Search - Glee Club :: Mine

Lost in obscurity, it's a tragedy.

Charles Comer | Baltimore, Maryland | 07/07/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The degree to which this album has been almost totally forgotten, or even unknown, is utterly reprsentative of the fact that eight years or so after its release I am the only one taken to write a review. It is just one of those mysteries, I suppose, or even tragic contingencies, that some works of art of dubious value flourish while others of remarkable beauty suffer in obscurity. Moreover, that Mine is a 4ad release, a label that has an unprecedented cult following, and has not solicited a review and has been seemingly forgotten, is equally suprising. But enough of the ranting, to the album itself.The Glee Club are/were and Irish band that, at times, hold their traditional influences on their sleeves. At times folky, at times rockin', but always intense, the songs twist and turn like Celtic designs. (Witness Bad Child's Dolly!) Incorporating acoustic and electric guitar, strings, bass and drums, and bewitching female vocals, The Glee Club offer songs that are quite often dark, desperate and melancholy, but, at the same time, hopeful in their inspiring beauty.Mine begins with six songs that are ostensibly the best songs on the album, the first of which, Need, is immensly powerful. The sixth song, Free to Believe, is also exceptionally good. While Mine contains no really bad songs it does seem to loose momentum on the second half of the album, but this is not so much a detraction as it is perhaps a subjective opinion. Sadly, The Glee Club did not do anything subsequent to Mine, and had they, it is likely it would have been amazing. I unhesitatingly recommend Mine to those into 4Ad bands, particularly Cocteau Twins, as well as those into Irish indie bands. Also, any fan of intense, female fronted music should find The Glee Club inviting."

A second reviewer wishing to weigh in on this forgotten band

4ad Freak | Raleigh, NC *USA* | 05/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was always sad that I never got to hear another full length album from Glee Club. This album, entitled "Mine" is a joy to listen to - it ranges from sad and somber and sweet to screaming while you sing in the car with the windows open. Having heard them for the first time on a mix tape given to me by a friend, I can only encourage others to expose their loved ones to this great music as well. This cd is part of my treasured collection."