1991 Year In Review

FACTORY

1991 Year In Review

Welcome back to Kean. Enough about that. Even though last year was the  most miserable year in my life, it was a good year for music. Presently, I will list a number of releases from 1991 that I really enjoyed. I only hope the releases expected this year are as good. I’m looking forward to the new Ministry, Cure and KMDM albums coming out this year. But until I get my hands on those, these are the ones I will still be listening to.

Coil- Love’s Secret Domain

The finest album I’ve heard this year. This masterpiece of audible art combines classical music, acid trips, techno sounds, and William Blake’s poetry in an eclectically beautiful mesh of sound. My favorite songs are Windowpane, The Snow, and the title track Love’s Secret Domain. All their old albums have been reissued on CD. 

Consolidated- Friendly Fascism

The vegetarian, pro-choice, gay/lesbian rights, feminist, anti-racism, liberal, righteous white rappers were at it again with their best and longest album so far. This record has taught me more in one night than 16 years of schooling ever have. The best tracks are Unity of Oppression, This Is Fascism, and Meat Kills.  

My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult - Sexplosion

I’ve said all I can say about this album in my full review. But one the best records of the year and a great progression in the sound of the band. My favorites tracks: Leathersex, Sex On Wheelz, and Lost Generation.

Erasure- Chorus

The happiest/saddest duo in techno-pop made yet another compilation of wonderful music in 1991. This album is painful for me to listen to because it brings back memories of the one true love that I lost in September. The best tracks are Love To Hate You, Am I Right?  and Chorus.

Nitzer Ebb- Ebbhead 

A fantastic follow up to their somewhat mellow, yet ultra successful previous release Showtime. This album is energetic enough to please older fans while mellow enough to please lovers of their “hit” Lightning Man. Tacky cover art, though. My favorite songs are I Give To You, Family Man, and Reasons.

Lords of Acid - Lust

This is hands-down the best Industrial/House record I’ve ever heard. Every time I hear it, it feels like my heart is going to pound of of my chest. I adore I Must Increase My Bust, Let’s Get High,  and  I Sit on Acid.

B.A.D. II - The Globe

I was never much of a fan of B.A.D. I, so, I didn’t expect much from former this new album from former Clash man Mick Jones. But, boy, was I surprised at this disc This is such a highly diverse musical undertaking which fortunately works. Favorite tracks: Innocent Child, I Don’t Know and The Globe. 

EMF - Schubert Dip

I consider this to be the most underrated record of the year. Everyone quickly dismissed it as just more “Manchester Beat” pop crap. I am here to say that this is finely crafted and energetic “pop crap”. If this is pop then let me be the next Vanilla Ice. The coolest songs are: Lies. Children and  I Believe.

Einsturzende Neubauten - Strategies Against Architecture II

A compilation tape of Germany’s Industrial Godfathers. This “greatest hits” covers their discography from 1984 to this decade. Listening to something like this is a humbling experience. It gets my vote for best double album of the year. Favorite tracks: Sand, Intermezzo/Yu Gung and Wardrobe. 

The Pet Shop Boys - Discography

Listening to this, I realize what an awe-inspiring array of good songs The Pet Shop Boys have released.  Every song on this tape is a favorite of mine. But If I were forced to choose three, they would be Being Boring, Suburbia and  Always On My Mind.

The Pixies - Trompe Le Monde

I must be the only person I know who loved their last album Bossanova, but that’s besides the point. The point here is that this is yet another in a long line of excellent Pixies albums. May they continue to evolve, but never change! Favorite tracks: Head on, U Mass and Letter to Memphis

The list could go on. I know there is a lot of shit I left out. I don’t have the time, space here, not the inclination  to continue it, lest it becomes one of Rob O’Connor’s lists. Let’s just say that 1991 was a good year for music, even if not for personal happiness for me. I hope that in 1992 “things can only get better.”