The Great Destroyer

Dave Fridmann's trademark production will no doubt leave some fans wondering if this is the same band they've loved, but they needn't worry- as always, the rough/ smooth combination of Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker's vocals provide the focus of the band, sounding as warm and lush as anything on the chorus of the single "California", and totally heartbreaking on the poignant high point of "When I Go Deaf" and "Broadway"- a perfect counterpoint to the music that in lesser hand would sound overwrought. Although there are epic moments for those who prefer Low's soundscape past, an added dash of Flaming Lips style-magic on every song will be welcomed by nearly all. An essential purchase for everyone. Thom Allott

I'm frustrated with this album. I like it, but frustrated nonetheless. When it's good, it's really very good (Monkey, California), when it's bad, it's really very bad (Step, Broadway).

The production is terrible, wiping out all of Low's refined acoustics and replacing them with reverb/effects which imho simply do not fit. Fine if you're The Flaming Lips....
Don't get me wrong, i love it when bands move on and experiment, but to lose the major factor which made you so special in the first place is to lose the heart and soul of the band.

While listening, my mind is imaging another version of this album, stripped down, raw and direct. A garage record. An example of this is the wonderful acoustic version of Cue the Strings on the California single. A much more heart rending version than the pompous keyboard thing on the album.

Another gripe is the ridiculously over the top guitar solo in When I Go Deaf, which until that point had been a beautiful song.

Having said all of this, Silver Rider, Monkey, California, Death of a Salesman, Pissing and Walk into the Sea are are wonderful.

So here's hoping that Low will continue to experiment, but maybe next time find a better bedfellow and a nicer bed to lie in.


loud!   February 22, 2005
 6 out of 7 found this review helpful

Sometimes i wish some of my favorite bands would do something unexpected, but often don't. Beck's 2002 album 'sea change' was one of those albums that was welcomed with open arms by me as it showed yet another side to beck breaking his unpredictable mould yet again.

So, i'm there late at night last summer listening to 'sunflower' and 'dinosaur act' from 2001 things we lost in the fire thinking that it would be great if low did an album full of these huge sounding tracks - just for a change, a one off, just to see, you know, what happens.

Here it is, and it's like low on steroids. I'm sure some fans will feel ostracized slightly, not quite sure what the hell is going on after an hour of this epic. They really shouldn't, ok it's louder, but the trademarks are there and to me it sounds like a natural next step after their last, 'trust'. In the sometimes bitter noise the perfect (really!) harmonies linger again and again. by low's standards the production is adventurous at times but won't offend anyone as it stays uncomplicated and to the point ensuring that the great destroyer sounds focused and real. Theres quiet moments too, quite a few scattered among the 13 tracks keeping everyone happy.

A one off or the shape of things to come? i think i'm happy either way


Appetite for Destruction   February 16, 2005
 7 out of 8 found this review helpful

Yes it's lush, perhaps they'll find it hard to do it live, no it's not as bare and minimal as before.

But

This album is on fire. It sandblasts you with noise, moves you with melody, heals you with harmony, thrills you with ripped-out guitar, pulls your heart out. Blimey: rock doesn't rock like this often these days. Low have made a classic.


essential   February 1, 2005
 11 out of 25 found this review helpful

frankly, if you consider yourself to be a serious collector of music then you either purchase this CD or throw any audio equipment you own out with the garbage.

you'd be as well cutting off your ears too...

buy it, see them live, and love, Low


You need to hear it to believe it   February 1, 2005
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

I've had the same reaction to hearing this album as the other reviewers (and I imagine, anyone who has heard it) - totally stunned. Not only will it remain the best album of 2005 but, without going over the top, I can't think of a better record that has been released this decade. There is not one bad track on this CD, not even one that is merely good or less than great, most are brilliant. Highlight for me is "On The Edge Of" but to be honest this record can only be listened to and appreciated as a whole, something I've been doing continuously since I bought it.

If you don't own this record, click Buy Now immediately and look forward to hearing some of the best, most life-affirming music you are likely to hear in this or any other year. Or decade. Or century.