Track Listing

1. Obstacle 1
2. NYC
3. PDA
4. Say Hello to the Angels
5. Hands Away
6. Obstacle 2
7. Stella Was a Diver and She Was Always Down
8. Roland
9. New
10. Leif Erikson

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5511 in Music
• Published on: 2002
• Released on: 2002-10-08
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Album Description
Australian version of the absolutely stunning full-length debut from New York's Interpol. Think Joy Division meets Psychedelic Furs, Echo & the Bunnymen and the Smiths. Includes the bonus track, 'Specialist'. Matador. 2002.

Amazon.com
Interpol create literate, atmospheric, moody, trashy post-punk music that recalls '80s faves the Psychedelic Furs. And this is definitely a good thing. While most young bands are content to rhyme "make it" with "fake it," Interpol pens melodramatic tales of tortured and tortuous urban relationships that are truly refreshing. Like their peers the Strokes, they're bright, sophisticated, and meticulous enough to build stirring soundscapes. Turn On the Bright Lights is a must for anyone who missed Echo & the Bunnymen, the Furs, and Joy Division the first time around. --Dominic Wills

Customer Reviews

NYC by way of Manchester, England - Great Record Indeed!
Interpol has thrown in a fantastic debut this year, really catching this listner off-guard. I had already pegged The Doves or David Holmes as my favorites of the year, but then along comes this wonderful thing.

Like the Strokes did last year, Interpol has dug up some much needed gritty influence of the past. Where the Strokes was a lighter pop affair, Interpol has gone right into the alleys and seedy clubs of both Manchester England and NYC. The record takes on a lot from Joy Division, Talking Heads and even Television. But it's the spooky quality of Joy Division that's adds some drama and beauty to the dark landscape within. Interpol draws from the past but keeps things sounding new and fresh. Songs like Untitled and NYC are as impressive as any I've heard this year. Like the Manchester music of the late 70's and early 80's, Interpol trys in vein to break out of their grime-laden roots. The result is an honest and soulful exchange delivered with art-ful passion. Matador have once again expanded their library and stumbled upon some truely great rock-n-roll. Turn on your ears to this great disc!

Engulfing
After owning this album for about half a year, I have characterized it as being dark and dreary with a soothing undertone. I know that sounds weird, but let me explain. Lead singer Paul Bank's voice is deep and dark. It sounds like what I think of when picturing a rainy day in New York City. Even though I have never been to New York City. However, the background sounds create an amazing haze that brings you to another world. The vocal/guitar combinations are intertwined to synthesize something very fulfilling. Yeah I know they are criticized for sounding too much like Joy Division, whatever. Everything comes from somewhere. I think that Interpol has done something unique with their album, Turn on the Bright Lights.

If you're looking for happiness within this album, go somewhere else. If you're looking for thoughts, this album might help you spark some. I first loved this album for the guitar chords. It definitely grew on me with each listen, and I didn't really like it right away. Just give it a chance

Not Like Joy Division!
I bought this album because people told me it sounded just like Joy Division, who are my all-time favorite band. Well, somebody has to say this and it's going to be me- Interpol don't really sound much like Joy Division, and all the reviewers who say otherwise are just demonstrating that they've never really listened all that closely to either band. Yes, Interpol are a dark post-punk band, but the similarity really ends there. Interpol songs are not built around the bass line like Joy Division songs, they aren't nearly as manic-sounding, and the tone of Interpol's music tends to be moody and reflective whereas the tone of Joy Division is coldly futuristic and impersonal. However, Turn on the Bright Lights is a brilliant album in its own right, with some of the best songwriting I've heard in a long time, and songs that grow on you more and more till you hardly want to hear anything else. Of course Interpol have their influences like any band does, and one of those influences might be Joy Division. But they don't really need to be compared to anyone. They shine on their own.