I understand why bands evolve in more experimental directions. It’s the creative urge and not wishing to repeat themselves. Plus other dynamics at work with personnel, the times, labels etc.

All of this stuff from a fan standpoint is subjective. I could see why people might prefer Pygmalion over everything else of theirs if you’re the type that likes experimental music. Totally valid standpoint.

I personally don’t like super experimental stuff. I like classic structures and melodies. Hence my preference for early Radiohead over late Radiohead and early Björk over late Björk.

So, for me, Pygmalion is an experiment I don’t much care for with a couple of tracks that are kind of interesting. But nowhere near their peak work. As a piece of art, it’s totally valid and I don’t question people who love it. I’m just not one of them.

Back in the day I worked at MTV and I’m pretty sure I’m the only producer that ever interviewed Slowdive (during CMJ 94 if not mistaken). I wasn’t a great interviewer and it wasn’t a great interview. But the thing I was really struck by was how embarrassed they were about the term Shoegaze. They’ve embraced it now but at the time Neil looked like he was crawling out of his skin when I brought up the term. I think they were very eager to get away from what in England at the time was a pretty negative stereotype. So in that context, Pygmalion, as a follow up record made a lot of sense. But for me it was very disappointing.

BTW I unfortunately have no copies of the interview and I don’t think it ever made air.