Joy 1967–1990

Joy 1967-1990
Studio album by Ultra Vivid Scene
Released May 7, 1990
Recorded First Protocol, London, November 1989[1]
Genre Alternative rock
Length 42:16
Language English
Label 4AD
Producer Hugh Jones
Ultra Vivid Scene chronology
Ultra Vivid Scene
(1988)		 Joy 1967-1990
(1990)		 Rev
(1992)
Singles from Joy 1967-1990
  1. "Staring at the Sun"
    Released: April 9, 1990
  2. "Special One"
    Released: November 12, 1990

Joy 1967–1990 is the second album by Ultra Vivid Scene, released in 1990.

Recording and release

After finding moderate success with his self-produced solo effort Ultra Vivid Scene, Kurt Ralske returned to the studio in November 1989 to record a follow-up. This time, Ralske brought in producer Hugh Jones, who had previously worked with Echo & the Bunnymen, Modern English, and The Damned, and a handful of session musicians. Two songs featured guest performances: "Special One," with vocals by Kim Deal of the Pixies, and "Beauty #2", with pedal steel work by B.J. Cole. According to Ralske, the title Joy 1967-1990 was intended to be a tombstone inscription.[1]

Upon completion of the album, Ralske recruited a full band consisting of Collin Rae on guitar, Byron Guthrie on drums, and Josephine Wiggs on bass, allowing Ultra Vivid Scene to go on tour for the first time in the spring of 1990.[2]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[3]

The album debuted on May 7, 1990, to generally positive reviews. Writing for the Chicago Tribune, Bill Wyman described Joy as a "dizzying, insular tour de force" and awarded it three out of four stars.[4] Karen Schoemer's brief writeup in the New York Times concluded that the album "at times seems too contrived, but Mr. Ralske's own joy in the sounds he creates is irresistible."[5] In the Telegram & Gazette, Craig Semon wrote "Even though consistency and clarity are not the band's strong points, Ralske and his bandmates deliver an interesting if not well-wrapped package in 'Joy 1967-1990.'"[6] Allmusic praised "the gossamer web of acoustic and electronic instruments and Ralske's knack for melodies" but found fault with the "dopey lyrics".[1]

Track listing

  1. "It Happens Every Time" – 3:18
  2. "Staring at the Sun" – 2:47
  3. "Three Stars" – 3:19
  4. "Special One" – 3:15
  5. "Grey Turns White" – 3:18
  6. "Poison" – 3:41
  7. "Guilty Pleasure" – 3:29
  8. "Extra Ordinary" – 3:51
  9. "Beauty #2" – 3:59
  10. "The Kindest Cut" – 3:09
  11. "Praise the Low" – 3:21
  12. "Lightning" – 4:45

Singles

Personnel

Charts

Album

Chart Peak
position
UK Albums Chart[7] 58

Singles

Single Chart Peak
position
It Happens Every Time Billboard Modern Rock Tracks[8] 19
Special One Billboard Modern Rock Tracks[9] 14
Staring at the Sun Billboard Modern Rock Tracks[10] 25
UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[11] 97

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Joy: 1967-1990". Allmusic. Retrieved 8 August 2010.
  2. ↑ Righi, Len (September 22, 1990). "For Ultra Vivid Scene, Problems Lead to Joy". The Morning Call (Allentown, PA). p. A60.
  3. ↑ Allmusic review
  4. ↑ Wyman, Bill (June 7, 1990). "Ultra Vivid Scene: Joy 1967-1990". Chicago Tribune (IL). p. 17D.
  5. ↑ Schoemer, Karen (July 22, 1990). "Ultra Vivid Scene: 'Joy 1967-90'". New York Times (NY). p. 27.
  6. ↑ Semon, Craig (September 16, 1990). "Ultra Vivid Scene's 'Joy' Teeters on the Edge". Telegram & Gazette (Worcester, MA). p. 11.
  7. ↑ "Ultra Vivid Scene". Official Charts. Retrieved 8 August 2010.
  8. ↑ "It Happens Every Time - Ultra Vivid Scene". Billboard. Retrieved 8 August 2010.
  9. ↑ "Special One - Ultra Vivid Scene". Billboard. Retrieved 8 August 2010.
  10. ↑ "Staring at the Sun - Ultra Vivid Scene". Billboard. Retrieved 8 August 2010.
  11. ↑ "Ultra Vivid Scene: Artist Chart History" Official Charts Company.
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