In June 2011, Peter Murphy released his first solo album in roughly seven years (following the rather unfortunate Unshattered, which by all accounts would have been better named Shattered). It being his ninth full length album, he decided to aptly name it Ninth.
In some ways, Ninth departs from the "typical" Peter Murphy sound. It has a more raw feeling, and as Peter has said in interviews before and on his Twitter, it is much like "a lion pissing on its territory." Well done, sir. Mission accomplished.
While deviating from the usual sound we've come to recognize, enjoy, and absolutely love, Ninth is by no means such a deviation that could be called a flop. Rather, it falls into that rare category of "change is actually very good."
This latest opus from the "Godfather of Goth" begins with track "Velocity Bird." An interesting lyric repeats in the song: "Be yourself if you want to be me." Somehow Peter figured out we secretly want to be like him. Well done, sir. But in all seriousness, it's a great song and a favorite when performed live.
The second song actually became the second single from the album, "Seesaw Sway." A gorgeous song accompanied with an even better music video. I've always yearned for Peter to "go back to basics" in terms of music videos and give us one with shots primarily of the band performing. My wish has finally been answered. There are days when I wonder if somehow we're linked psychically. No joke.
The third track is my personal favorite, "Peace to Each." A fairly heavy song and perhaps the most "goth-y" sounding (with a change in lyrics, I could see this as being a Bauhaus song...unlike anything that comprised Go Away White, but that's another discussion entirely). As the title may suggest, this is a song about peace. Just absolutely addicting from the beginning.
Next is "I Spit Roses," the first single from the album. The story behind this song is great and so fitting. Bauhaus was always a theatrical band. In many ways. Theatrical in their songs. Theatrical in their appearance. Theatrical in their stage presence. And, apparently, theatrical in real life with the way they reacted to each other. Bauhaus originally disbanded in 1983 as the four members reached points in which each wanted the band to go their way. It broke rather abruptly as most people say. It wasn't until 1998 that a reunion tour became reality. And much like before, things quickly fell apart afterwards. 2006 saw the recording of the rather unfortunate Go Away White album with only minimal touring in 2008 before again it all fell apart...and probably for good at this point. Where this song comes in at is that in the last round of getting back together and falling apart, apparently words were said, and Peter Murphy being well...Peter Murphy, decided actions really did speak louder than words. He literally grabbed some roses nearby, put them in his mouth, and spit them at the others. So, this song is written to sort of immortalize that moment and prove that yes, actions are mightier than words. And no, I'm not making this up. He's given this explanation for the song in several interviews and mentioned it before performing it in Austin at The Moody Theater in November 2011. Another great song with soaring vocals (literally) and a very artistic music video. I can't help myself though. I laugh hysterically every time the octopus saves Dark Captain Peter Murphy from the jinn shadow (I call it a jinn shadow...not sure if that was the intent) and the captain just looks back behind him like "lolwut just happenedz???" You'll see.
The fifth track, "The Prince and Old Lady Shade" has easily become my second favorite track. Maybe I'm biased with the gorgeous violin that starts the song (I'm a violinist myself). Maybe I'm biased because a lyric goes "...a friend of the jinn!" and that immediately tickles my Islamic faith and makes me search for deeper meaning to that song. Whatever it is, it's a damn good song.
The rest of the album, while good, starts to sound rather similar to me. I wouldn't dismiss it, but the remainder of the album doesn't particularly stick out to me. Until the end.
The final song is "Creme de la Creme." This is a song that has started to give me shivers when I hear it. A grand way to finish the album. The piano that accompanies is absolutely stunning. Honestly, there may not be words to describe how great this song is.
Overall, Ninth is an album that has had to grow on me. However, in my experience, an album that must first prove itself to me after many listens is certainly an album worth listening. It takes time for the discreet nuances to become apparent and for deep music to speak to the soul. Keep doing what you do best Peter Murphy. I'll follow you every step of the way.
Rating: 4.5 of 5
More information: Official Peter Murphy Website
