One record at a time: 121. Erasure - Loveboat

I own the original pressing of Erasure's "Loveboat" along with the 2016 re-issue and a test pressing. I won the the test pressing in a random draw and feel lucky to own it. Well, when I say that, I think I feel lucky to own the object, but the music on this record bemuses me. 

When I originally bought this album back in 2000 I put it in my car CD player and was alarmed to find my speakers had blown out. Or at least that's what it sounded like. The music was distorted, EQ-ed with far too much bass and was a complete mess. When I listened to the CD at home I was shocked to find there was no fault with my car and that this sound was intentional.

This album is a fine example of Erasure's penchant for committing commercial suicide. Many bands are susceptible to this behaviour, but Erasure specialise in finding new ways of going down the dumper. Whilst "Loveboat " didn't represent the bottom of the barrel, it wasn't far off.

Personally, I don't think there is much merit in the songs here and the lo-fi production techniques only detract further. For electronic music fans the coup de grâce is delivered by the heavy handed use of acoustic guitars. Such a disappointment. 1/5