Search - Cetu Javu :: Southern Lands

Cetu Javu's Southern Lands is an Extremely Worthy Effort

S. Johnson | Molvania | 02/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Cetu Javu was a short-lived German New Wave band that belonged in the 1980s more than the grunge-influenced early 1990s. This album, chock full of listenable tunes is catchy and remarkably devoid of duds. Chart hit Situations is present. However, you'll be disappointed by the album track of Have in Mind, as it is NOT the version that charted in US clubs. That was Have In Mind (Kalimba Mix), which is sold as a CD single (or downloaded for free, of course). I can't say enough about Cetu Javu's talent, and this was the strongest of their two albums. Even Words Without Thoughts, Southern Lands and China Girl are extremely synthy, catchy and are sure to be enjoyed by those who have a penchant for Kraftwerk, Camouflage and Alphaville. I make you this promise: if you're an 80's New Wave fan, you WILL find "Situations" catchy. I guarantee it. It's that memorable a song. It ruled the US Dance Charts for weeks, which is not easy for a tune intended as synth rather than club music. One parting shot: Cetu Javu's songs are about mature topics, such as environmental destruction (Southern Lands and Have in Mind), which is a throwback to OMD singing about nuclear energy and hydroelectric power on their chart hit "Electricity" from 1981."

Synthpop classic

Bryan Conlee | ny | 12/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"1993? I bought this cd in 1989. It is one of my all-time favorite synthpop albums. Highlights include: "Have in Mind", "Situations", "Words Without Thoughts", and "Fight Without a Reason", although its all great. Check out their Spain only (I believe) second release..."Where is Where". Not as good as Southern Lands, but definately worth picking up, if you can find it that is."

Masterful Synthpop Made 6 Years Too Late

SandmanVI | Glen Allen, VA United States | 03/28/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"... or maybe I should say 10 years too early. Either way, in the early 90's German outfit Cetu Javu put out an excellent album of addictive synth pop at a time when the world wanted nothing to do this slick new wave sound. Too bad, people missed out on some of the best electronic pop music written.
I was tempted to only give this 4 stars simply because there are some misses and filler contained herein, but when CJ hits the mark they really hit it, so I went back to 5. I truly believe that had "Situations" been released prior to 1986 it would have become one the true synth new wave anthems in the vein of Visage's "Fade to grey", Alphaville's "Big in Japan", Camouflage's "Great Commandment" or Yaz's "Situation"... hey, isn't that a neat coincidence. Having made those comparisons, I'd have to say that this song is most similar to "Big in Japan" with its Asian influenced synth patch... it sounds like an analog simulation of plucking a koto. The chorus is insanely catchy: "We get together... nothing matters... situations like these I never like to miss." Say, did Mesh steal from this song on their hit "Situations Like These"? You bet they did.The second single was the perky "Have in Mind", a linear, straighforward dance track that reminds me of a song by Anything Box. Another standout is the album's title track and leadoff song "Southern Lands". It starts with slinky synth line that grows in force until the beat and other hooks kick in. Personally this is my second favorite on the disc.The Spanish-sung "Adonde" is crisp and will keep your head bobbing. I've always been disappointed that no synth-pop or electroclash club I've been to has busted this song out... pinhead DJs, what do they know? There are a couple of other Spanish tracks including the slowed down and dark "Quien Lo Sabia". I've also always been partial to "Bad Dreams", an admittedly slightly cheesy teen-angst song - but it just sounds so good so why not "Come along with me and all my bad dreams."If you like synth then you will adore Cetu Javu - German synth done to perfection. I sometimes think that many of the acts out there today are mimicking Javu almost as often as DM or Human league. Great melodies, strong vocals... check it out."