American Alternative music reviews

Being a graduate of Plymouth State College in NH, Thanks To Gravity would perform at the local bar (The Bier Haus...or Outback for those who know better!) and assorted campus events. We always said "these guys could make it in the big world..." now they finally have! Even if you didn't goto PSC you can appreciate the elusive lyrics and fine craftsmanship of music this band exemplifies!

The members of the band are great guys!! My sisters friend used to invite Sean over to our house all the time. He was great! unfortunately i have moved and i can't hear their stuff anymore so i am excited to get this cd!!

Although I've been to their hometown of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and I wouldn't call it small by any means, it certainly isn't a huge city bursting with bands that deserve major label attention. But they've always been the exception. If I've ever made a generalization about music, it is followed by "except Thanks to Gravity, they're different." Buy this album--or any of their albums. You WON'T be disappointed.

Good record, yeah. Buy it. But I have a question - what's with the name of the band? I can "get" whacky band names just as well as the next guy, but why such a stupid, cryptic phrase? Could be worse, I hear somehwhere out there there's a band with a name something like "They'll Know Us From the Trail of the Dead We Leave Behind" or something like that. A band name is supposed to either make a point or have some kind of impact or instant recognizeability. "My Dad Is Dead" just seems to say "I'm an emotional little boy, hurt by the world and all alone, please feel my pain." I mean, heck, my dad is dead, too, but I don't go out there in the world saying "Hi, nice to meat you, my dad is dead." Or "Excuse me, sir, do you have the time, and by the way, I'm sad and lonely." You just don't do it. They could have at least named themselves "Dead Daddy" or something, something a little active instead of something so passive and whiney. I won't even tell people that this is music I like, because I don't wanna say it. It's too much to say and doesn't even sound like a band name.
"So, dude, what music ya listening to these days?"
"Oh, My Dad is Dead."
"Man, sorry to hear that, but what are you listening to?"
"I told you, "My Dad Is Dead."
"Yeah, sorry to hear that, but what's in your CD player these days?"
"MY DAD IS DEAD!"
"Sheesh, man, what do you want, a hug or something?! Get over it already!"
See? It all just ends up as some bad rendition of an Abbott & Costello bit. BAD BAND NAME, dudes. May I suggest a name change? How 'bout Corey & The Weasels? The Mudrakers? The Portents? The Finaglers? The Storks? Trichinosis? The Fuzzbusters? The Chokin' Chikens? The Whoremongers? Bustin' Caps? Charlie and the Stevedores? Almost anything would be better than My Dad Is Dead. Might as well call yourselves "I'm Looking For My Car Keys" or something. Someone needs to teach these kids something about marketing.

i really like this band. and i think that Interpol (another newer band i really really like) sounds more like this band then they sound like Joy Division (which most people compare Interpol to). but yes My Dad Is Dead is heavily influenced by Joy Division too. all 3 of the bands mentioned are great. all different enough too and they are all important and one doesn't make the other obsolete.

Some of his song topics are depressing, or even terrifying, but in the end, "The Taller You Are, the Shorter You Get" is a beautiful piece of art.

My Dad is Dead's one-man proprietor, Mark Edwards, sits out on the fire escape of life and looks out from his tenement at the human parade, feeling pity without the slightest hint of condescension.

Most of these songs are about the terrifying emotional situations that most people occasionally find themselves in.

Rather than singing with the aloof voice of a saint, Edwards sounds like someone who recently finished living through whatever he's singing about. His songs, by implication, are icy cold advice for others caught up in the same trap; there is no moralizing. A lot of his material is straight off of the psychiatrist's couch, but it never takes on the masturbatory tone that often detracts from that type of songwriting. Edwards' stark, gripping portraits of power struggles within relationships ("Seven Years", "The Only One", "The Big Picture", "Boundaries") are alone worth the price of admission, but they merely scratch the surface of his astounding talent for analyzing humanity.

Again and again, in his songs, he tackles thorny human-interest types of problems that reduce the average person to blind stammering or pure denial, and zeroes in on the real issues that are at the heart of what is wrong. He does it with an absolute minimum of either verbiage or sentiment. Again and again, he dead-centers the bullseye, writing his initials with the bullet holes.

He somehow pulls all of this off without sounding arrogant or angry in the slightest, which is probably the most awesome achievement of all.

"The Taller You Are, the Shorter You Get" is an easy ten out of ten. There's not a single bad song here, and the instrumentals are as eloquent as poems. After all of the years I've owned this album, I only need to hear the first few notes of the leadoff track "For Lack of a Better Word" and there's a physiological chain reaction for me. My blood runs cold; I shiver, go short of breath, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Uh...yeah...it ~is~ THAT authentic.

There are thousands of good rock albums that have been issued over the last forty years, but Mark Edwards' 1989 effort stands as one of the very best. If this review speaks to you, please go and buy the album as fast as you can. Listen to it a few times and you'll understand why I'm writing to you in this way.

Great songwriters like Troy Campbell are often passed over for 'marketable & saleable' tripe made for the brain-dead MTV 'educated' market. Campbell's is a master of turning a phrase, and has an incredible knack for blending his wordplay with original, thoughtful music. His delivery reminds me of Nick Drake meets Big Star. All of the songs are great, with highlights being 'Blind', 'Sad Truth', 'Rosabelle' & 'Ruby.' Gurf Morlix's year spent with Lucinda Williams pay off with his gifted production skills on 'American Breakdown.' Buy this, you'll be a better person for it. ;)

I just spent the last week listening to
this great cd. it covers a lot of ground
and I've already bought a couple extra for my
friends.

With the release of "American Breakdown," Troy Campbell shows how much he has grown, both as a singer and songwriter. Framed by Gurf Morlix's muscular rock and roll production, Campbell is singing more confidently than he ever has on record. The songs are lyrically and melodically richly evocative - from the opening "Sad Truth" to "Sorrytown" to "World Keeps on Ending." Campbell shows he isn't afraid to confront his demons and nightmares, turning them into gorgeous examples of songwriting art.

This is easily one of the must have albums from the 90's. It's not just No Rain either. Tones Of Home, I Wonder, Dear Old Dad, Sleepyhouse, Drive, Time, and of course Blind Melon's Opus, Change. Wow. It's amazing.

This cd is a gem. Blind Melon was the most unappreciated band and everyone labelled them with the song "No Rain". This album is not simply "no rain" though, it is a amazing collection of guitar driven rock with the amazing vocals of Shannon Hoon. Anyone who loves the guitar or music for that matter must buy this CD.

i was 15 when i heard blind melon for the first time im 21 now and im still a huge fan i wish i could meet the surviving members of the band i have alot of respect for them and thier style i play the guitar and i just learned how to play change my friends and i still call that song our theme song we have lived those words and lyrics through some tough times and that particular song pretty much sums up how we got through those times thanks so much to the band you guys are great and when you guys lost shannon we felt like we had lost a friend as well thanks for nico "the album" and goodluck and Godspeed

When the Dead Milkmen first released this album i thought that it wasn't going to capture all of the work they've done over their illustrious career. I was wrong, being a huge DM fan for a long time i knew what their best songs were and what should be on this album. I saw the track listing online a while ago and said, "wow, this is all their best songs on one cd, it looks like someone finnaly made a great greatest hits album!" and it's true, if you wanna get into the DM, get this one.

Dead Milkmen were my "I'm cooler than you because I like this band" group I chose in high school. The only song I had ever heard by the band was "punk rock girl", but I said your typical hard core fan stuff like how much I liked their earlier stuff and compared them to other bands like Frankie's Weiner that no one else had heard of. Did you have to know what you were talking about? NO, of course not. It's all about image. I formed several bands in high school that never played a show. I would put up flyers all around the school and cancel the shows the day they were supposed to go off. I would tell people the club didn't meet fire code. Girls would ask if they could sleep with me to cheer me up. There was a six month period where I fronted nine fake bands that never picked up an instrument, but I had a rock star following. That is why I'm where I am and you are where you are.

This is a great cd by the Dead Milkmen. it has a great variety of music- compare "tiny town" to "instant club hit". It starts off pretty straightforward and gets really weird after the 8th or 9th song but it's still a great album that I can listen to all day and be amused every time.
Not only does it have great music, it's really funny. get it today. best songs- bitchin camaro, the thing that only eats hippies.

I used to get real depressed with the state of where music was headed.I never got excited about new songs I had heard on the radio, seen on televison, etc...I nearly lost my mind trying to find that classic riff, that drop down beat, the perfect rhythm. Mother Superior's "Deep" is a classic album. It was classic the second they recorded it. 50 percent Rock, 50 percent Roll, 100 percent Gold. Nuff said.

In a world where music has grown to be dull and repeated fewbands stand out from the mix. Mother Superior steps aside, walksagainst that boring old rerun grain, and gives you just what you need. This LA 3 piece is the text book defintion of what Rock and Roll should be in the 90's. Fresh and new on every track, MS succeeds in keeping the hard hits flowing. I tell you these guys get better every time. Also of note, Mr. Henry Rollins produced this one, and he is so impressed with the band that he asked them to record and tour with him. His forth coming record Get Some, Go Again featuring Mother Superior is amazing as well. Mother Superior is a band not to be missed. This album is not to be missed. Rememember Mother Superior, and look for us online. END

Great CDs that made me think of the southern United States and Thin Lizzy.

I'm impressed by their current incarnation as the Rollins Band, and I'm looking forward to Dreamworks' January 2000 release of their new CD, Get Some Go Again. The music and lyrics are harder, which I like.

I saw them live on August 23, 1999 at the Curtain Club in Dallas, Tx. I'll make it a point to see them again.

And boy did they ever. I would have to agree with most of the aforementioned reviews...the Big Boys, along with the Bad Brains and the great Minutemen, were just two of the hardcore/punk bands of the 80's that could effortlessly shift or mix two genres into one exciting conglomeration. (And this was before some like-minded bands like Sublime, Limp Bizkit, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Incubus and other pale imitations were doing the same nearly 10-20 years later...)This one is the best of the two compilations that appear on Touch and Go. Better performances, more effortless genre hopping/mixing and better songs. Best ones here "Fun, Fun, Fun", "Funk Off" (the best punk/funk anthem of all time)and the cover of "Hollywood Swinging". It's a shame they broke up before a larger audience recognized their genius, but maybe that's to the point--they didn 't have the opportunity to sell out and so they never did.

A friend of mine in college introduced me to the Big Boys back in 1985. I've been hooked ever since. I too regret that they were defunct before I had a chance to see them live. I have Lulibyes Help The Brain Grow and No Matter How Long the Line is at the Cafeteria, There's Always a Seat on vinyl (two of the three albums on this comp) and have worn them out. Fun, Fun, Fun, (the other album on this comp) is very rare and all I had was a tape recording of these songs. Fortunately, the fine people at Touch and Go, re-released these albums and their earlier works on two CDs. I purchased them as soon as I saw them (which was 5 or so years ago). Needless to say, both get substantial play in my car player--perfect driving music! If you like anything alternative or punk, you must buy these. I can't urge you enough. Also if Chris, Tim, Randy, et al read this, there definitely is demand for a Big Boys reunion!

that is not to say that 'the skinny elvis' wasn't good...it grew on me rapidly and quickly became one of my top discs. i liked it so much i ordered this one and was blown away. while the majority of the first disc rocked, some of it struck me as kind of bland so at first listen i was kind of dubious as to whether i should pick up 'the fat elvis' or not. i'm sure glad i did. this one has a lot more hardcore songs and the funk is more refined and features a really tight horn section. it is also 20 minutes longer, the performances are much more confident sounding and the sound quality is a lot better as well. these songs always pick me up if i'm down and force a big, dumb, happy smile on my face. if 'the skinny elvis,' didn't convince me enough, the big boys were one of the best bands ever! i'd love to have seen them back in the day...well at least i can hope for a reunion. i cannot stress how much i recommend this!

After the debut, the band decided to expand their creativity and this album was what slowly began to open the door for this. Dropping the more gritty, bluesy, punk sounds that was found in places on "Hear It Is" they adapted Art/Progressive rock and began seriously using atmospheric effects... reverb,echo, acoustic guitars, backward loops, and other sounds from various effects or electric guitar flow about through this album and create textures very new and almost uncompomisingly different from most late '80's indie music, retreating to a psychedelic idealism and experimental attitude. They also were growing longer hair, dressed, and were more refered to as hippies... but for the album... songs of life,love,joy and visions from Wayne Coyne's perception create a great album.

Ben.
the 15 year old.

Ok, this album rocks. It was a great buy. Someone once told that it wasn't worth it to get their early music, because they had a different vocalist then what people are use to. Well whoopie-de-do! This album is awesome! It's like late 60's rock/ acid punk rock. I loved this band the moment I heard them with Yoshimi, but I am starting to love their earlier work more now because it's heavier, more raw, loud and just darn cool! A very good mix of songs...these are the ones that stick out to me...

"Everythings Explodin" is a pretty good opener which starts off with a piece from the Beatles song Revolution #9, "Take this brother may it serve you well" and then it starts off into the Lips song.

"One Million Billionth of a Millisecond on a Sunday Morning" Is over 9 minutes of pure awesomeness! The first time I heard this I was in awe.

"Can't Exist" I very nice slower song that is on the edge of beautiful. It sounds very nice.

"The Ceiling is Bending" great lyrics and a really good drum beat to it.

"Prescription: Love" is an awesome jam song. Just listen to it, it rocks!

"Thanks to You" Another really nice mellow song I really liked the first time I listened to it like most of the album.

The REST of the songs are awesome as well, but don't stick out to me as much as these. The album is amazing. You really should get into the original Lips, because Oh My Gawd!!! ...It's The Flaming Lips! And they are an amazing band. Their drums stick out so much more in their early years. Their guitar is bleepin' great, grungy, raw and crazy!

Warning: They sound nothing like the later stuff.(BUT YOU SHOULD STILL GET THE EARLY ALBUMS!!!)

Pretty awesome band for being from Oklahoma! Weird! No offense to anyone from Oklahoma.

Flaming Lips are a really awesome hard rockin' acid punk grunge wonder of a band and are turning into a very obscure unique artistic band. I love everything they do! (but I hear that their first album isn't so great) BUT, everything else after it they ROCKED HARD!!

EGAD!! THE FLAMING LIPS!!

This is definately a great Flaming Lips album, and one you should definately check out. It's also their first great album, their debut is kinda boring.

I cannot play this CD enough. I get lost in the words, the music, Eve's voice....... Once you hear the title track, Indiana Summer, Union Mills etc....you will understand what I mean. If you want to discover an artist before she breaks out and becomes big.....here is your starting point.

Simple as that.

Go out and see Eve and the band...Their CDs are great, but livethey are even better. Eve and Mark have an uncommon knack for writing catchy tunes. The band is very cohesive and has evidently a lot of fun playing. Everyone whom we introduced to Eve's music has liked her.

I saw Eve Selis live at House of Blues 1/31/00. She was unbelievable! I fell in love with her music. As an aspiring singer, her music really inspired me to continue my dream. Her voice is captivating and the music makes you want to get up and dance (and I did @House of Blues!) Great Alternative Country! She mixes Blues/Rock and a little twang all in one. Keep Rockin' Eve!

I need to get my facts straight on this, but I think this was the final release from Albini's wonderful experiment in sonic violence called Big Black. It was also the first record by them that I discovered in the used bin at my favorite local record store, Trader Vic's in Dayton. Later in Chicago I got hold of the VHS recording of this live concert and it is still holding up as one of my better live show recordings. Either you love this kind of stuff or you hate it, but if you are looking for unique hard rocking greatness, you need to catch up with these guys. My favorite was Roland and however programmed those beats!!

BIG BLACK WERE TOO GOOD TO LAST. STEVE ALBINI & SANTIEGO DURANGO GIVE GUITARS A POWER TOOL TREATMENT WHILE TRADING INSULTS WITH THE CROWD. FEATURES SOME OF THEIR BETTER SONGS. SOME OF THE BEST NOISE YOU WILL EVER HEAR.

I endorse the comments of the previous reviewer and support his plea for a re-release of Big Black's Pig Pile. When Pig Pile (the CD) was released in Australia you could buy the video for an extra amount. Since my grandmother had died some years earlier, I had nothing to sell to raise the boodle, so I had to make do with just the CD. Since I've never been able to find the video again, I've regretted it ever since. If the company responsible won't re-release the Pig Pile video, is there anyone out there who can find me a copy? For the purposes of a review, the CD at least is frighteningly awesome. I have no doubt the video was anything less.