The Big Pink - 'Tonight'
ChartBloggerers, you join us at a very delicate moment; things are in balance, choices are about to be made, important choices that will change (some) people's lives forever more. There's no doubt about it, things are about to change, and it's not clear which path fate is going to decide to saunter along, whilstling giddily like a sailor on shore leave. The times are pregnant with possibility, and we don't yet know if the baby's gonna be a boy, or a girl, or a warthog.
I'm not talking about the election, you understand, this is FAR more important than silly old politics. I'm worried about how the Big Pink are going to survive in the big world, now they've shot their TV-ad bolt.
(You can hear the song on their , which probably says something significant.)
So far, they've had a No.27 hit with 'Dominoes', and what seems to have been a failed stab at consolidation, when 'Velvet' was re-released a short while ago. And if you were of a cynical frame of mind, you could argue that 'Dominoes' only did as well as it did because it was featured on TV. So, the question is, do the band have what it takes to become the BIG Pink, or just they just a little blush?
Well, as befits such a precariously balanced moment, 'Tonight' contains evidence which points in both directions at once.
On the plus side, howling guitars, laden with feedback, are never an unwelcome thing (unless you're trying to get some sleep). The verses are kind of perfect, as a stripped-back launchpad for the big chorus moment. And they're pleasingly all-over-the-place too, as the fuzz-bass wanders in and out, and the drummer throws a few scattershot thwacks in, just to keep you on your toes. The tune's cute too, in a pleading sort of way.
There again, the monolithic enormity and bug-eyed drama of the "TONIGHT! YOU TAKE A PART OF MY LIFE!" chorus can get a little wearing. Yes it's the principal hook of the song, yes it's the bit where all the squalling elements coalesce around an electronic tambourine, yes it's the bit where everything is supposed to make sense, and indeed it does.
But I can't be the only one who, after repeated exposure, wants to yell "OH CALM DOWN YOU BIG EMO JESSIE" and put on something with a bit of humour and warmth to it.
Whether this means they are bound for ruin or about to take over the world is for you, the great British public to decide. Don't let them down!
Download: Out now
CD Released: April 26th
´óÏó´«Ã½ Music page
(Fraser McAlpine)
Comment number 1.
At 22nd Apr 2010, spirit wrote:Regarding the Election , there is another leaders , televised debate "tonight ".
Sorry Big Pink , Dominoes remains your catchiest chorus and your biggest hit .
Look forward to the next album .
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Comment number 2.
At 22nd Apr 2010, BloggingLiam wrote:Review is spot on..
I have no idea why NME raved so much about these guys. They have very little new or particuarly original. Sure 'Doninos' was catchy, but catchy does not = good. It had its plus points. 'Velvet' was a complete non-track and conseqently didn't impact on the charts.
This track is similar. I prefere it to 'Dominos' .. but its got annoying bits and after a couple of listens it's dull.
Move on The Big Pink.
(Is the first album actually worth listening to Spirit?)
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Comment number 3.
At 22nd Apr 2010, jonesybcfc wrote:Silly name aswell. Sorry TBP, your time is up. Drive your pedalo back to the dock.
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Comment number 4.
At 12th Jan 2011, U14750494 wrote:This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.
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