MOBY
18
V2 Records
No, there's
no new ground broken here. No, this CD doesn't jump out and grab you. No, it's not going
to make Moby many new fans. Still, it's a great record. When I first heard it, I was kind
of disappointed that it didn't hit me like the predecessor Play did the first time
I heard that. Since then, I've noticed that 18 is rarely out of my disc player.
This is one of those albums that you just want to hear. It's relaxing and peaceful. It's
like swimming at night. It's comforting, but a little decadent. Songs like "Sleep
Alone" and "At Least We Tried" are dreamy, disconnected, bittersweet
soundscapes that wrap around the listener like a foggy blanket. The instrumentals
(particularly "Fireworks") sound like less ominous takes on David Bowie's
wordless work of the late '70s. With the exception of the lead off single and most
"rocking" song, "We Are All Made Of Stars," 18 is great
background music. Fortunately, it's more than that. The background slowly sneaks up on you
and takes over the foreground. Before you know it, you're drifting on the echoing vocals
of Sinead O'Connor in "Harbour." Athens even gets a nod as former local band
Azure Ray provide the voices on "The Great Escape," which is one of the best
tracks on the collection. Unfortunately, there is a downside to 18. The album is way
too long and a lot of the tracks sound alike. If this had been called 12, it
would've been much stronger as a whole, but then it wouldn't make such a great chill out
record. By the time "I'm Not Worried At All" releases you, you'll be feeling
relaxed and ready to deal with another days' stress. Even with its flaws, 18 is
still one of the best records of 2002. (14 E. 4th St., New York, NY10012)
Chris
McKay/concertshots.com
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