Search - Fixx :: Reach the Beach

A classic album, and the best full-length from the FIXX

tenohtwo | Phoenix, AZ USA | 10/12/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Fixx is my favorite band. I have been a fan since the debut LP. I have followed their entire career. I don't say these things to validate my rating of Reach The Beach. A 5-star rating does get thrown around quite a bit on Amazon, but in this case, I am rating within the Fixx catalogue. The Fixx is a band that many people definitely don't get. For those of us who do get The Fixx, we understand what a unique and truly great band they are. Reach The Beach is the band's ace in the hole. Solid production, excellent well-thought lyrics, imaginative and creative songwriting, crisp and exciting execution, memorable singles - it's the complete package. Don't let the off-kilter album tracks fool you into thinking they're filler - listen closely to every track. Even the extremely-overplayed classic single "One Thing Leads To Another" deserves unlimited credit for it's intelligent lyrics and ingenuity, via a simple-yet-memorable melody with the strength to stand the test of time. Make no mistake, The Fixx are smarter than most bands out there (to this day). Reach The Beach is a prime example of their originality and superb musicianship. A must-own for anyone who loves a good challenge, and a classic CD in their collection."

A high point for the 1980's nascent "alternative rock" sound

M J Heilbron Jr. | Long Beach, CA United States | 03/29/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There are classic 80's albums that do not age at all...like "London Calling" or "Purple Rain". They would have been great in any era.
Then you have albums like "Reach The Beach", which is an example of the best " 80's music" . It has all the hallmarks of that era's sound...the nervy, plucky guitars; the dry drum sound, the bouncy synth chords or that keyboard "wash" of sound acting as background wall paper.
I probably haven't listened to this album all the way through in over fifteen years, yet I found myself immediately recalling every lyric, guitar lick or synth punctuation. With ease.
I remember loving the record upon it's release; it has some killer singles on it. Namely "One Thing Leads to Another" and "Saved By Zero" but the album cuts are fairly strong as well. I love it still, and appreciate it more.
An excellent choice for remastering, which has been immaculately done."

Excellent Bonus Tracks Included!!

D. Hawkins | Denver, CO | 08/07/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The remastering job on this sounds exceptional, but it's the bonus tracks that make this a worthwhile purchase. The slightly longer version of "Saved By Zero" was often the version that I heard on the radio in the 80's (remember listening to the radio?). "Deeper and Deeper" of course is here in the definitive long version, but it's the extended version of "One Thing Leads To Another" that is the real catch. Clocking in at a whopping 8 minutes, this extended version rides one of the 80's best grooves into sweet bliss. If you remember the original album at all, then this bonus version should push you over the edge and into this very worthy purchase. You know you want it!"