Echo and The Bunnymen - Stormy Weather

This single serves as a bitter irony. It appears that 26 year veteran Ian McCulloch has been usurped by former disciple Chris Martin and now has had to bow down to Coldplay to restore the Bunnymen's fading acumen. This is most evident on the soaring b-side piano ballad which featured Martin-esque lyrics and vocal mannerisms…thankfully; however, the old Echo charm finds its way into this single, reminding me of the band's eponymous record from 1987, except with far better modern production and the feeling of reflection. To be frank, I can't understand for the life of me why this single (and the album Siberia) got such a critical mauling…yes it could be argued that it's not an advancement for EATB but considering that there's only two original Bunnymen left in the line-up, then it's time to appreciate such good stuff. Messer's Chaplin, Rice-Oxley, Smith and company had better take notes. The master's back in town.

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