Clan of Xymox - Medusa

Digitally remastered reissue of the Dutch alternative act's 1986 & second album for 4AD. Equally as rewarding as their label debut, it contains the original album's 10 tracks, plus three tracks on CD for the first time ever, all of the cuts from their final 4AD release, the 1987 'Blind Hearts' 12 inch EP. Bonus tracks are 'Blind Hearts', 'A Million Things' & 'Scum'. 13 tracks total. 1999 release. NOTE: the versions of 'Blind Hearts' & 'A Million Things' are different than those that appeared on their 1989 album 'Twist Of Shadows'. Album Description

This could have been a lot better.

The old school wall of sound firmly drowns out most of the vocals leaving me having to read along, which greatly diminishes the quality of this album. It has a cold icy feeling combined with a dark moodiness, which I appreciate, but.. I need lyrics I can understand. June 17, 2008

One of the greatest of its time... and even now

For readers who did not grow up in the 80's but like this genre of music, this is the prototype ... or at least should have been , for darkwave/goth of the 80's and beyond. No other band has been able to match the songcrafting of this cd and the prior release. This was their greatest period (from 1985-1987). I was lucky to see them live once and the music still held up live. "Back Door" and "Louise" are the standouts, with the former song being almost orchestral in its layers of sound and arrangement. Dont let the eyeliner and pancake makeup fool you, this is true art. April 18, 2007

Xymox's greatest work

I bought this album on vinyl the day it came out in the fall of 1986 (along with PURITY by THE ESSENCE!) and from the moment I put it on, I was enchanted. I had their first album and NO HUMAN CAN DROWN was blasting through my cassette walkman every day but this album supassed everything else I had heard from any other band and still does! The 84-89 lineup of Xymox were very talented individuals. Ronny Moorings(the only origianl member left today and the singer/ guitarist), Pieter Nooten-keys, and Anke Wolbert-bass blended big strings, eerie choir, synths, guitar and drum machine in a way that cannot be matched. BTW, if you like the ambient side of Xymox, PLEASE check out the Pieter Nooten/Michael Brook album SLEEPS WITH THE FISHES. There are a few Xymox songs on it and it is very close in mood to Medusa, almost like an instrumental expansion and an excellent soundscape fore a rainy or dark and cold day. Back to Medusa.

1. Theme I-Very good instrumental opening wchich sets the mood for the rest of the album

2. Medusa-Oh man! Very cool dreamy bridge in the middle, very cool drum programming

3. Michelle-A bit on the dancy side and maybe a little psychedelic influence. Nice acousitc rhythn.

4. Theme II-Animal sounds, a woman yelling and orchestral strings?? Instrumental.

5. Louise-Fans agree, one of the best Xymox songs ever. Beautiful string intro, use of choir and acoustic guitar. Also, a very cool line "My heart use to beat, now it only weeps." Ahh Ronny...

6. Lorretine-The third and last instrumental. Very ambient. A little closer to some of Ronny's newer Xymox instrumentals.

7. Agonised by Love-The title says it all. Very grey with another very cool bridge with the drum machine.

8. Masquerade-Anke sings on this one. (My second fave! on Medusa) This song primarily consists of vocals, strings, drum machine and bass. The bridge and ending have some very beautiful synth worked into it.

9. After the Call-A Piter Nooten tune all the way plus he sings on it. Almost kind of New Agey with big strings and choir and timpany and snare. The SLEEPS WITH THE FISHES version is almost as cool

10. Back Door-A darwave classic. When I think of classic Xymox sound with all three members, this is one of the top ones. Cool guitar, excellent bass and amazing strings and choir again!! Very cool ending to an amazing timeless album

There were no singles for Medusa and for a teenage darksider, I needed more. Well, finally in 87, Medusa re-recorded Muccoviet Musquito which appeared on the Lonely Is An Eyesore. very much in the same mood as Medusa. Then in 88, they released the Blind Hearts 12" which is included on the newer versions of Medusa.

11. Blind Hearts [*]-I was very dissapointed with the female backup vocals on Blind Hearts but it's stilla cool tune.

12. Million Things [*]- I love A Million things and this version has a long cool string intro that isn't on the TWIST OF SHADOWS release. This song is probably the bridge between the two albums soundwise..

13. Scum [*]- Another reviewer said it was dancy. I guess it is. Not quite my sound of music.

There really is not another album like this out there. Twist of Shadows is a great album but Medusa jsut has 'that' sound. It's not only the mood but the musicianship is far above average. I have not heard anyone play bass like Anke, something to listen for and areal treat. If you like Medusa, please check out what The Cocteau Twins, X-Mal Deutschland, Dead Can Dance, what other 4AD labelmates were doing around that time, Tess Records (my band AUTUMN was on Tess for a short period with Xymox!) and Project Records. October 16, 2006

An excellent album

An excellent album, and a great novilty in 1986. its a great mix of very mellow, atmospheric tracks, and more upbeat electronica ones (what the sisters would like to have done but didn't). For me Michelle and Back Door are the best tracks. It is also just worth a listen for the slightly bizarre track Theme II with the woman screaming (or shrieking it's hard to describe), but completely in tune. Very strange. January 30, 2006

A Beautiful Escape

I can honestly say that I have never heard more beautiful and sensual music. I feel like I am on another planet when I listen to Xymox, especially to their album 'Medusa'. You must at least take time to listen to any music samples! You'll be hooked fast! September 1, 2005

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