did Angie Bowie chose to break cover and head for the recording studio?
Perhaps the alimony wasn't linked to the retail prices index?
Actually, first impressions are surprisingly good - the opening track 'Fires
Are Burning' harks back to the eighties, is heavily reminiscent of Hazel
O'Connor, and is remarkably enjoyable. But that's where the trouble lies.
While ex-hubbie David has moved chameleon like through the years, Angie
appears trapped in time in the eighties. Which perhaps isn't surprising
because that was when the bulk of Moon Goddess was written and recorded
between 1984 and 1993.
The album is a kaleidoscope of the eighties - snatches of Ultravox synths,
Blondie drumbeats, shades of Numan, Duran Duran and virtually everyone else
of the era including Bowie himself. It's a bit like flicking through the
channels on a radio only to find it only picks up eighties stations.
And it has to be said that Angie isn't the strongest vocalist to grace the
planet. Sure she can do a passable Hazel O'Connor, but that's about as good
as it gets.
So, interesting, and if the eighties was you 'bag', perhaps worth exploring.
But it aint gonna pay the rent.
***** Out of this world | **** Pretty
damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly
