Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Shiny Happy People, 15 Sep 2003
The frontman of the Polyphonic Spree Tim DeLaughter (it rhymes with 'Daughter') was not always as happy as he is now. In fact, the spree are the result of a Texan rebirth. DeLaughter had been in a state of disgrace for two years after the death of his friend and "Tripping Daisy" bandmate Wes Berggren. Then at the request of his manager he set about doing something about a "robe band" he was always talking about. The robe band became the 'spree twenty five texans in long white robes. I can almost hear the screams of fear from the deep south. But fear not you black emperor, for these are hippies and wish for nothing more than to reintroduce our pallid world to the delights of the sun, and to revel in that most neglected of emotions, happiness. Now, while this debut is good (and it's very good) it is important that anyone reading this know that it does not even come close to the experience of seeing this band live. Without getting too tree-huggish the spree live is somewhat akin to standing in the centre of a huge pulsating heart. It does no good to try and fight the vibes, simply allow them to wash over you,(like one of those climax inducing shampoos) and you will be redeemed my child. OK maybe I allowed myself to get carried away (on a sea of love,in a boat made of hope) there, but there really is nothing like it. The same goes for the album. Nearly forty minutes of parping and tooting from a twenty five member strong band, replete with practically every instrument imaginable,(including the lesserknown Shnooghorn) as well as complimentary choir. Songs so full of joy, they could make Stephen Hawking bounce round his bedroom like a loon. Choruses that have the power to bring a bit of light into the darkest of days.A really awful final track thats little more than a thirty minute drone.So rejoice and allow yourself to be brainwashed by the Polyphonic Spree, you wont regret it.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Have a day, 3 Dec 2002
Few things in life compare to seeing this band play live. 25 singers and musicians belting out, with different keys and cords on various instruments, a sound that shouldn't make sense but does anyway. If you didn't see one of their many appearances at last summers festivals you will have to console yourself with this album. That is not to say that the album is a settlement for anything better. It's good, very good.The strength of the album is in its enthusiastic, happy-go-lucky charm. Practically each track is an uplifting celebration of life, love and happiness. Occasionally, as with 'Days like this keep me warm', it tends move towards mellower ballads, and then there is 'Soldier Girl', which can almost be described as a stealth attack on the parts of the brain that control joy. Unfortunately I do have to find fault with one part of the album, and that is last track. 36 minutes of droning vocorder nonsense; a little self indulgent and totally pointless. But then, you don't have to listen to it. And the rest of the album is strong enough to carry the inconvenience of hitting the off button. If these really are the beginning stages then I for one can't wait to hear what's to follow.
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15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Coupling lyrical naivity with an innate joy for life, 2 Oct 2002
It's needless to say that a band comprising of 25 Texans in white ropes is going to cause a stir amongst most demographic areas of society. But, instead of songs promoting the southern attitudes or 'Gay-bashing' that their physical image would otherwise lend it to, The Polyphonic Spree have concentrated their efforts on songs along the line the lines of 'Days like this keep me warm'. These hyms of quiet contentment seem to echo around your soul similar to those hauntingly exquisite atmospheres of Godspeed You Black Emporer or Sigur Ros and like the song suggests, help to keep you warm. Spiritually that is.What can you do but smile when lyrics as simple as "Hey, it's the sun!" have such a powerful positive effect on your soul. DeLaughter's lyrical naivity similar to that of Trail Of Dead and The Eels gives a remarkable contrast to the orchestral maturity of the productions comprising of everything from French Horns to Theramins. Basically, there's something for everyone on this album, catchy pop ('Soldier Girl'), arty noise-scapes (the otherwise irrelevant final track, 'A long Day') and finally, songs that will have you phoning the Polyphonic cult hotline with your credit card at the ready ('Light & Day/Reach For The Sun'). If you're losing faith in the world and need a breath of fresh air, or you're just looking for somewhere to leave all your money, feel the weight lift from your shoulders, you've just found them.
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