The Icicle Works: Blind (1988)

The US version of The Icicle Works' fourth LP (the one I have) is radically different from the original UK, and other versions. The artwork is different, the track listing is different, and even some of the edits are different.  

Blind has a different sound, as the band clearly moved away from new wave to something else. It's not bad. I think the word different describes everything about this record.

The Icicle Works: If You Want To Defeat Your Enemy Sing His Song (1987)

My Canadian pressing of this record was bundled with a 12" bonus sampler. The bonus LP contains two tracks each from The Icicle Works, Pierce Turner, The Go-Betweens, and Passion Fodder. Both tracks from The Icicle Works appear on the record, so that is odd. Wicklow Hills from Pierce Turner really brings back the memories. It is a really great song.

Again, I think I can say that this is not as good as the debut record, but it's a fine record. Understanding Jane was a hit, as I recall.

The Icicle Works: Seven Horses Deep (1985)

Until I read the Wikipedia entry for this band, I never knew that they were named after a short story by Frederik Pohl called "The Day the Icicle Works Closed."

There is not blockbuster hit on this EP, but all of the tracks are fine. Oddly, the UK pressing is entitled Seven Horses, while the Canadian pressing, in a gatefold sleeve, carries the title Seven Horses Deep.

Deep Side

Seven Horses
Beggars Legacy
Goin' Back

Wide Side

All The Daughters (Of Her Father's House)
(Let's Go) Down To The River

The Icicle Works: The Small Price of a Bicycle (1985)

Somehow, I have the first UK pressing of the sophomore efforts from TIW. I think that's because, for some reason, it was not released in Canada. No, it is not as good as the first. There's more big guitars and big vocals here, but the songs aren't quite as good as the first record.

The Icicle Works: The Icicle Works (1984)

If you know a track from this LP, it's likely Birds Fly (Whisper To A Scream), but there are other great tunes, like the aforementioned Love is a Wonderful Colour and Chop the Tree, for example.

There is some great drumming in Birds Fly, and the lyrics are pretty good too:

Love come down upon us till you flow like water
Burning with the hope of insight
Feathered, look they're covered with a bright elation
Stolen in the sight of love

We are, we are, we are but your children
Finding our way around indecision
We are, we are, we are rather helpless
Take us forever, a whisper to a scream

Birds fly in the eyes of the faithless daughter
Broken at the bitter end

Wasted sacrificed for a new nirvana
Nighttime sends us on our way

We are, we are, we are but your children
Finding our way around indecision
We are, we are, we are rather helpless
Take us forever a whisper to a scream

I would rate this as a really good debut record, with some solid tracks. The UK pressing has a different cover from the Canadian pressing, of course.

The Icicle Works: Love is a Wonderful Colour (1983)

This promotional Canadian 12" single contains two versions of Love is a Wonderful Colour, the album version and the long version. The long version is like the album version, only longer :)