Mind Melting at it's Finest!
04/24/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The cover of ER starts you guessing as to what your looking. Then as the 1st track "Pike or Pine" hits you are sent on a musical malstrom by Jessica Lurie's potent sax torture. This woman definately knows how to keep it up, musically. I particularly liked the Middle Eastern Turkish Den atmosphere that tunes like "Fall" and "Mayakovsky's Smile" get you in. Drummer, Dale "Flail Away" Fanning is a beast behind the kit! Especially on the title track "Electric Rosary" a tune he penned. The song almost has a revved up techno jazz feel, all the while sucking you further into the musical madness. To see Dale drumming live is a sight to behold. Imagine a drummer who not only has all 4 limbs moving to the beat but many times a bass loop track being played live through one of his ears. Whoaa!These cats from Seattle never let you feel safe about where you may be taken musically. Bassist, Arne Livingston's playing on tunes like "Repeatable Swing" and the beautifully composed "Mayakovsky's Smile" can bring tears to the eyes at a live show. The pairing of legendary guitarist, Bill Frisell in all his genius only adds to the amazing band that is the Living Daylights. There is no band that brings the dynamics of a 6 piece w/ the foundation of a 3 piece. Spread the word!"
Mesmerising
07/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you put this CD into your changer, it will refuse to leave. The melodies on this disk are captivating and complex while still being extremely listenable. The strength of the Living Daylights comes from the fact that it unites three fantastic musicians who are able to carry any tune by themselves, yet these guys have almost a telepathic connection with each other when they are playing. The elegant interplay of Jessica Lourie's sax and Arne Livingston electric base is greatly enhanced by Dale Fanning spirited drumming. The band's music defies categorization with noticeable influences from traditional jazz, funk, rock and a hefty dose of world music. The resulting mix is explosive, contagious and addictive. It is bound to leave you smiling and asking for more. The band masterfully transitions from the soulful melodies like "Mayakovsky's smile" to the rhythmic grooves of "I dare you" and "Get Bone-a-Fide". Bill Frisell's masterful guitar only adds to the excitement without overshadowing the core players. This album is the most mature of the three Living Daylights' CDs to date. If they keep the pace, they will be a formidable musical presence. Enjoy!"
Desert Island Listening
H. C. Hughes | Berkeley, CA | 08/24/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This will be my second copy, as I took this CD with me on a trip and left it in the rent car at the airport. I had taken it to work and people liked it so much, it came back by popular request. I ordered this CD in 2000 when it first came out. When I heard Mayakovsky's Smile on KNTU, driving between Dallas and Ft. Worth, I pulled off the road and wrote down what the DJ said it was. It's a trio out of Seattle with lyrical saxophones, dark chorded bass and drums with guitarist Bill Frisell guesting on several cuts."