Quote:
Originally Posted by David
Yep, the alternative stuff seems a lot edgier in the way it’s played. I bet Lindsey started out with trying to put more Law and Order energy into all the tracks, but the band reined him back. Could explain why he was never excited at all about doing the short tour in 1982 — he had been declawed.
He isn’t always right, certainly, but he was right with Mirage. It needed a lot more ferociousness. The tracks were too palatable and too cheesecakey and the critics called it out. Great craft on the album, but way too sugary.
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The three US hits are classics that crystallize the best in FM’s radio-friendly approach. All are “up,” poppy, and airy...with a warmth you don’t hear on the Tango hits.
Beyond those three songs, a pervasive sense of containment flattens the overall experience. Even the more aggressive songs (Empire State, Eyes of the World) beg for a bit more spontaneity, more edge.
The deluxe, alternate version of Only Over You would have improved side one.