Poll: best song from 1988-1995

[Macfan4life]

Originally Posted by SteveMacD

BTM sounds like what old men lathered in Old Spice smell like.

There’s no real edge whatsoever to the album. It’s bland, soulless, overproduced music. Even when I make an alternative version of the album, which is insanely better, it still misses a bit.

As much as I love Christine, she was never supposed to be the band’s creative driving force. She’s supposed to be the pop levity amid something deeper and darker. Stevie was in terrible shape, Rick was a glorified sideman, and Billy, who had the edgiest song on the album, brought little edge (which is sad, because his psychobilly stuff was incredible). So, Christine was the de facto leader.

Lindsey relished in that role, although to an excess and sometimes with disregard to the creative needs of others. I think that’s why the 1975 album and shows are my favorite. Lindsey took some creative control, but the Brits and Olsen kept him on a shorter leash, and I think it was the strongest group effort they’ve ever done.

That's a good analysis. I will take that a bit further and say Chris was also the ringleader for the tour. The new guys were sill a bit unknown and Stevie was zonked out. Stevie had no hits or singles with this era of the band. Everything was on Chris's shoulders.

Having said that, there is so much Chris playing and singing on BTM that I can't help not to like it. I will take an overproduced album with real instruments over an overproduced synth programmed one any day Rick is a fine guitarist but he is a studio musician. Great albums are made with people with vision and a bit out of the ordinary. Is not BTM like Chris's 1984 solo album. Its very safe, does not take many chances but is pleasing to the ears.