Been listening to their first few records again. Astonishing! Great songs, tremendously evocative and atmospheric. And the musicianship is first rate. They made some stone cold classic lps Anyone with me?
I know I'm in the minority, but I think The Grey Album is outstanding as well. Yes, it (especially the production) is more blatantly commercial. However, the songs themselves are still fantastic (for the most part).
Plus, how many bands can make the lyric "see you at the fairy cake bake" and make it sound downright menacing?
Absolutely, the self-titled album is terrific. "The Game" is one of their best. At the same time, "Bedbugs..." is one of their worst (it simply does very little for me). Overall though, the album is strong. The comeback records are very good as well, "Evergreen" and "What Are You Going To Do With Your Life?". I listen to those often. Diminishing returns thereafter but I will always entertain any new Echo as there is always something of value in their releases.
The first album builds a lot of momentum track by track. I wonder how long it took them to record? Because there is a huge change in quality as the album progresses.
Another fan of the 1987 self titled (gray) album. The only time i saw them live was on that tour...just a fantastic show and Will was really something on guitar.
Oh yeah! I remember when the guys at Cellophane Square ( cool old-school Seattle Store) said you will like this band- and I bought a $3.99 used cooy of their 1st LP..... pretty cool stuff from a great era.....I love their 1st 3 LP's
We are going to see them live this summer. I hope they can still deliver the goods! Porcupine and Ocean Rain are my personal favorites.
I only know their Live in Liverpool album (2001?) which I like a lot. Very influential band, good tunes and, as many have said, a first-rate guitar player
Sure, they're noted Doors fans and even did a cover of "People Are Strange" at one point. More than a lot of the other 60s bands, the Doors had a big impact on the post-punk scene. Echo and the Bunnymen's first four albums are incredible and have held up as well as any of the other luminaries of that era. Each one has its own distinct character and yet they still feel of a piece as they gradually evolved from the raw, heady juju of the debut to the lush sophistication of Ocean Rain. A great creative run, but alas it couldn't last.
And don't forget the involvement of Ray Manzarek, the former organist of The Doors, at the s/t album!
I'm with you, all right - except for that bit about forgetting. Of course, I got a somewhat belated start with the Bunnymen... Crocodiles was already out when I first heard any of their music. My introduction was The Villiers Terrace on the radio, some time in the autumn 1980. To say it stood out a mile would be an understatement. Anyway, that's all it took to make me a fan for life. Great, great band!
With you all the way amen brother . Crocodiles,Heaven up here, Porcupine and Ocean rain their 1st four albums where nailed on classics, still played to death even to this day and they have aged well as well, still sound like nothing else imho and Will Sergeant must be one of the most innovative guitarists ever also. Fantastic band .
I wish they'd release more early 80's live material - they were astonishingly good, particularly on the 1985 tour.