This is an open forum for staff members, contributers, and fans alike to submit their reviews on the latest music releases and concerts. In an industry that is drowning with overprocessed, grossly overrated, unoriginal crap these days, this is our chance to allow the real stars to shine, if only on our humble, little stage; and expose you to some of our favorite talents.
Reviews are given 1 - 5 stars.
1. Nexus Icon
2. Only Love
3. Someone That Wont let Me Go
4. Vanilla Radio
5. One Love, One Life, One Girl
6. Get Your Groove On
7. So Into You
8. There’s Only One Hell
9. It’s All Up To Me
10. Out From The Inside
11. Top Of The World
I was thrilled when word got out that a Wildhearts record was to be released in the United States. The Wildhearts haven’t had a proper record release since their debut in 1993 of “Earth Vs. The Wildhearts”; an inspired affair of songs which were about five years ahead of their time.
Unfortunately, I found out that the US release was to be a re-release of out takes entitled “Riff After Riff.” Thus, I sighed, and made plans to import the new Wildhearts release from England.
And boy am I glad I did.
The Wildhearts have always been all over the place musically. Their debut would have great little pop jams back to back with driving punk songs. Their album “Endless nameless” was a great album song wise, but they mucked it up by adding a layer of white noise over the whole album. It ruined the album in my opinion. On this album, they certainly went for a home run as far as radio friendly catchy songs; and they’ve done well at it. What do they sound like? On this album-A cross between the Foo Fighters and the late great Marvelous 3. On other albums? A cross between the two aforementioned bands and Motorhead. While the songs are shorter on this album, and more focused for the most part, they’re so well done, it makes you wonder how East West Records dropped the ball back in 93. Properly promoted, the Wildhearts would be enjoying a Foo Fighters type run on the charts.
The first song that really catches the ear is “Only Love” with an outstanding chorus supplemented with what appeared to be female backup vocals but apparently is Justin from The Darkness. Wow. Definitely a hit to my ears. Sounds like a lost Beatles tune. As the rest of the album swirls around, it’s pretty apparent that these guys haven’t lost their fastball.
They can write great lyrics as well. Ginger, the mad genius behind the Wildhearts, and the main songwriter, singer and guitar player skewers the radio on the song “Vanilla Radio.” The lyrics are completely simple, with about 6 lines, and then several variations on the lines, yet they say so much.
“So Into You” is such a highlight of the album. A well written modern rock song with a chorus that just catches you. I can’t imagine a scenario where this song would fail in the US. It’s so far beyond what we hear on the radio these days. “There’s Only One Hell” continues the audio assault, a good time rollicking rock song, with a bridge and chorus that comes straight out of the 70’s.
It’s a great album. No real missteps. I do wish that a couple of the songs were fleshed out a bit more and were a bit longer, but that’s a trivial complaint. Hopefully this will see a US release eventually.
Reviewed by: Mike Gorman | January 2005
