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Some high points

The Blue Man | Oxford, OXON England | 03/18/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Monaco's first album "Music for Pleasure" is a very good collection indeed. This self-titled followup is worth listening to. However, the quality is - to this listener's ear - patchier than on "Music for Pleasure".Monaco deserve credit for again attempting different styles - mainly guitar-based, not unlike New Order, but sometimes incorporating drum machine beats, sometimes not; sometimes up-tempo, sometimes reflective; sometimes cynical, sometimes sentimental.The opening track, "I've got a Feeling" is very strong, as are "Kashmere" and the wistful "Ballroom". But those are the only tracks which would deserve to be on a compilation of Monaco's first two albums. If you like this CD, then purchasing "Music for Pleasure" will be a particular joy for you.I am tempted to say something about "Real Wild Grown-ups" which I briefly mentioned when reviewing Electronic's third album "Twisted Tenderness". This would perhaps be a little harsh, as tired lyrics do not preponderate However, inspiration does not always seem to be present in large quantities (for example "A Life Apart" does seem to drone on endlessly), despite the clean-lined design on the album's cover."

New Order on 'Ludes

P. Whiteside | Santa Rosa, CA United States | 07/14/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Having just recently purchased New Order's latest "Get Ready," I had that comparison in my head when I started listening to this one. So, Peter Hooks is like, what, 50 by now? And it shows. Lots of orchestration and "la-la-la'ing," reminiscent of Oasis and the Cure, which isn't bad, but I hate to be reminded that new-wave is now for the aged. My 3-year-old and 4-month-old like it, so it's a crowd-pleaser in my car. If you're expecting the dark, S&M undertones of Hooks's old band, "Revenge," don't buy this. But if light and airy suits you (even my mother-in-law didn't mind this album), go for it."

It's OK

Jason Nadrowski | 03/30/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I was hoping this CD would be as incredible as their first album, "Music for pleasure". Unfortunately, they apparently completely changed their style. It's an ok CD, but their first is so much more impressive."