Search - Go-Betweens :: Friends of Rachel Worth

People Move On

Anthony Butler | Sydney, Australia | 06/24/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The problem with some of the other reviews of this album (particularly Thoutah) is that they don't acknowledge that artists who write particularly personal songs are constantly changing their personal situations and perspectives on the world, which ultimately will change the type of songs they write and albums they produce.With regard to the Friends of Rachel Worth, I would advise anyone not to obssesively compare this album to what the Go-Betweens released in the 80s. Yes, "Streets of Your Town" deserved the NMEs rating of the best single released in the 1980s, but that honor doesn't obligate the Go-Betweens to continue to write this song over and over again. Instead, view this album as Robert Forster and Grant McLennan bringing their individual life experiences in the 90s back into the collective enterprise that is the Go-Betweens. As the circumstances of Robert's life change (wife, children etc..) he like any person is apt to reflect upon his life, what it means that a generation after him now exists, and to contrast his current life to his past. For instance, "Surfing Magazines" is a brilliant take on Robert's view of himself as an outsider to the prevailing "surfie" culture that existed in the 70s when he was growing up in Brisbane. The song both simultaneously mocks this lifestyle and the fact that he once yearned for it. If that doesn't show progress in his writing, I'm not sure what does. Similarly, Grant is showcasing his songs in a low-fi setting-somehat similar to the production values of Robert's solo efforts. So, even though his songs might not necessarily sound as "shimmery" and upbeat as his usual output, I think they are indicative of a maturing talent who is adjusting his expecations of the world and is thankful for what it provides him. This whole notion of preserving a fixed viewpoint of a group and the individuals that make up the group is something that is common amongst people who never got to see a group perform in their original incarnation, and therefore can't relate to them as an organic group who will change as time and circumstances dictate, but instead regard them as a painting or some other artifact that can be displayed as demonstration of their own good taste.Ignore the reviews, buy the album and enjoy the fact these two masters are working together again!"

On the most articulate of 'tweeners', the reunited Go-Betwee

Liz Nicholson | New Hope, MN United States | 12/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being almost of an age with Robert Forster and the now late, great Grant McLennan, I find the transformation of the Go-Betweens from the wry, literate indie 80's band nobody ever heard of to a mellower version of themselves (best described as a sensitive, articulate adult-contemporary duo-combo nobody seems to have heard of yet) to be entirely logical. RF could not possibly have maintained the high energy level in 'Rare Breed' and 'To Reach Me' - nor would he have wanted to, because by 2000 less is more in 'Spirit' and 'He Lives My Life', sung by a wiser man. The angular side of him becomes more subtle and mischievous in 'German Farmhouse' and the delightful 'Surfing Magazines'. Methinks his old friend GM has rubbed off on him... And as for McLennan, he is more tuneful than ever, his songs now refreshingly outside of time. His voice, no longer so reedy, could still belt out 'Bachelor Kisses' and 'The Wrong Road' if he wished, (as in fact he chose to), but bear in mind what a pleasure it is to hear each and every contribution he makes to this album. 'Orpheus Beach' takes one's breath away, and 'Going Blind' is pure fun that takes me back to my childhood days while still sounding entirely fresh. (After all, we are almost of an age, the Go-Betweens and I.....)



A lovable keeper, an innocent pleasure from start to finish."