My Bloody Valentine: Loveless (Import) Vinyl LP

Official import pressing of MBV's Loveless! Vintage Lab review:

Trends move fast, and the whole 80s revival has been waning for a while now. We here in NYC are moving forward into the 90s and beginning to revisit shoegaze music. You can go out in Williamsburg and catch a whole live bill of the stuff, but I believe in checking the originators and innovators, which is where My Bloody Valentine comes in. Back in 1991, they somehow managed to attract me at a time when it was almost impossible to get me to stray from the righteous path of hip hop, hardcore, and Slayer - succeeding where Lush, Ride, and Curve had failed. "Only Shallow" is a perfect example of their steelo. The drum rolls sound like someone is emptying a Glock, and the guitar sounds like it's wired with 220 volt cables. You could almost miss it, glance over the brilliance thinking it's just more music for that cousin of yours that carved his girlfriend's name in his arm at Thanksgiving. Give "Touched" a listen to get an idea of the incredible harmonics that these guys managed to pull. It reminds me of those flexible National Geographic records you used to get, the sound of whales fucking or something. Every single song is a standout here especially "I Only Said" and "Soon." "Blown a Wish" is a great example of more typical shoegaze ish. One of my favorite rock records of all time, recommended.

• black vinyl pressing
• UK import
• gatefold sleeve
• digital download included
• limited edition
• catalog #: REWIGLP159
• original release year: 1991
• music label: Domino 2021

reviewed by Luke the DA 10/2005