The Jesus and Mary Chain
Glasgow Eyes
(Fuzz Club)
3/5
The Jesus and Mary Chain are a Scottish alternative rock band formed in 1983, gaining critical acclaim from their debut 1985 album Psychocandy. I have mixed feelings on their new album, Glasgow Eyes.
I would describe it as ‘80s electronic pop rock with modern production. The highlights are the fun electro-pop elements in “jamcod” and the pleasant droning atmosphere of “Mediterranean X Film” and “Pure Poor.”
The dealbreaker, however, is “The Eagles and The Beatles.” It’s a worse “Beverly Hills” by Weezer, which is a worse “I Love Rock ‘N Roll” by Joan Jett.
Overall, the album reeks of a mid-life crisis. The experimental, noisy electronic elements are pretentious at worst and mildly interesting at best. I do enjoy them in “Venal Joy” and the intro to “jamcod,” but it’s hit or miss.
Glasgow Eyes does have catchy songs, so if that’s what you’re looking for, that’s great. I just wish it was more inspired and honest, less commercial and unconsciously spat out.