Blue Songs is the second studio album by American electronic music band Hercules and Love Affair, released on January 28, 2011, by Moshi Moshi Records. The album features guest appearances from Bloc Party's Kele Okereke on the song "Step Up," and also includes vocal contributions from Kim Ann Foxman, Aerea Negrot and Shaun Wright.NME The song "It's Alright" is a cover of the Pet Shop Boys' 1988 song of the same name, originally recorded and released by Sterling Void and Paris Brightledge in 1987.
Critical reception
Blue Songs received generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 68, based on 28 reviews, which indicates "generally favorable reviews". Barry Walters of Spin wrote that "Blue Songs prevailing mood is deep indigo, not ultraviolet, yet that darkness heightens and complicates. By shunning regulation house fierceness, Butler and crew offer gentle nocturnal sacrament."
Track listing
Personnel Credits adapted from the liner notes of Blue Songs.
Hercules and Love Affair Andrew Butler – production Kim Ann Foxman – performer, musician Aérea Negrot – performer, musician Mark Pistel – additional production, co-production, mixing ; performer, musician Shaun J. Wright – performer, musician
Additional personnel
Mike Aaberg – performer, musician Rich Armstrong – performer, musician Marco Braca – grooming Sheldon Brown – performer, musician Marcelo Burlon – creative director Crane – design Simon Davey – mastering Lynn Farmer – performer, musician Jose Flores – performer, musician Raffaele Grossi – assistant photography Evan Herring – performer, musician
Matteo Montanari – photography Murdoch – marble engraving Kele Okereke – performer, musician Patrick Pulsinger – co-production, mixing ; performer, musician Jakob Schneidewind – performer, musician Martin Siewert – performer, musician Jeremy Turner – performer, musician Marty Wehner – performer, musician Morgan Wiley – performer, musician
Charts Chart (2011)PeakpositionAustrian Albums Chart57Belgian Albums Chart (Flanders)79German Albums Chart75Swiss Albums Chart89UK Albums Chart105US Dance/Electronic Albums25
Release history RegionDateLabelGermanyJanuary 28, 2011Cooperative MusicFranceJanuary 31, 2011United KingdomMoshi MoshiItalyFebruary 8, 2011Cooperative MusicAustraliaFebruary 18, 2011Moshi MoshiUnited StatesAugust 16, 2011
References