For bands like the Sundays that put out albums very infrequently (only three in eight years), passing fads cannot exert undue influence; consistency is the key to staying power. Thank God the Sundays never went grunge. On ... more »this, their second album, the forthright and spare power of their debut has ceded somewhat to lusher production values and more complex arrangements, but the good news is that the rest of the band's presence has caught up with Harriet Wheeler's crystalline voice. Together they produce such marvels as "Goodbye," "Love," and an off-kilter version of the Stones' "Wild Horses." The Sundays here sound like a more integrated musical unit, and for that reason Blind is the rare sophomore release that not only holds its own against the first album, but actually outperforms it. --Alan E. Rapp« less
For bands like the Sundays that put out albums very infrequently (only three in eight years), passing fads cannot exert undue influence; consistency is the key to staying power. Thank God the Sundays never went grunge. On this, their second album, the forthright and spare power of their debut has ceded somewhat to lusher production values and more complex arrangements, but the good news is that the rest of the band's presence has caught up with Harriet Wheeler's crystalline voice. Together they produce such marvels as "Goodbye," "Love," and an off-kilter version of the Stones' "Wild Horses." The Sundays here sound like a more integrated musical unit, and for that reason Blind is the rare sophomore release that not only holds its own against the first album, but actually outperforms it. --Alan E. Rapp
"The Sundays' debut "Reading Writing and Arithmetic" is a hard act to follow -- one of those gorgeous albums that only jack up expectations for the sophomore album. But "Blind" holds its own well against its illustrious predecessor with the same lush, mellow pop.Starting off with the soft, midtempo "I Feel," we get a taste of lush pop (the solid "Goodbye," "24 Hours," the thoughtful "God Made Me" transcendent ballads (the soft, dreamlike "Life and Soul," the melancholy "On Earth"), mild rockers ("What Do You Think?," "Love") and it's all topped off by a ethereal acoustic cover of the Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses."They say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Wisely, the Sundays obeyed that little nugget of wisdom for Album No. 2. "Blind" has much the same musical style as "Reading Writing and Arithmetic," but there's enough variation that it doesn't feel like a cash-in retread. In a nutshell, t's a bit more melancholy and less wistful. ("Peace love/Now what?/Don't go telling me you've had them...")The music this time around is a bit more polished and lush, but never EVER overproduced. It's simple and catchy, David Gavurin's wonderful guitar strumming backed by some solid bass and percussion. Harriet Wheeler's crystalline voice is sweet and clear, and in "Blind" she still has that wonderful heartfelt sound, meaning every syllable.The Sundays avoided the dreaded sophomore slump in "Blind," an album that nearly measures up to their phenomenal debut. Warm, sweet and vibrant, this is a solid collection of beautiful indie-pop."
Sundays' Best
Misfit Kid | North Carolina | 06/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is The Sundays at their best, the full realization of their sound. "Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic" is essential with it's "The Smiths with female vocals" sound, but "Blind" is pure Sundays. The consistently haunting atmosphere of this record makes "Blind" my personal favorite. "Blood On My Hands" says it all.
The Sundays albums in descending order (according to me):
1. "Blind"
2. "Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic" (very close second)
3. "Static & Silence" (as much as I love this album, it's not as consistent or "magical" as the first two.)
I highly recommend all three."
...so precious it blinds me...
the bohemian | Louisiana | 12/05/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The remarkable Harriet Wheeler...a voice, the likes of which is very hard to resist, drowns you in a sea of melancholic magic. Atmospheric, delicate, brooding and angst driven...pitch perfect. If love has a sound, this is it."
Absolute perfection
the bohemian | 10/09/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album, once you listen to it, immediately becomes one of the top choices in any collection. Since first hearing it back in 1992, it has become a piece of me. Not just a small one, but a very integral one. It may be cheezy at times and may be a bit hard to sing along with, but the powerful notes hit by Harriet Wheeler make up for any deficiencies. There are three key tracks to this album that help define its distinctness. The first being Goodbye. Simply put, it's the 'happy go lucky' song you always want to hear when you're having a good day. I love putting on in the car and just crusing down the highway. Second, we have Love. The lyrics are the key here, and this song contains the best line the Sundays have ever written. "History at your door, who could ask for more?" Finally, we come to the absolute finito when it comes to music....Wild Horses. I truly believe this is the most perfect piece of music ever recorded. The funny thing is they did it 1/2 drunk one night in the studio. They turned one of the most off-key, twangy songs the Stones have ever done and made it into a deep, fullfilling ballad with notes that send chills up your spine. If I'm in the right mood....this song can actually bring tears to my eyes. I highly recommend this album to anyone who is even remotely interested in the Sundays. I promise you, you won't be disappointed."
For Buffy & Angel Fans
EP | Alexandria, VA USA | 11/12/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this CD and recommend all the songs on it, but I confess I bought it for their cover of the Rolling Stones' Wild Horses classic, which I first heard during the episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer where Angel comes to Buffy's prom for a heartbreaking slow dance and good-bye to his true love. In fact I found the lead singer's voice on this song so beatiful and clear and full of longing that I had to call a radio station to identify the singer, as I had never heard of The Sundays before."