The Bottom Line: Rich, emotional, diverse. Just three of millions of words that could be used to describe Dog Man Star. The most useful word would be "perfect."
lambchops's Full Review: Dog Man Star [US Bonus Track] by Suede
Q:
What do you get when you combine an early David Bowie with Geoff Tate (of Queensryche) and toss in a little R.E.M. for good measure?
A:
A four-member British band that helped to revolutionize the music industry in the mid 1990’s...London Suede better known simply as Suede.
Named after the Morrissey song Suedehead, the band formed in 1989. After a few years in the business, Suede would finally release their first single. The Drowners was a lukewarm hit and received largely positive reviews. Increasingly popular singles followed and the band’s 1993 eponymous first album debuted on the charts in the number one position. Suede became a sensation in Britain, even winning awards for their work.
Suede became London Suede following a lawsuit and under that pseudonym released their sophomore effort�’s Dog Man Star. Featuring the vocals of Brett Anderson, guitars from Bernard Butler, Simon Gilbert’s drums, and Mat Osman’s bass the album was hailed by critics although was largely ignored by buyers. In America, few people ever were awarded the opportunity to hear the brilliance that is Dog Man Star.
During the recording of the album, songwriters and founding band mates Anderson and Butler fought. Anderson’s lyrics are shrouded with the darkness of the situation and were also likely influenced by his purposeful seclusion and drug use. Butler left Suede before the album was fully recorded. The Nude/Columbia release hit shelves in October to critical fanfare. The overwhelming support of Dog Man Star on the whole and each of the eleven songs was deserved. The lyrics are poetry, the music is innovative and Anderson’s vocals hearken back to those of the aforementioned Bowie and Tate. It is in essence a masterpiece of Brit pop.
Suede’s efforts were theatrical, rich, and round. Their creative juices were thick and luxurious from the first note of Introducing the Band through the final one of Modern Boys. Dog Man Star is a comprehensive vision, beginning to end. The band’s pain and exuberant emotion are evident throughout. I couldn’t have asked for more from an album. It speaks directly to a very dark and lonely place in my heart. Regardless of how strange this album may seem on the first listen or two, it imbeds itself in your head and in the end perfect.
It’s a nearly impossible task to choose my favorite songs. The aching longing of Heroine is lovely. Anderson’s voice is strong, angelic, and pained and the distinctive, hip guitars are amazingly effective. So many different musical elements and layers are present and make up the end vision of the song. Here’s a quick example of Anderson’s melancholic lyrics:
She walks in beauty like the night…
Hypnotizing the silence with her powers
Armageddon is bedding this picture alright
My Marilyn come to slum for an hour
Where this album is truly a standout is in its diversity. Suede refuses to stick to one musical theme or type of melody. Instead, the British band carefully assembles everything from acoustic folk tracks to rockers and everything in between. The contributors to Dog Man Star are quite obviously innately talented. The stomp-rock of New Generation is refreshing. It’s impossible to ignore the infectious, glam groove flawlessly executed throughout.
The songs on this disc feel comfortable and well worn from the first moment you hear them. Whether or not you have any previous knowledge of Suede, their songs don’t come as a surprise. They are representative of the best of Brit pop. Creative, full, and round other songs like This Hollywood Life, Introducing the Band, and The Wild Ones are welcome inclusions. The thought that went into crafting Dog Man Star was long, intense, and intelligent.
The 2 of Us is the last song I feel it necessary to speak directly about. Moody, dark, and hurt lyrics and vocals are executed carefully by Anderson. He’s got a true gift in his voice and lyrics. The man can sing. When accompanied here just by a piano and orchestra he’s never sounded more luminous. Instead of just relying on good music or good lyrics, Suede performs triumphantly and superbly on both counts. Again, I’m impressed by the words:
Lying in my head watching my mistakes
I listen to the band
And the drums beat in my head
Pianos chime the sound in this prison of the house
And as the illness comes again can you hear me through the rain
As I listen to the band?
As I sing the silent song
Mime each lonely word
Please listen to the man he said that it could be the 2 of us
I am in utter awe of Dog Man Star. It was a random purchase on some recommendations. One that I was very unsure about and that I now are grateful for taking to heart. Suede was an unstoppable talent in the mid-1990’s. Some people insist that their debut is more perfect than the album I’ve just reviewed. If that is the case, it is a surefire classic. One that I will certainly pick up within the next little bit.
So. If you call yourself a fan of Brit pop, get yourself out to the store and immediately buy Suede’s Dog Man Star. You won’t be--can’t be--disappointed by this radiant album.
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Track Listing:
1. Introducing the Band
2. We Are the Pigs
3. Heroine
4. The Wild Ones
5. Daddy’s Speeding
6. The Power
7. New Generation
8. This Hollywood Life
9. The 2 of Us
10. Black or Blue
11. The Asphalt World
12. Still Life
13. Modern Boys
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Similar artists to Suede include: Morrissey, Charlatans UK, Radiohead, Mansun, Echo & the Bunnymen, and Americans R.E.M.
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