Search - M :: Famous Last Words

Misleading

Thomas J. Wynn | STOCKTON, N.S.W. Australia | 03/30/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The song Eureka called "original version" is just the 3 min single and not the 6 min version as indicated on the CD case...so I was very disappointed. The '92 Eureka mix is also just the short version....the reason I got the CD was to replace my original 12" record mixes...so other than that the CD has just the usual album mixes. Ho Hum!"

It's no NY, London, Paris, Munich... but....

Thomas J. Wynn | 05/16/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is not an easy record, which is what made New York, London, Paris, Munich so genius. M's (Robin Scott's) debut was seemless, beautiful, catchy, silly and fun. This record is more like a b sides and hodge podge collection - not to say that it isn't worth getting. The original version of Eureka and Honolulu Joe are pure M all the way."

"A blind date for every equation."

mwreview | Northern California, USA | 01/03/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Robin Scott is best known for his 1979 album New York, London, Paris, Munich and the mammoth single "Pop Musik." Unfortunately, his later releases received scant attention, including this one. In many ways, Famous Last Words is better than New York, London... Famous Last Words offers more variety than the long, repetitive disco-esque tracks on M's debut album. For the most part, the tracks are shorter and more to the point. If you are a fan of "Pop Musik," you will probably enjoy "Doubletalk," "Smash the Mirror," "Neutron," "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow," and "To Be Is To Buy." These songs feature the familiar M sound and exhibit Scott's brilliant wit. "Smash the Mirror" is, to me, the best track on the album and would have made a massive hit in the early eighties (it has a very retro sound). Its beat is contagious. "Neutron" continues the Cold War theme of Scott's follow-up to New York, London..., Official Secrets Act. It also brings in some of Scott's characteristic humor with the Brigit Novic chanting "I've got a bigger bomb." The charming sound of "Honolulu Joe" with Brigit Novic's cute vocals belies the spooky Cold War lyrics: "It's 9 am and he's swimming again, He has to keep in shape, when a mystery man with a scar and a tan, Leaves a Luger full of lead in him, And as the water turns to red, It's as I've often said..." The imported release with the extra tracks is definitely the way to go. Not only do you get lyrics (which needed a good proof-reading) and photos, but you also get the beautiful, ballad rendition of "The Bridge" with Scott being joined on vocals by Lydia Cannan. As great as the album track is, this version is better! "Guardian Angel" and "I'm No Angel" are also welcomed tracks! This CD is worth the hefty price; however, you may want to opt for the less expensive import .... Unfortunately, the title of this album proved prophetic for M, but what a wonderful collection to leave to fans of the early eighties. Any fan of early eighties New Wave music needs to get this disc!!"