Customer Reviews

Spleen And Ideal (Rm)

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Their debut (which I still love just as much as their others) might have been the record where DCD were given the "gothic" tag with its minimal hunger and its mysterious tribal tendencies, but "Spleen & Ideal" was where DCD became orchestrated, lush... majestic. The word "ethereal" has been around for ages, but it seems custom-fit to describe the Dead Can Dance sound, especially beginning with what they were accomplishing from this LP onward. Mysterious and subtle keyboard-laden passages, laced with Lisa Gerrard's stream-of-consciousness vocals, are juxtaposed with Brendan Perry's confidant, unwavering, and powerful voice on the other, typically orchestrated and brass-and-string driven tracks. I think this was the LP that showed Dead Can Dance's transformation from the primitive to the worldly and sophisticated - a metamorphosis they recreated with every release afterwards.

SPLEEN AND IDEAL is a spectacular recording that has withstood the test of time. It has great production. The tone of this recording is dark throughout. The title track "De Profundis" was featured in the Italian horror film DEMONS 2. The compositions are replete with interesting instrumentation, such as "Circumradiant Dawn" a splendid track which features Lisa Gerrard and, I believe the accordion. "Mesmerism" features her voice and among other things a drum machine to create a flowing multi-layered piece. "Avatar" has heavy instrumentation along with Lisa's voice, it is one of this recordings stronger tracks. Lastly, I must add that the design/cover art is striking, it features a wonderful iconoclastic photograph.

This Cd makes my heart ache, as the lyrics are poignant and emphazize our solitary paths filled with confusion as to how to live, as this path of life is not about turning 54, but about the journey along the way, to live better we must be free of our confusion, and to be free of our confusion, we must let go of our need for control, as we have never really controlled anything other than our own fears. DCD always makes me think about the cruel realities of life and this one is no exception, crisply turning my heart to silence and to actively listening to the words that drift in and out of the music. This Cd seems to have a more gothic sound than some of the others that have more of a middle eastern style, it never lets either go completely but melds the styles as only someone empowered by the creative muses can. This is divine music, whatever you believe in, when you listen, it will make you ache for knowledge of thy creator(ess). As all of their music, it is a worthwhile buy.

"Spleen and ideal" is my favorite DCD album; the dynamics of the arrangements and the thrilling performances here are amazing. While the drum machines and the doomy atmosphere of their self-titled debut have remained, DCD's overall sound embraces unfamiliar approaches for an essentially rock-based band: European medieval music, featuring Gregorian chants, Celtic, and neo-Gothic. Lisa Gerrard takes a larger share of the vocal turns here than on DCD's debut. Nearly every song has a particular element or edge to it, making it immediately attractive and fascinating, just listen to the majestic trombones of "Ascension", the pulsating dance beats of "Mesmerism", the booming, primeval bass drums of "Enigma..", or the crystalline synths of "Advent". Always employed with rare skill and grace, the medieval elements of this album evoke a deeply touching, ecstatic mood without ever sounding trashy or unfocused. Maybe "Spleen and ideal" is not DCD's most popular album (many fans prefer the follow-up "Within the realm.." or DCD's commercial breakthrough "Into the labyrinth"), but I think the band hasn't sounded so severe and powerful on other releases.

...well, toward the Dead Can Dance sound, I suppose. This release was the beginning of DCD's move away from the 'typical' 4AD label sound of darkish, goth-pop-styled music and atmospherics to begin to craft a sound that took advantage of a multitude of musical influences. And you do see some of this, particularly Western classical directions, starting to make major impacts here and there on this album. But by and large, there's still a lot of that 4AD feel here as well. A mixed bag, albeit a very well-done one. But I'd suggest skipping this, going on to the next album ("Within the Realm of a Dying Sun"), then coming back here if that clicks with you.

This was my first DCD album and I originally didn't care for it much. Since then I've bought and grown to love their other works and Spleen & Ideal is now my favourite. No other album stirs the emotions and conjures images from a previous time in the same way. Takes a bit of getting used to, but it's worth it!

It was the late 80s, I walked into a funky little record store in Cleveland, Ohio searching for 'something different'. I told the owner what I liked, and he said try this -- you'll love it. He handed me Spleen and Ideal. Wierd cover, I thought. But, I bought it, and have never looked back except to say "Thanks Dude!" I now have all of the DCD CDs.

I played this album constantly while I wrote some software that changed my life.

Warning: For people of passion only.

Dead Can Dance has over the years continuously put out incredibly powerful and moving music. Whether singing in old tongues or playing medievil instruments, to their more "modern" songs playing an acoustic guitar and actually singing in english, over and over Brendan and Lisa hit right to the heart. This album is one of their greatests, although each has a significantly different aspect and style.

I am putting in this simple review to help move up this album's ranking. Transitional period my a** - this album is IMO their pinnacle. It all goes downhill from here, although DCD's next album "Within Realm..." is another great piece of work. It may take a few repeated listens to get into, but is definately worth it.

This album reflects a definite transitional period for Dead Can Dance. A little boring, a little overdone... still good but not quite there yet.