Chosen by Spud

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INTRO (from Wiki)

Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights is the third studio album by Finnish gothic rock band HIM. Released 27 August 2001, HIM began recording demos in the fall of 2000, with producer T.T. Oksala intending to release the initial recordings as the finished album. After being rejected by the record label BMG, producer Kevin Shirley was brought in, who clashed with members of the band over his style of working. The recording process took eleven months, with outside influences within the industry and the extended time frame causing friction with the album, which ended up with a sleeker and more pop-oriented sound than its predecessors. Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights was also HIM’s first album to feature keyboardist Janne “Burton” Puurtinen.

TRACK LISTING

REVIEWS

E.P. – “Wouldn’t really be for me now – bit too pop rock. Wasn’t a fan of yer man’s voice and I found their lyrics/choruses very repetitive. In fairness though, there are some catchy melodies there. I actually liked the slow ones most. Close To The Flame and Beautiful. Found they stuck in the head most during the day.”

Sol – “I’m actually the exact same. His voice on the last song, Love You Like I Do, was so different and I found that one much better. Some good guitar playing on the album but had a sorta guy-doing-karaoke vibe to some of the songs. I was hoping you’d put up some Finnish artists so I’m glad ya put these up. It wasn’t the worst album just not much that kept me interested.”

Molly – “Yeah, I agree. It’s like someone thought ‘Ok, what’s doing well in the charts? Ok, rock. Let’s give this boy band guitars and a drum kit – go at it lads’.”

Mick – “I didn’t think it was awful but not what I expected – I thought they were heavier than that from what I heard before too. Not particularly one I’d go back to quickly.
Didn’t mind the opener, Salt In Our Wounds, but found the rest quite bland. Apart from the very Nick Cave sounding Love You Like I Do, which I did like.
Didn’t quite get a stinker but not far off. X-factor throw away pop a bit too much.”

★ Agree/disagree? Let us know in the comments below ★

SONGS ADDED TO THE MUSIC NIGHTS SPOTIFY PLAYLIST:

• Close To The Flame
• Love You Like I Do

NEXT WEEK…

Modern Classics by Paul Weller

Listen along with us for the week and check out our reviews next Sunday!