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View Full Version : Album Club - Week 70: 04.12.2012 - Massive Attack - Blue Lines (1991)



Alex_UK
04-12-2012, 23:06
Album Club - Week 70: 04.12.2012 - Massive Attack - Blue Lines (1991)
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Yd8qiqQgL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
http://open.spotify.com/album/5mAPk4qeNqVLtNydaWbWlf

http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/11/album-review-massive-attack-blue-lines-reissue/

From Wikepedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Lines): "Blue Lines is generally considered the first trip hop album, although the term was not widely used before circa 1994. The album was a success in the United Kingdom, reaching #13 in the albums chart; sales were limited elsewhere. A fusion of electronic music, hip hop, dub, '70s soul and reggae, the album established Massive Attack as one of the most innovative British bands of the 1990s and the founder of trip hop's Bristol Sound."

Pulled from the reserve list, but coincidentally rather timely as it has just been remastered for its 21st Birthday - I've yet to hear the new version, so if you know and love this album then you might be in for a new take on it too - if not, it will be very interesting to see what you think as a newcomer to it. :)

UV101
05-12-2012, 00:07
Fairly sure I Saw these supporting electronic at wembly (halls round the back of the arena, cant even remember what the venue was called now) back around 90. Always meant to pick this album up but never did.

I guess now is the time!!!:)

snapper
05-12-2012, 00:42
Loved it when it came out, but only had the seedy. Got a new sealed original vinyl copy last week, played everyday since. Sounds wonderful.

9/10 from me.

MartinT
05-12-2012, 10:00
I have it on minty vinyl. Will dig it out and play it again before commenting.

daytona600
06-12-2012, 15:23
anybody heard the new 24/96 remix versions yet

MartinT
06-12-2012, 18:26
It was good reminding myself of how Blue Lines sounds as I'm so much more used to Mezzanine. It's a real mixture of styles, with some lovely rhythms, great singing and emotive beats. There's a little too much rap in it (any rap is too much for me), but other than that it indicates a lot of the direction they would take into melodic trip-hop.

8/10 from me.

Bazil
07-12-2012, 17:26
I've got Mezzanine and a Best of album, I've not actually heard Blue Lines, not sure if its worth me buying it . I'll give it a couple of goes on Spotty.

Audioman
08-12-2012, 14:01
Some tracks are rather to Rappy for me. The production and choice of guest vocalists exceeds the musical content but 'Unfinished Sympathy' probably elevates it a couple marks. 7/10.

WAD62
08-12-2012, 16:09
Superb band, superb album...:)

10 out of 10 for me!

I've probably seen them more the 15 or so times, and have everything they've ever produced, remixed, or been involved with...the only downside being 100th window

I remember turning on MTV late one night back in '91 just as the video for 'Be Thankful' came on...that was a shock to the senses!!! It certainly had the desired effect...they've been a favourite of mine ever since ;)

Saw them last at the 2010 big chill, with mushroom back in the fold...magnificent

Just cued it up to play next :cool::cool::cool:

P.S. Remaster ordered...will report back!

WAD62
17-12-2012, 08:16
...been listening to the remixed/remastered version for a few days now, definitely worth the investment...if you like the original of course ;)

They've dusted off the original tapes and completely remixed the album again, they've also released a 24/96 version, but that's only available as part of the full vinyl package...

Bazil
20-12-2012, 11:07
Played it a few times now, not what I expected. Unfinished Sympathy appears out of place on this album, as I mentioned earlier I have Mezzanine and I thought this would be similar.
Its totally different and not really my thing but a pleasant listen and I did like the last track Hymn of the Big Wheel. 7/10

DSJR
20-12-2012, 12:19
Love the three first albums, but not sure how the massive bass would transfer to vinyl without a load being removed - too many squiggly grooves and jumping styli IMO.

Best to hear these on the digital platform they were probably made on I reckon...

MartinT
20-12-2012, 16:04
The vinyl version tracks just fine, Dave.

Canetoad
25-12-2012, 11:33
Not really my thing but it wasn't too bad. I'll give it a 7. :)

RichB
29-12-2012, 15:14
Cant believe I hadnt voted on this already, it gets a 7 from me as I ultimately prefer Protection and Mezzanine. Still a classic album though which is suffering from overplay for me these days.

Pete The Cat
31-12-2012, 16:55
Likewise I prefer Protection and Mezzanine, probably because they have a more clinical edge that suits my modern rock leanings. Nonetheless no home should be without it.

Pete

slate
04-01-2013, 01:07
Blue lines, Protection and Mezzanine... 3 classics in my book -> 10

synsei
04-01-2013, 04:28
Protection and Mezzanine are okay but Blue Lines IS Massive Attack for me. I've only ever owned it on cassette (I still have it but can't play it these days as I don't own a cassette deck). I need to try and source a decent vinyl copy from somewhere. 10/10 from me... :cool:

MartinT
04-01-2013, 06:18
Protection and Mezzanine are okay

Mezzanine? Ok? :eek:
Possibly THE album to represent all of the trip-hop genre :)

daytona600
05-01-2013, 08:32
you can get the 24/96 version for 15euros from qobuz
streamed the 16/44 flac and it sounds very nice

http://www.qobuz.com/album/blue-lines-2012-mix-master-massive-attack/5099923203853