MIKE + THE MECHANICS - Out Of The Blue (5th April) - review online

I'm not sure about 'awkward' or that your EP suggestion would be any more preferable. But it doesn't sound especially enticing. It's a fairly classic example of an artist with little left in the tank. They've managed to knock together 3 new songs and decided that if they redo some old ones as well that'll feel new enough to justify an album to go alongside the tour.

Well, I won't be buying it. I will purchase the new songs on iTunes. Very disappointing.

Quote from Backdrifter

I'm not sure about 'awkward' or that your EP suggestion would be any more preferable. But it doesn't sound especially enticing. It's a fairly classic example of an artist with little left in the tank. They've managed to knock together 3 new songs and decided that if they redo some old ones as well that'll feel new enough to justify an album to go alongside the tour.

It’s hard to disagree with this assessment. Maybe 3 new songs aren’t enough for an EP but surely they could be released as standalone tracks that fans can buy as digital downloads. The concept of this album does sound a bit mercenary.

You'd think an artist with nothing left to prove might indulge his more er... arty yearnings and go all Mike Oldfied (or sumthin) on us.

I suppose MR has finally become what he strove to be for the past few decades and, thruthfully, has nothing left... in that particular tank.

And to think, Mr Rutherford gave up on Genesis to focus solely on the Mechanics.

Quote from StillCan'tDance

And to think, Mr Rutherford gave up on Genesis to focus solely on the Mechanics.

Have to say, M&M is my least favourite of all the band members works, that appeared in Genesis. I gave some M&M ago, but nothing really grabbed me at all.

Last decent album was Beggars on a Beach of Gold. The albums from then imho ranged from very bland to poor. Since Paul C left it's been a bit downhill and new vocalist just doesn't do anything for me. Again, he has a voice but with mediocre songs anyone would struggle.

Surprised me a bit ... only three new tracks. But in the end I didn't really care about this album and never bought it, only the three digital tracks.

Let me fly was ok, but my favorite was more The road.

To me it feels it's their last one. Strange feeling, it wasn't good when they put put Rewired (is this their last albums?) and it's not better now.