Intimacy

Wet Intimacy Gel, Original, 3.5-Ounce Bottle (Pack of 3)
$23.97
It was wonderful before, but maybe the contents have changed, now it creates a slight burning/warming feeling. Very acceptable feeling, some people should like it. I prefer the one I bought about 2 years ago which didn't cause the warming feeling.

Intimacy (Unrated, Widescreen Edition)
$24.98
A turgid and banal melodrama set against the claustrophobic emotional lives of grubby Londoners, a pale depressed lot in gray and depressed circumstances, offset only slightly by several brief scenes of dramatically convincing and explicit rough sex. A labor of love to view for Anglophilic cine-masochists. Not worth more than a couple of dollars used. Rent it.

Intimacy
$18.98
After the release "A Weekend In The City," Bloc Party have followed it up with "Intimacy." Thankfully, this album recaptures some of the joy that was found on "Silent Alarm." The opener, "Ares" is rather off putting. The song begins promisingly enough with a very distorted guitar before divulging in a shouty cheerleader-esque rhythm. The song then breaks into a "Blue Light" melody before dissipating completely into an intro for "Mercury."

The single "Mercury" reminds me somewhat of a David Bowie impersonator trying his hand at jungle, which is fine, if you're into that sort of thing. To me it's kind of retro, a bit monotonous and it sounds like album filler/fluff. In retrospect, as much as I did not like "Mercury," it still sounds a bit more polished than the opener. The track, "Halo" cannot come soon enough. It's like a respite in a sea of mediocrity. All blustery guitars, this song marks the return to form that Bloc Party so desperately needs. Then comes "Biko", which I was half suspecting to be a Peter Gabriel cover. Thankfully, it's not; it is more of a Bloc Party ballad, although it really wouldn't be out of a place on a Peter Gabriel album. Consider this your robotic, "Blue Light" moment complete with staccato drum machine beats.

The album then picks up again with; "Trojan Horse" which sounds like it could have been a b-side from "Silent Alarm Remixed." This track features an acidic guitar solo, which definitely benefits the claustrophobic dance beats. The next song, "Signs" is another slower song and features a chiming melody, which proves to be juxtaposition of what you have heard previously. It illustrates a lyric of longing and builds appropriately prepping you for the angry beats of "One Month Off."

The closers on this album begin with the operatic "Zepherus." "Zepherus" is oddly out of place after "One Month Off". Kele sings like he is surrounded by a group of dance floor angels for unrequited love, and it really does not fit well with what preceded it. "Better Than Heaven" follows as a stronger track. The themes of longing and anger seem to be building to a suitable closing. This track also marks the return of much needed guitar to break up the dance beats that have dominated this album. "Ion Square" segues back to familiar territory and winds the album to a close with a melancholy keyboard based melody.

Overall, I applaud Bloc Party for attempting new sounds. I'm also grateful this album is not as maudlin as "A Weekend In The City." The band sounds reinvigorated, and out of the sophomore slump phase of their career. If I could give this album a grade, I'd say it would be a "B". Hopefully these songs translate well live, as that is where I would like to see them next.

The Seven Levels of Intimacy: The Art of Loving and the Joy of Being Loved
$14.99
This is a must read for anyone, man or woman, who is in a relationship or who
is hoping to be in a relationship in the future. So much wisdom and insight packed
into this book! I am 55 and have never read about the ideas put in this book.
The book also makes a wonderful gift to couples who need a boost or help.
The subject is one that everyone is interested in.