Music Apr 23, 2009 at 4:00 am

Yin-Yang Big Bang

Why My Bloody Valentine's Comeback Is a Huge Deal

Dave Segal
Now on year 18 of the Loveless tour.
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Comments

1
Get ready Seattle! I just saw them last night in Austin, TX. Though it seems cliche, I can only describe the show as mindblowing. And if only for the "You Made Me Realize" finale, no matter how tough you think you are, take the free earplugs on offer.
on April 22, 2009 at 12:00 PM Report this
2
Their infamous alchemical bridge is so famous it's IN-famous!
on April 22, 2009 at 12:35 PM Report this
3
I saw them in Chicago last year. I'd seen them in 1992 and expected very little, but it was absolutely phenomenal.
on April 22, 2009 at 4:11 PM Report this
4
I can't wait!!!!
on April 22, 2009 at 6:03 PM Report this
5
Their Chicago show in April of 92 is still the best performance I've ever witnessed, of anything. I knew it at the time, too, something so final about it and historical, it was undeniably a major moment, and I figured then I probably would never see anything to equal it again. Still haven't.
on April 22, 2009 at 8:29 PM Report this
6
You're kidding me, right? Yes, they make great records, but at their peak, The Moore was empty because no one could take the noise and they were sooo incredibly boring. There aren't words for how loud they were. You don't know loud. I expect an even bigger beating with a bigger budget and the crappy din of WaMu center. Sorry kids. I can't save you from yourselves.
on April 22, 2009 at 11:44 PM Report this
7
Loud? Absolutely. Boring? No way. Saw these guys in London last year, one of the most memorable shows I've been to in years. BRING YOUR EARPLUGS. I thought Dinosaur Jr and Sugar were loud--nothing compared to this.
on April 23, 2009 at 5:08 AM Report this
8
I saw them in 1989. They invited me to lunch. We ate gardenburgers. Deb probably doesn't remember me: I was her roommate's penpal when they were living in Hackney.
on April 23, 2009 at 7:22 AM Report this
9
Funny that, I just put Loveless in the car cd player yesterday. I'd love for MBV to put out some new material.
on April 23, 2009 at 7:33 AM Report this
10
Funny that, I just put Loveless in the car cd player yesterday. I'd love for MBV to put out some new material.
on April 23, 2009 at 7:34 AM Report this
11
Oh, lord, I wanna go.

"Loveless" is, indeed, teh awesome.
on April 23, 2009 at 10:23 AM Report this
12
@1 I was there too. Great show. Definitely take earplugs!
on April 23, 2009 at 10:41 AM Report this
13
Seriously that's a pricey show to go to, and the WAMU theater is a less than spectac venue. Spend you can see 10+ local shows for that money--Seattle music lovers you have done your part, stop seeing these expensive shows.
on April 23, 2009 at 11:55 AM Report this
14
MBV = The Beatles or The Velvets at their peak? Dave Segal, have you lost yr effing mind. My Bloody Valentine are a GREAT band, but these comparisons are RIDICULOUS.
on April 23, 2009 at 12:07 PM Report this
15
Re: Comparisons- "Loveless"- Yes, Everything else- No.

I also wonder what would have happened if they had kept releasing, but to diminishing effect. Would the reputation of Loveless have been muddied by the subsequent inferior material, as happens to a lot of bands?
on April 23, 2009 at 3:02 PM Report this
16
Great job covering "Isn't anything" Dave. There are allot of friends of mine who are casual listeners of MBV who have never even heard that album. I think it is their best work and hopefully your words will convince some people to pick it.
on April 24, 2009 at 11:32 AM Report this
17
Great article! You are a man after my own heart and put everything I have always felt for MBV into words perfectly. Love that you got to hang out with them in Detroit! Is that old article online anywhere?

PS I caught the reunion show in San Fran last year and it was amazing. I'm very much looking forward to Monday's Seattle appearance...
on April 25, 2009 at 4:14 PM Report this
18
I saw them play at ATP in New York. Don't forget your earplugs, though for that show they provided professional quality plugs for everyone. The show was intense, and very satisfying after listening to them for years. I hate the WaMu theater, but if anyone can fill that space, MBV can.
on April 25, 2009 at 5:36 PM Report this
19
Sorry, but comparing their output to the prime years of the Beatles and the Velvet Underground is just ridiculous, especially the Beatles. They weren't an iota as revolutionary and unique in their sound, didn't push the envelope nearly as much, didn't record nearly as much diverse music in the same time period. You love 'em, that's cool; but I think you're totally over-exaggerating what they accomplished and their place in history. Whatever, enjoy the show; hope the concrete bunker that is WAMU doesn't ruin it for everyone.....
on April 25, 2009 at 8:38 PM Report this
20
h.Lo: I don't think it's online anywhere, but I still have copies of the zine in which the MBV interview appears. Contact me at dsegal@thestranger.com and we can discuss getting you a copy, if you wish.
on April 26, 2009 at 3:56 PM Report this
21
They all look so happy.
on April 26, 2009 at 7:19 PM Report this
22
They all look so happy.
on April 26, 2009 at 7:23 PM Report this
23
The comparisons are valid, if not more so as their effect on other musicians is what truly matters most. It's like asking people what they think of Tool's 10,000 Days. If people don't like it, chances are that they aren't musicians. However, MBV transcend to a whole different plane. Live, they are equally amazing. I cannot wait to see them tonight.
on April 27, 2009 at 12:35 PM Report this
24
if you were at the show in Seattle tonight ....now you know
on April 28, 2009 at 12:05 AM Report this
25
The viaduct has a lot more to fear from this band's amplifiers than it does from anything else.
on April 28, 2009 at 1:46 AM Report this
26
It was everything promised, but better. Don't know if the YMMR "holocaust" was less or more effective at WaMu, but it was pretty bloody awesome but I pity anyone who thought they could get through the show without earplugs. Didn't see anyone leave on stretchers though. I'd pay another $50 to see them again tonight if they were playing again.
on April 28, 2009 at 10:56 AM Report this
27
Could that have been more poorly written? Sorry, mind turned to mush from YMMR...
on April 28, 2009 at 11:30 AM Report this
28
The show was incredible. I was completely happy and totally disoriented after the show...
on April 28, 2009 at 8:03 PM Report this
29
I went to the Coachella "warm up" show in LA 2 weeks ago and it was AMAZING. I was happy to hear a good number of songs off Isn't Anything. The noise part of the set was truly mind blowing...you won't get through it without earplugs. I felt like the world was ending after a certain point and when they brought it back it was the best sound I've ever heard in my life. If you're a fan, go see the show regardless of the price. If you're not, you'll want to jump off a cliff by the time it's over so please save the tickets for the people who care.
on April 29, 2009 at 10:05 AM Report this

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