We heard the news that Kevin Shields was wrapping up work on a new My Bloody Valentine album.
"Sure he is," you said.
Then we heard the news that the album was complete and could be released at any moment.
"Same thing we've heard for 20 years," you said.
I was skeptical, just as you were. So, imagine how silly we all looked last weekend when we were able to get our hands on "m b v". I was really excited when I got my copy. For the first time since 1991's "Loveless", we were finally able to hear new My Bloody Valentine material.
Thing is, I didn't listen to it. I was afraid to.
"Loveless" is a special album. It's in my all-time top ten, and contains one of the greatest songs ever written ("Sometimes"). My fear with "m b v" was that we'd be listening to an album of material that sounded dated, and in some cases, forced, as if there was an attitude of "just finish the damn thing and put it out there". After sitting on it for a week, I finally decided that tonight would be the night I gave the album a listen. Am I ever glad that I did.
I LOVE THIS ALBUM! Opener "She Found Now" picks up where "Loveless" left off, but gives no indication of the ride you're about to go on. All of the elements that make My Bloody Valentine are present: the swirling guitars, the heavy distortion, and the muffled lyrics. But then, about halfway through the album, we're taken in a completely different direction. The second half of this album owes a lot to Primal Scream's "XTRMNTR", an album that Shields contributed to. There are lots of keyboards, drum loops, and other synthetic noise makers. They add an extra element to a sound that, while different, is still purely My Bloody Valentine.
"m b v" does not sound like an album that was over 20 years in the making. In fact, it is the sound of a band that hasn't skipped a beat. It's good to have My Bloody Valentine back. Sit back, relieve yourself of all distractions, and enjoy the flight.
Purchase "m b v" via the band's website.
