Search - Swing Out Sister :: Living Return

British Tropicalia?

J. Collins | 01/01/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The Living Return is one of those albums whose charms aren't fully evident on the initial playing. The studio gloss of their first three studio albums (care of Paul O'Duffy, who is absent this time out) is downplayed, for a more live feel and a more bass-heavy sound. I almost think this album was intended to be SOS credibility move, considering the cover-song selection and the funky, lounge-jazz arrangements. Rather than be thought of as a survivor of the '80s British pop-jazz-lite wave (which also included Sade), SOS try very hard to create a "group" sound that is evocative of a touring jazzband, with elements of '70s funk and late '60s South American Tropicalia. The end result isn't always convincing, but it has many pleasures. The album leads off with a strong tune called, "Better Make it Better," which was treated to a peppier (as in Pop radio friendly) version on their next release, "Shapes & Patterns." Unfortunately, the mellow tempo of this song sets the stage for much of what follows, so unlike their earlier efforts, there aren't as many bouncy, upbeat tunes present. "Don't Let Yourself Down" and several others offer the kind of supportive sentiments one has come to expect from SOS, but without the synthesizer-based hooks of previous arrangements. The brass horn section employed here doesn't really get a workout until "Don't Give Up On A Good Thing," a song that is strongly reminiscent of old Chicago. The high points on this album include "Don't Give Up...", the simmering morning-after lovesong, "Making the Right Move," and "La La (Means I Love You)," a '60s Pop chestnut that stands as testament that SOS can take a familiar oldie and improve upon it without losing the original feel. By the time of this recording, Corinne sounds completely at home with the languid phrasing and sonic precision of most vocal jazz. Her lyrics retain the same worldly-wise tone of previous releases, which is a small hindrance in the sense that the familiar sentiments start to sound a bit too familiar. Though The Living Return offers solid, likeable fare, it's surface-level pleasures aren't in keeping with SOS track record of light ear candy. As such, many listeners may find it a little on the boring side, or at least too stingy with the trademark SOS Pop hooks. Repeated listens payoff, however, and SOS' native melodicism comes through when the listener abandons his/her expectations."

Swing out sister continues to pump

Wayne | Mitchellville, MD USA | 04/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To date this is the fourth collaboration of SOS that I have and I like it,"refreshing ". Every track a winner."

No Compromising On This CD!

Alain Brouillaud | Helsinki, FINLAND | 03/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Those of us who are big fans often debate whether or not "The Living Return" is SOS's best CD. You'll make up your mind, then continue the debate in our chat room at swing-out-sister@lists.xmission.com.After the sucess of "Get In Touch With Yourself", it would've been very easy for SOS to go on cruise control - I'm proud to say they didn't! The CD from start to finish takes you through all their musical influences and leaves you wanting more at the end. Highlights include "Making The Right Move", a very sensual Francis Lai type of song. "Feel Free" gives off the positive vibes both Andy & Corinne were feeling in the studio. "Mama Didn't Raise No Fool" is lyrically very catchy and often described as one of SOS's best tunes ever! There isn't a weak cut to be found. Some will complain that "Low Down Dirty Business" is out of place. I say they're just having fun and they want to share it with you.Buy it, listen to it and "Feel Free" to pass it on to a good friend."