Search - Fixx :: Walkabout

A Fixx Buried Treasure

Alan Caylow | USA | 07/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of two studio albums by the Fixx that's currently out-of-print (the other being "Ink"), 1986's "Walkabout" is one of the Fixx's very best releases. Why this brilliant Fixx album has not yet been re-issued, when so many of their other albums have, is a mystery to me. Still in their musical prime in the late 80's, lead singer Cy Curnin, ace guitarist Jamie West-Oram & company deliver one smart, catchy pop-rocker after another on "Walkabout." EVERY song here is a great one, including the hit song "Secret Separation," "Built For The Future," "Chase The Fire," the title song, the beautiful ballad "Read Between The Lines" (featuring some fine piano-playing from singer Curnin), and "Camphor." There's even an excellent hidden bonus track at the end of the CD (which I can only assume is called "There Is Only"). Curnin's singing voice is superb, West-Oram delivers some incredibly tasty guitar licks throughout, and the band's performances are as tight as can be. "Walkabout" is TOO good a Fixx album to remain out-of-print! Hopefully it will be re-issued at some point, but for now, buy it used. It's a great buried treasure from the Fixx."

Walkabout vs. Ink?

J. Merritt | 12/09/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoyed "Phantoms," like the other reviewer, but when it comes to the Fixx I'm always torn between "Walkabout" and "Ink" when picking a favorite. "Ink" was definitely more mainstream than this one; those who enjoyed the Fixx's slightly offbeat, new wave sound in those early "Red Skies" and "Stand or Fall" days will probably prefer this 1986 release. That this is in the "Shame It's Out-of-Print" File is just a flat-out injustice, especially considering that two of the staples of their various Greatest Hits collections appear on this album; "Built For the Future" and "Secret Separation." Added to which, "Read Between the Lines" is a beautifully haunting ballad, one of their very best songs. Until someone gets wise and re-issues this, I'm just gonna have to take darn good care of the 20 year-old CD copy I have."

Spareness and atmospherics

George Kaplan | 09/20/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Someone knowing once compared this record to the spareness and atmospherics of a Pat Metheny release. Not far wrong. I love the drama of Read between the Lines, the cool burn of Camphor and the swing of Treasure It. Secret Separation is The Fixx at their most romantic and hit #19 in the Billboard charts in 1986. Produced with care and restraint by Rupert Hine, this is The Fixx at their best. Savor it."