Midge Ure Albums (10)
'A Glorious Noise: Breathe Live'
Release Date 1/1/2001
Tracks 15
Label Environment
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What The Critics Say
As a solo artist or with any one of his numerous bands, Midge Ure has always been a brilliant live performance. This is clearly demonstrated on this CD, recorded in 1998 during his tour of Germany. Since he was promoting his then-current album, Breathe, the majority of the songs (eight of the 15) are from that release. They play very well live, and in some cases better than the studio versions ("Guns and Arrows" is a good example), mainly because the studio versions were too slick, whereas live there is a definite energy that is caught on this CD. Of course Ure does dip into his Ultravox catalog and does the expected (i.e, "Vienna"), but also produces some surprises, such as "Hymn." Although they do not stand up to the originals, the performances here are tight and nicely arranged. He even comes up with his live take on a Visage standard ("Fade to Grey"). Again, he has not made the song better here, but it does stand up well with the other material. Overall, a good CD full of great songs performed well. Ure fans will enjoy this collection. It is interesting to note that this is his first release on his own Environment record label, where he is able to release previously unreleased material. ~ Aaron Badgley, All Music Guide
'Little Orphans: The Black and White Sessions'
Release Date 1/1/2001
Tracks 13
Label Environment
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What The Critics Say
This is the second release by Midge Ure on his label, Environment (named for his home studio), and as with the first release, he has taken great care to present a nicely packaged CD full of terrific music and informative liner notes. In this case, he has sorted through his archives and rescued a number of previously unreleased gems. Included in this package are two songs performed with Japan (minus David Sylvian). Both tracks are brilliant ("Get a Life" and "Cry") and make one wish they had completed the proposed album on which they were working. These songs are a wonderful mix of the Japan sound with Ultravox. Energetic, tight, and nicely produced, this album also allows Ure to demonstrate his versatility. The music ranges from wonderful Celtic music through to '80s synth pop to pure rock. Fans will enjoy hearing these songs, especially ones that Ure himself has discussed throughout the years (such as the disappointing "Personal Heaven," which was co-written by Heaven 17's Glenn Gregory). ~ Aaron Badgley, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Move Me finds Midge Ure moving seamlessly into the role of a pop/rock elder statesman without sacrificing any of the emotion and fervor of his earlier recordings, both as a solo artist and a member of Ultravox. The album is an amalgamation of Ure's most enduring traits: strong songwriting, soaring melodies, impassioned vocals, tight arrangements, and engaging lyrics. Synthesizers, electronics, and guitars play a prominent role on every track, however, Ure is able to sidestep the 1980s retro label that many of his contemporaries get stuck in by striking an aural balance between taste and overkill. If there is an underlying theme to this record, it's about growing older and coming to grips with life's seemingly never-ending search for happiness and spiritual fulfillment. Touching on a myriad of subjects, from the political climate of Kosovo in the late '90s ("Refugee Song"), America's obsession with bigness ("Spielberg Sky"), to isolation ("Alone") and a yearning for companionship ("Somebody" and "Strong"), Ure is a restless soul that is not about to go quietly into the night. The album's lone instrumental track, "Monster," is a Fatboy Slim-meets-Led Zeppelin sendup worthy of the legendary heavy metal mock-u-mentary band Spinal Tap. This is not necessarily the album to introduce the uninitiated to Midge Ure, but it is a praiseworthy addition to his catalog, and gradually grows on the listener. ~ Tom Semioli, All Music Guide
'Went to Coney Island'
Release Date 10/17/2000
Tracks 15
Label Evenmore
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What The Critics Say
Naturally, Pure can't touch Ure's incredible '80s work, which sets a very high benchmark. However, the single "Cold, Cold Heart" remains a strong cut. The ecological "Let It Go" and U-Vox-ish "Rising" also float above the surrounding mature artiste proceedings. Of course, the musicianship here is as sturdy as ever, but Ure loses the passion of his finest moments ("Call of the Wild," "Dancing With Tears in My Eyes"). Makes sense that this suave sultan would follow his forebear Bryan Ferry into the pleasant realm of aural wallpaper, leaving hooks and lyrical personality behind for audio art. ~ Doug Stone, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The second full-fledged solo outing for former Ultravox frontman Midge Ure is pretty much what one would expect. One difference is the more organic feel of the music, which might be attributable to the impressive array of players. Guests include Big Country drummer Mark Brzezicki, Level 42 bassist/lead singer Mark King, Craig Armstrong, and members of UB40. There's a slight world music influence on songs like the title track and "Take Me Home," but it's all presented with polish and gloss. Kate Bush duets with Ure on "Sister and Brother." Lyrically, there seems to be a greater emphasis on the state of the world (perhaps as a result of his work with Band Aid), with the swirling plea "Dear God," a minor hit, being the most overt and successful result. Answers to Nothing is a pleasant, if not exactly memorable, slice of adult pop/rock. ~ Tom Demalon, All Music Guide
