Moloko : Statues

I got turned on to Moloko after becoming obsessed with Róisín Murphy's solo work on the album after this one, "Ruby Blue". I've since bought all of the albums (a little late in the game, I know) and most of the singles or collaborations she's made. I've read some reviews where fans claim Moloko alienates their original fan base with this album, but the problem with such reviewers is that they expect artists to stagnate. It's unrealistic to expect someone to grow when their sound stays exactly the same or similar. It's one of those cases where you can't make everyone happy, whether you change too much or too little for their taste. I definitely appreciate the development of the group, which I feel has been an evolution from the rather experimental sounding (to me) "Do You Like My Tight Sweater", which although highly enjoyable, was not as cohesive as "Statues". There is a theme going on throughout the album, save for the only upbeat and positive track, 100%. This is the ultimate break-up album ever. Seriously. Not only was this their final collaboration, their album was heavily influenced by the end of their (Róisín Murphy and Mark Brydon) romantic relationship as well. The tracks are highly relatable for anyone who is undergoing or has experienced a painful break-up. This material is something that can only be understood and fully appreciated after such an experience. There is a sincerity and purity conveyed throughout the album since she's undergoing this pain, which seems to also influence her following two solo albums: "Ruby Blue" and "Overpowered" at times. Róisín Murphy is an amazing artist that is capable of reinventing herself with every album, and even with every song since it seems impossible to pin her down or accuse that one track sounds similar to another in any of her original work. I'd highly recommend fans of her solo work to get this album and at least check out her other earlier work in Moloko.

Great Release

bought this ditty for my wife. we have been listening to it at least every three days. played it six time over on the first listen. she loves it, and we dance to it at home. where was i when it came out as a new release. wish i had bought it then. it is so sad the band has broken up. the song statues is our least fave. you guessed it, we can not dance to it. they should have put it on another release. with that said, it is a classic dance release. one of the best over the last 15 years.

Roisin started out with Moloko a long time ago, but also does solo work as part of her career. I love both sets since they stretch the musical norms and engage our ears with their aural instrumentation's.

Good product and service

great music, followed with great service

Moloko have made a big step forward with Statues. In this case, heavy personal experiences have generated artistic creativity and growth. Not one wrong track this time. Roisin Murphy's voice is instantly recognizable, and with the new record's emphasis on song writing and grand arrangements, Moloko have a good chance to move their fan community with them to new territories. But who knows! Maybe, Statues is too complicated - too good? - for the upper chart region. And so, Statues sounds like a crossroad: either a success, or the final bar. In any case, it's highly praiseworthy that Moloko have dared to go all the way with this production. Mark Brydon proves that along with Andy Connell (Swing Out Sister) and David Gregory (XTC, Porcupine Tree), he's one of the the most accomplished arrangers now working in the field of Pop. Check out his sense for drama in the opener, Familiar Feelings, in 100%, and in Forever More, which has the stuff that makes a club classic. The Only Ones recalls Prince when Wendy & Lisa were still around and Clare Fischer arranged and Prince was still great. Cannot Contain This could be an infectious Radio song, while Come On recalls the first LP, now minus the wrinkles; however, comparing Statues with the wonderful debut, Do You Like My Tight Sweater really shows how far Moloko have moved. And - think of the remixes (especially for the title track) - anything is possible.

Although producer Mark Brydon and singer Roisin Murphy broke up their relationship, together they made another brilliant album. Broken love is one of the themes in the lyrics of this masterpiece, but the heartbreak sounds glamorous and the music is open and light. It is a dynamic, sophistically gearranged and produced CD full of funk, disco, pop and house music. All this is even supported by a real symphonic orchestra. Good instrumentation, snapping rhythms, and original hooks put together by two real artists who are still enjoying themselves.