Echo & The Bunnymen - The Stars, The Oceans & The Moon
When I eagerly put myself forward to write some words about the new album from Echo & the Bunnymen I was not expecting to find just two new songs. The other thirteen tracks on The Stars, The Oceans & The Moon are new interpretations and reworkings of some classics from their astonishing back catalogue which now spans four decades. I love these songs which are precious to many of us and was almost hesitant to hear them in a new form but these are respectful reworkings, attempting to better the originals and in some cases succeeding.
The album opens with a strong and punchy Bring on the Dancing Horses; the main difference here is the production and the more prominent guitar in the mix. The first revelation of the album is in the next track and the first of the truly new songs, The Somnambulist. It has a classic Bunnymen feel and is probably destined to become one of their classics. Throughout their career they have consistently released great new songs and albums and this song shows they are continuing in that.
I'm not entirely convinced by the new version of Nothing Lasts Forever, which is followed by a very sprightly Lips Like Sugar which sounds fresh and vibrant with clean production and scratchy guitar; the band sound like they are really enjoying themselves here and that comes over strongly.
Rescue is one of my favourite Bunnymen songs and its intro now features some strings but a dirty, funky bass soon kicks in and I'm quickly won over. Later comes an outstanding Zimbo which in this form could easily form part of a Lynchian soundtrack. It's dark, dramatic, full of atmosphere and is another standout. As is Stars are Stars, a respectful and interesting, atmospheric reworking which almost feels like a new song. One of the most distinctive voices in music given a fine showcase here.
Seven Seas is stripped right back to vocals, accordion and cello and works well. An equally haunting and atmospheric Ocean Rain follows, built around some minimalist piano, it's quite beautiful. The Cutter is a fairly faithful new version but is altogether brighter and punchier with this production and McCulloch's voice has added bite.
Penultimate track How Far? is the other new song. Also strong, it includes the lyric "We're all astronauts looking for Heaven" which probably explains the record's cover artwork which features an astronaut's helmet floating on the ocean with the moon and stars as a backdrop. I like to think there's a nod to Bowie here.
To close the record is The Killing Moon, all piano, strings and expressive vocals. Again, it is highly atmospheric and closes the album in beautiful style.
The Stars, The Oceans & The Moon is arranged in such a way that the songs which span some 40 years individually, all sit comfortably together, more so than a straight compilation of the originals would have. It's also a reminder - if any were needed - just what a great band the Bunnymen have always been. That's a very fine back catalogue they have amassed and it makes you want to dig out all those albums again too.
There are bound to be concerns about hearing some much-loved Bunnymen tracks re-recorded and although some work better than others there is nothing to regret here. Standout tracks for me are: Zimbo, Lips Like Sugar, Stars are Stars, Seven Seas, and, most pleasingly of all, both of the new songs show that there's plenty of mileage in the Bunnymen yet.
