Of all of the albums I’ve loved this year, this is the one where the relationship began with less than amorous intent. Sure, I liked it. Hell, I couldn’t help but admire it. But upon first listen it neither knocked me down with bloody-minded violence, nor stole my heart by baring its soul, nor made me giggle as it leered at passing trade with crazy lust filled eyes.
And you sort of expect a Bad Seeds record to do at least one of those things. But Push The Sky away is bigger (and better) than that. Quietly experimental, subtly bold and more than capable of implanting itself so firmly in your consciousness that you find you want to listen to little else.
You can argue about the influence of Warren Ellis. You can argue about whether or not Higgs Boson Blues foretold one of the cultural events of the year (but only if you maintain doing “the African Savanna” is an allegory for shaking your arse against a twat during the MTV Awards). What you can’t argue with is the majestic confidence with which it unfolds. From the majestic fable of Jubilee Street to the final downtempo reflections of the title track, Push The Sky Away is witty, pensive, beautiful and above all else, brilliant.
– Tim Lee
What we said: “As he moves into the ‘elder statesman’ era of his career, this spectral, minimal atmosphere certainly suits that famous voice. The Bad Seeds, like any good band, are constantly evolving and growing. Push The Sky Away demonstrates that even in his 30th year in the business, nobody delivers a lyric quite like Nick Cave.” – John Murphy
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds MP3s or CDs
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds on Spotify
