The Other Two - Superhighways [Single] (CD)

Super Highways to Joy

By ivlenk  Sep 17, 2004

Pros: Richly blended guitar and electronic sounds with smooth female vocals

Cons: A couple long drawn out and odd instrumental concept tracks

You can fly, if you have forgotten, The Other Two will remind you on their 1999 guide to healing and victory known as "Super Highways". It is a 12 track CD album featuring Gillian Gilbert and Stephen Morris who are "The Other Two"...; members of the industry icon New Order. They are a husband and wife team with extensive experience ranging from the 70's punk days of Joy Division, through the pop dance glory days of the 80's, to the rock alternative 90's. On this effort, They do what other New Order splitters have been doing, they invite guests artist and authors in to shake things up. Melanie Williams co-wrote and performed on a few tracks. It is nice to hear a different voice, though one can never seem to get enough of Gillian's honest, silky, intimate and mellow resonances. Also, some perfectly blended guitar tracks appear from guest artists. The Other Two carry the melancholly torch on this album, demostrating that their spirit is part of the core formula that made New Order wonderful. Yet this album stands on its own, making the band feel like a entity unto itsself, taking its own parking place in the geosynchronous orbit that pans across the stars. Some tracks are rather up-beat and positive! Apparently, deep dark artists are not afraid to be happy sometimes. My favorite tracks are "Super Highways" where losing is a beginning. "The River" which is erotic and redeeming all at once. "Cold Feet" which will make you want to polish the harwood floors of your apartment with your socks. "Hello" which is a motivating lift to anyone who needs one. It also contains some subtle humor, cool lyrics and perfect guitar solo for the "electro-dance with melodies" sort of music this is. "Wierd Woman" is an excellent song that starts with acoustic guitar and Gillian singing and end includes some tricky beats. This song is a tender, sad and very touching song which is crafted in such a way as to show off the vast heritage of acoustic and electronic blend that marks the careers of these artists. It almost says, "yes we can make the best techno in the world and use it carry a nice acoustic guitar song". This album has kept my interest over almost 5 years that I have had it. I wish I had a new album from The Other Two every couple of years. Read more Less