Reviews (page 7 of 8)
Tämän tarkoituksena on herättää (noloja) tunteita, missä se pari kertaa onnistuikin - hyvä! Toisaalta materiaali on suurilta osin tasapaksua, ja se on esitetty tavalla, joka osoittaa liiallisia luuloja omista kyvyistä, ja tekee tykästymisestä mahdollisimman vaikeaa.
Perfect for the nights you wanna let it all out. Sequencing is amazing
Interesting. I have heard of, but am not familiar with, Mercury Rev. I feel like Q was really into them in the 90s. This is much different than I thought it would be. How? Well it’s much worse for example. It’s more over-orchestrated symphonic shit. I thought punk erased this crap. This would not have survived the first two tracks were I not committed to this project. Yeah this is fucking terrible. ELO-level terrible. Like a made-for-TV musical. Plus his voice isn’t good OR interesting. I wonder if this is a one-man vision too. Two-man, so that’s cool I guess. And they’re American, which surprises me. Just a little too much whimsy for my taste. Yeah, no.
I liked it a lot more than I thought considering I had never heard of Mercury Rev.
I’m not sure how I feel about this album just yet. It was partly soothing and partly WTH is going on. I think it will grown on my so it’s added to my playlist.
don't remember this too well but it's shoegaze so probably good
Super dreamy with a kind of sufjan stevens feel to it.
Meh.
A good mix of genres, some tracks were unsettling, but most were listenable.
This is one of the first albums on here that reminded me it's not about loving the album, but you should definitely have listened to it at least once in your life. Great album.
These guys are pretty great. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the album. But, man, if you didn't know better you'd think you were listening to a Flaming Lips album.
Best song - Goddess On A Hiway
This is another band I had never heard before. Sounds like the Flaming Lips...which is a sound I really like. That being said, I'm not sure I would have put this on the list, but I am glad to have heard the album.
Arcade Fire vibes. Not my thing personally but I don’t hate it tbh.
Very Flaming Lips but this is unsurprising looking at the history. Both bands leave me a bit cold if I’m honest. And I think calling them ‘celebrities’ in the UK after this album is a bit of a stretch.
Obviously heard of Mercury Rev, but never actually HEARD them. Feels a bit Polyphonic Spree in places. Favourite tracks: Endlessly (which has a strong Silent Night vibe in the melody), Goddess on a Hiway, Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp
Gloom rock
It's alright
annoyed me
Had never heard of this. I like it. Funny bird. Worth more listens. Kinda like car seat headrest
4.5ish I think the instrumentals are so experimental and unique and I think this album is a lot of fun. But I found the vocals to be kind of weak/mundane and when they weren’t I found them whiny and straining, but not enough to hate the album, just enough that it’s not gonna be my favorite album.
I get the feeling that people thought this was a Flaming Lips album until they got a couple tracks in.
Interesting I guess.
Moody and cool. Like flaming lips on downers
Werd steeds zemeliger
Tja, hier krijg ik dus echt een slappe van, hè?
Ik vond dit een zeer interessante plaat
Aardig, maar ook wel iets teveel mi-mi-mi-mah-mah-mah gejengel.
Wat een vervelende stem!
I enjoyed this more than expected. Also crazy that I did not know this before. It seems like a twist on the wall with influences of a musical. I'm torn between a 4 and a 5 but I feel like this album will grow into a personal favorite so I'm going with a 5 star review for future reference
There were some low moments here and there but overall pretty decent
a friend described this one as disney music and yeah they're kinda right. "holes" and "the funny bird" are worth it but i could live without a lot of the rest.
Vokalen va ganske irriterande, og musikken va for disneyete
This album is such an underdog. It’s like a long lost cinematic masterpiece. So many of the songs evoke this majestic vibe. Holes, Opus 40, Hudson Line, are all indie gems. The Funny Bird and Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp are both jams. Why don’t people talk more about this album? I’m at a 4.5 here.
4.5/5
Definitely had a flaming lips feel to it, but disappointed after the first track (which I loved). Beyond that and maybe one or two others not much stood out to me. 5/10
Enjoyed the experience of this album. Not really in my wheelhouse so would not listen again.
I don't like the singers style of singing, he makes each song sound the same.
Jonathan Donahue, frontman of Mercury Rev is quoted as saying "The world wasn't exactly waiting for another Mercury Rev record." Well, there was probably a reason for that.
So far, this is probably the first album by a band I had never listened to that I would listen to again. Really enjoyed the sound.
Вполне нормально, на фоне послушать можно, но переслушивать нет смысла
'90s psychedelic rock with an annoying voice. If you can stand the singing, it's probably quite good, but I can't. Favorite song: Pick up if you're there, because it's instrumental.
The remix album is better
Interesting and somewhat dramatic, but ultimately too overwrought to make an impact beyond being a minor footnote. It preens and posits, but never really flows, and never even comes close to rocking. The near soprano vocal style works only on a few cuts and the symphonic aspirations never really pay off (end of "Holes" is probalby as close as the band comes). Still there are winning moments, especially the closer "Delta Sun..." which is the best of the lot. "Opus 40" and "Goddess on the Highway." One remembers trying to get the hang of this band in real time – this was state-of-the art fin de siecle art rock – but couldn't quite, an impression that feels familiar this time round, too. The similarity to Neil Young is passing at best and the comparison to Pink Floyd a full-on reach. .
It’s ok
2-3 stars. I hit like on 1-2 songs.
Yeah I am very shocked at how good this album is, this is such an incredibly formatted album with a unique sound on every track. I love the ethereal and psychedelic pop sound that is delivered throughout here, most tracks have me floating. The lows are still decent, but the highs are fucking incredible. Favourites: Holes / Tonite It Shows / Endlessly / I Collect Coins / Opus 40 / The Funny Bird / Pick It Up If You're There
Didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did, it was definitely a mix in terms of the songs but those I enjoyed, were really great.
Inicia bastante bien, pero luego me aburre un poco xd
Excellent
Pretentious and whiny
This high-pitched, dreamscape type voice and instrumentals is really hard to listen to for an extended period of time. Shockingly so, the tracks on the album that avoid this are the best ones (Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp, Hudson Line). At the end of the day, though, the album mostly felt cartoonish and was hard to take seriously for most of it.
No thanks
Liked the style, but got old after a while.
„The world wasn't exactly waiting for another Mercury Rev record“ sagte der gesanglich leidlich talentierte Frontman, dessentwegen ich das Album vorzeitig ausmachen musste, über dieses Album und trifft damit den Nagel auf den Kopf. Wer vom NME ausgerechnet DAS für das Album des Jahres gehalten hat, stellt damit seine Tontaubheit unter Beweis.
Not a band I’d put in a 'bands I listen to often, or at all, really’ list, but I enjoyed this. Maybe I should give them a better listen
I liked it. From the first track. Its cinematic and quirky, only a few tracks detracted (was it theramin they ruined it with? or a saw? c'mon.) but anyway.... gentle and flowing to the point of almost boring, perfect for odd cinema and TV or a scenic road trip through alps or majestic valley in a desert, or tripping (the psychadelic connection isn't hard to make) I do think you could go for a walk in a forest to this and not realise the music is playing - its so breezy and atmospheric. (it would just blend with the situation, and make sense, carrying you along. SO YES, seeing I liked, it, I wondered and thought why not? ... so, yes - I dared, I LISTENED TO THE INSTRUMENTAL VERSION OF THIS OBSCURE LITTLE ALBUM. Yes, there’s more! Its even better and cleaner. This is going to appeal to listeners of classical and soundtrack, and gentle ambient music, and it is evocative - hence , yes, I liked that even more. warm slow pulsing builds BUT NOW WITH MORE HORN! and some harp...Not kidding. . Yes, psychaledic rock, I like. Best tracks, Opus 40, Godess on a Hiway, Holes. Does it belong here?. Probably because its obscure and they hung around., and maybe there isnt much recent Psyrock around? Do I like it? yes, I do like Psychadelic rock. its a great soundtracky journey. and somehow it dint annoy me. 4.5
I have Q magazine to thank for my introduction to Mercury Rev, specifically the Essential Chill Out cd which came with one of their issues in 2000. Sixteen tracks that started with Novio by Moby, was almost exclusively British in content, but concluded with Holes, the opening track on Deserter’s Songs. It was the track on that cd that I was really taken with. I then read an article about the band that compared their sound to Neil Young (presumably Jonathon Donahue’s vocals more than anything else), so I was intrigued enough to eventually track down the disc. It’s an eerie album. I don’t know what they use to get that theremin sound (listen to Endlessly) but it’s so effective. I love Opus 40 - it seems to reference Bowie (All The Young Dudes), The Beatles(Golden Slumbers) & did Springsteen come up with the phrase “suicide machine”(Born To Run)? Whatever, it got me in & the bonus was having Levon Helm from The Band on drums. It’s followed by The Hudson Line, which features Garth Hudson from The Band on saxes. Really enjoyed discovering this album when I did.
This was not what I was expecting. I had in my mind that Mercury Rev were the kind of boring, semi-corporate quasi-indie band that proliferated in the late 90s and early 2000s, and with which I was (and continue to be) bored by. But, when I started playing this record, I recognized the songs Holes, which is a a woozier, more interesting song than I was expecting. The connections to the Flaming Lips are significant. This album was the one of the first of that late 90s softly psychedelic, quirky rock sound (possibly twee?) that followed, especially centred around the production of Dave Friedman (Flaming Lips, Tame Impala, Pond, etc). I liked some of the records that followed more than this, but I can see how this was instrumental in breaking the way through and showing that music like this could be commercially viable. I admire that they made it for themselves, as this was highly unfashionable at the time, personal, and quirky. It certainly did not resemble much on the charts at the time Some critics have accused this of having some strong songs (Holes, Opus 40, Goddess on the Hiway), and some filler. I don't mind the "filler". It's different and weirdly produced, even if not particularly memorable. I really am on the line of 3 or 4 starts, but, in my heart of hearts, I wished this rocked just a little more, and his singing voice does get on my tit after a while. I can also live without the musical saw. I am putting it in as a three, on the understanding that this is clear 3.5.
Never heard of this band, so I have no idea what to expect. From the cover and name I expected Stoner rock, but the first song doesn't sound like it. Really chill album, I like it quite a bit.
I listened to this back in the day, the band was surprisingly good and this album is a solid and at times, beautiful listen. A lot of comments compare them to the Flaming Lips and I do remember listening to similar like-minded alternative bands around this time and probably discovered Mercury Rev through listening to the Lips. Nothing essential here and they're music never really grabbed or stuck with me, in fact this is the first time listening to the album since the early 2000's.
This is a bizarre album, hard to define, and for some reason, this is a compliment. It does not look like anything from the 90s that I've listened to before, and, at the same time, it is strangely comfortable for my 90s ears. I think that deserves a second listening session to ensure everything is correct.
Eh. It's indie music and not good. I was happy when it was over. Better than a one, not really a two. I will round down
Can't believe this was from 1998, only really noticed some of these tracks much later, but makes sense. I really enjoyed this slice of Americana. "Goddess" gets overplayed a lot, so it was nice to hear the light and shade in the rest of this, without going completely Arcade Fire.
I... I reallllly liked this album, like first listen, loved it. So now I am going to have to wait sometime and give it a second listen. Might be just right time right place for me but this is an awesome album I have never heard of at all.
2.5/5. Weird, did not really enjoy this. I guess the music itself is fine, it's just not for me.
ok
Definitely some strong Flaming Lips vibes with this. Will listen again
Pour etre franc je m'attendais a rien mais j'ai été agréablement surpris. Je connaissais pas et j'ai aimé l'ambiance de l'album ainsi que les élans. Surtout dans Funny bird. 3.85
Not really my cup of tea
Un 4 por Goddess on a Hiway. Igual un 5 al single, pero al disco entero no.
Never heard the full album, nice, easy listening
Totaly new for me and i love it!
A really decent album. Lots of similarities to the Flaming Lips; the reason is explained in the wiki.
That was cool and interesting. The amateurish vocals put me off and it dragged in the middle, but otherwise great.
Genres: Indie rock, chamber pop, neo-psychedelia, avant-pop, psychedelic pop Formed: Buffalo, New York in 1989 Run time: 11 songs, 44 min, 40 sec Deserter's Songs is their fourth studio album. Prior to this album the band was on the skids with members leaving, debt and self-doubt. A collaboration between Donahue and The Chemical Brothers reinvigorated him. Track 8, “Goddess On A Hiway” is the most popular song on the album with over 16M plays on Spotify. Track 1, “Holes” has over 11.5M. All other tracks (bar one) have less than 1M plays. "Goddess on a Hiway" was released as a single in 1998. Three more tracks were released the following year and "Goddess on a Hiway" was reissued. The album is very melodic, the music is almost ethereal and the singing is very calm and gentle. It makes for very easy listening. Apart from the bloody weird (a “mellotron”?) instrument that is like a cat being tortured. Listen Again?: Probably My Rating: ****
A fantastic album; psychedelic, dreamy, alt rock. Did Matt Coin produce this because it has the Flaming Lips sound all over it. Really enjoyed this.
Never heard of the band or any of the songs. I enjoyed it.
I thought it was like the Flaming Lips but not as good. It had its moments. They were ahead of the game.
When listened to in the proper mood, a melancholic and charming record.
ok but nothing really stood out
I skipped through the first three songs before throwing in the towel. Life's too short to listen to this album.
Awful
This didn't do much for me. It's pleasant music and all, but just wasn't the right mood for me today. And what's with the saws?
Un disco que me gustó mucho, aunque al final se pincha. Es una onda rara, como un Portishead menos fisura y una instrumentación tremenda.
Not my type of music. Two songs stuck out to me, and I might revisit them. The rest didn’t work for me.
I enjoyed this. I don't think I ever listened to this album in high school when it came out. I knew the hit, but nothing else.
Completamente negligivel
I love that this album is connected to The Flaming Lips' Soft Bulletin. This is pretty great stuff. I will listen again.
Ehh, I could maybe come around to liking this more on repeated listens and on a different day. I had no idea about the Flaming Lips connection, but have been aware of Mercury Rev as a band for ages. Problem is, I completely expected something entirely different. I had it in my head that they were a post-punk band of some ilk or another, and I was very wrong about that. So, I should give this another shot sometime. I suspect I’ll like it more… but until then TWO STARS. #nomercy
I've listened to this before, years ago, but kind of forgot about it. I still hear Holes or Godess on a Hiway on the radio every now and then though. I think I consigned them to the same bin I put The Flaming Lips into at some point. Listening to it through again though, I'm pleasantly surprised! It's a very relaxing blend of genres with clever use of a few classic melodies here and there. Some of the deep cuts are great too, like Hudson Line. Still probably not something I'd listen to very often, but I was glad to spend a bit of time with it today.
The only question is whether Hudson Line stops this album being 5 ⭐️ or not? It is extraordinary in so many ways - a big, ambitious sound that keeps an incredible psychedelic sound all the way through Hudson Line doesn’t fit the feel or sound of the album at all and has always felt jarring But the rest is so good I think we’ll go for full marks The wailing guitar on Funny Bird probably makes up for it all by itself
first time listening favorite the funny bird
I thought this one was kind of dookie. The only song I thought was decent was Funny Bird. Was really rough listening to this, it felt like i was stuck in the back rooms and this was playing eternally and my ears where just becoming more def. (I’m sorry, meant no offense, just not my cup of tea) are these reviews public? Or just for our group? The world will never know.
When you’re coming down, in the middle of the night, when all is quiet and the candles have burned low, turn this record on, step out on your balcony, smoke a cigarette, look at the stars, and know that life is beautiful and everything will be all right. Glowing, magical anchor’s away!
Kind of reminds me of a more twee Flaming Lips. Wikipedia says the bands have some history together, so it's not super surprising. I like the latter half of the album more, when it's more of a blend of rock and chamber pop, and less chamber pop. That's a personal preference, though. Favorite tracks: "The Funny Bird", "Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp"
Drömskt och flummigt, tyckte om det.
Cat: Pretty cool! Love the instrumentation. Very creative. Sounds kinda like Flaming Lips, then I looked them up and they’re known to be tied to them. CLARINETIST WOOOOO. Endlessly is quite weird. Like a Tim Burton Fairytale. It’s all quite weird, but really really well done. Everything is grandiose and orchestral. Actually much prefer listening to this than FL. AJ: Noticed that Goddess on the Hiway is the most played song on Spotify. Not surprised it’s easily the best song. The Funny Bird right after it is pretty cool too. Tim Burton or Wes Anderson? Weird movie score music. Guy’s voice annoys me in most of the songs. Feel like Goddess was the single and it probably got a lot of people to listen. And then they got a Tim Burton or Wes Anderson movie score. And instead of a visual story, this guy just squeaked alot. Hudson Line voice was different and some guitar. That was ok too. Some good points, for sure. But nah.
Made me feel like I was at an Alive in Wonderland Tea Party. Fun listen and even more fun if you were on acid.
killer first track, but went downhill in some foggy pop synth melancholy
This was really solid. Good music. Had never heard of them before this.
This is an interesting album. I liked the song Hudson Line (cool sax, cool guitar) but it mostly felt like showtunes. Very diverse.
I was walking past a small, intimate, local concert venue a few days back, trying to remember who I was supposed to see in said venue many years back but had to miss the gig due to various broken limbs. Could I remember? Not on your Nelly. And then this album popped up this morning and I am pretty sure it was Mercury Rev I missed that time. I love the ethereal quality of this album. Donahue’s voice has very sweet childlike qualities. The overall impact is not brilliant but it has a very space agey quality. I could have been in an episode of Star Trek. Goddess of the Hiway is gorgeous. Not sure how I’d feel if I actually got to see them all those years ago. They’re falling very much in the middle for me now although I do love all the experimentation. But whereas The Stooges made me feel bouncy and upbeat yesterday, this lot just make feel wistful and dreamy. The irony of this album being about ‘walking away’ and me simultaneously not being able to walk into the venue has not escaped me.
Hey Jimmy, I got a theramin! Cool! Bring it over. I just bought an aquatic-themed refrigerator magnet set. I'll come up with words and you do something cool. Sounds good, I just listened to "Golden Slumbers," think I might borrow from that to write an eipc tune. Let's call it "Opus something." Love it! I've been binging Flaming Lips for a month. Pretty sure we wont sound anything like them, though. Radical! I didn't dislike it so much as had this running commentary going on in my head as it played. Kinda hard to take this too seriously.
Yeah this is great stuff. Cinematic. Wonderful arrangements, songwriting, and production. Takes me back. This came out the same time as The Soft Bulletin by The Flaming Lips (and I learned today they were recorded in the same studio at the same time by the same producer!), but I always reached for this one more. I think it hangs together quite well even after all these years. My daughter dug it, too, so it's got the youth vote.
I’d never heard of this, but I really liked it!
meh
Quite boring honestly
Inte alls vad jag förväntade mig. Bara hört gruppnamnet förut men det här var en positiv överraskning.
Sometimes the drugs do work
they're like a less fun version of the flaming lips.
🫠
Well she tossed all night like a raging sea Woke up and climbed from the suicide machine With her Spanish candles and her Persian poems Stuck on the rocks inside opus 40 stoned And scratching her wrists in the pouring rain She collapses down upon the ocean floor again Tears in waves minds on fire Nights alone by your side Catskill mansions buried screams I'm alive She cried but I don't know what it means Somewhere out there across the moonlit sands There's a line drawn like the lines on her own hand And slamming her eyes locking the door She collapses down upon the ocean floor again This is a great album, especially if you like Flaming Lips. Its not perfect, but its great. 4/5
Mellow and trance-like at times. There's a mood for albums like these, such as nighttime road trips, but otherwise I didn't find a lot to connect with. Wikipedia says it shares a bond with The Soft Bulletin by The Flaming Lips (an album I've already heard) so I'll consider listening to them together in the future. 3/5
Two thumbs way down. Not a fan.
This band is probably perfect for when you are on ecstasy and pondering the meaning of life when you are in your 20's.
Most music comes at you, something about this album invites and draws you in. A sort of bric-a-brac of various musical styles and inspirations the becomes it's own thing - rather intriguing. Finally, very much constructed as and Album, with a flow and seeming narrative from beginning to end. I enjoyed it very much.
Quirky, harmless, not exciting; not sure how NME gave this an "album of the year" award
Some of these reviews are cracking me up, “sounds like the Flaming Lips”. Well, you don’t say! Jonathon Donahue was in the Flaming Lips for In A Priest Driven Ambulance and Hit to Death in the Future Head - there’s a pretty substantial argument to be made that The Flaming Lips wouldn’t be the band they are without Donahue. In addition to helping the band hone their noisy, experimental sound into a more concise, experimental pop sound, he also introduced them to their long time producer, Dave Fridmann, who produced this album and nearly all of the other Mercury Rev records. So yeah, it sounds like the Flaming Lips. The influence Jonathon Donahue and David Fridmann had on the Flaming Lips can’t be understated. In fact, you could probably get some traction by starting a conspiracy theory positing that Jonathon Donahue was still a secret member of the Flaming Lips, at least through the Soft Bulletin. I think the truth is that the Flaming Lips had been chasing what Mercury Rev was doing since Donahue left the band after Hit to Death in the Future Head. It’s just that the Lips managed to make a hit out of it before Donahue did. I say this as a long time Flaming Lips fan, but it’s pretty clear listening to the output of the two bands through the 90’s. Now, all of that said, I enjoy The Soft Bulletin more of the two, but Deserter’s Songs is a damn fine record and was 1000% an influence on The Soft Bulletin. It’s undeniable. So that leaves me in a conundrum; Does Deserter’s Songs get a higher ranking than The Soft Bulletin, because it’s influence is so shockingly clear and undeniable? Does The Soft Bulletin get overrated because people just don’t know about Mercury Rev in the same way they know the Flaming Lips? Probably. No, strike that…it absolutely does. The divide falls somewhere along these lines: Deserter’s Songs is a record that is immaculately played, with very concise production and was clearly labored over. Not that The Soft Bulletin isn’t any of those things, but there’s a haphazard beauty to it that Deserter’s Songs (mostly) lacks. Both are great records, but for me, The Soft Bulletin just barely squeaks out a victory. To use a sports analogy that will surely alienate anyone under the age of 40 or anyone from Mercury Rev’s home town of Buffalo, NY: It’s like Super Bowl XXV, where a Buffalo field goal would’ve won the game for Buffalo over the Giants in the final seconds. The kick went wide-right and the Giants won the game 20-19. Buffalo was probably the better team that year and should’ve won that game, but it came down to one moment of chance and they were on the wrong side of it. …and that, class, is why the The Flaming Lips are the 1991 NY Giants of rock music and Mercury Rev are The Buffalo Bills. Next week we’ll discuss why Robert Pollard is the Michael Jordan of indie rock. See you then.
Actually listened to Endless Summer Vacation by Miley Cyrus: 3
- Holes is a great opener! Love it and would listen to it again. - Tonite It Shows was nice and can totally see as a song that would grow on me on repeat listens - Goddess On A Hiway is fantastic super catchy what a great chorus - Solo in the middle of Funny Bird is amazing 4/5 good album will listen again
I had no idea there was a "twin" album to The Soft Bulletin. While there are a lot of similarities in the sonic textures, Mercury Rev create something original and interesting throughout the album. Really engaging material, definitely will re-listen
Pop tranquilo y fácil de escuchar, con buenas voces, sosegadas, ritmos en ocasiones que se sale un poco de lo habitual.
The other Lips 5 - Masterpiece, 4 - Love it, 3 - Like it, 2 - Whatever, 1 - Turn it off
Not super my kind of music but can appreciate it. Happy road trippy vibes
Not my style. There were a couple beats I enjoyed in a couple songs, but overall I just didn't enjoy this one.
This was an interesting one. I've never heard of this group or record before but it was pretty good. I think it's aged well and many artists are making music with these sounds and ideas today. May be ahead of its time and that's impressive. I found the music itself to be pretty good too but nothing totally mind blowing other than the experimentation which was great. Personal Enjoyment - 7.5 Songwriting - 8.5 Lyrics - 7.5 Originality - 9 Production Value - 10 Artwork - 10 Overall - 8.3
Listened to this in the morning and it fit the mood Liked it Some funny lyrics, liked the music Will listen to this again
I get the relationship of this band and its era, but it wasn't great enough to be included in this list.
Weird, but I liked it.
Sounds an awful lot like Flaming Lips to me. Not sure which one came first, but I'm not a huge fan of either.
Sounded like Flaming Lips. Pretty good and I'd probably listen to it again. 3.5/5
Not totally my thing- apparently this album has ties to Flaming Lips and their Soft Bulletin, who I’m also hot and cold on- but some of it is pretty good, with a strong electric sound and solid rhythm section. It’s decent indie rock that doesn’t overstay its welcome, which is a blessing for this period especially. B
2.7 couple of good ones
brabinho
I remember that I enjoy the music. I replay the album a couple of times but nothing really sticks. I dont know. Maybe because I just play them on the background. 2.5/5
I was not surprised when I went to Wiki to see if this band was an iteration of The Flaming Lips to see that there is cross-pollination between the bands. Album is quite audibly lush, though the vocals aren't really to my taste.
Is that a saw... oh, I see. Listening to this was like being forced into one of those Christmas stores that are open year round. It sounds like the soundtrack to a fake animated German Disney movie that was translated back into English. I imagine they play Deserter's Songs at those Christmas stores right before the animatronic Mrs. Clause and elves attack you and smother you with fake cotton snow in some far corner of the store. Opus 40, tho.... That sounded really familiar and listened to it a few different times swearing that Flaming Lips or someone must've covered it somewhere. Maybe I'm hallucinating, maybe I've been spending too much time in those Christmas stores. Maybe I've developed Stockholm syndrome 'cause I kinda liked it.
It's a lovely story that Mercury Rev were three albums in and not finding the success they hoped for before recording "Deserter's Songs" as a "let's-go-out-on-our-own-terms" moment. They were ready to give their dreams up, and then "Deserter's Songs" was a surprise hit and it kept them going. The Flaming Lips' Wayne Coyne, who's band was recording in the same studio at the same time, said that "Their audience had gone away, and all they could do was make the music that was in their dreams." I'm glad they got to continue bringing their dreams to life, but some of their dreams are my nightmares. Was there a singing saw used in multiple songs? Why!?
I am rarely (never?) tempted to go track by track in a review. But this album has so many different reasons to hate it, it's impressive so let's take this journey shall we? Holes - The beginning screams Coldplay but like a crappier version of Coldplay...oh wait, is that a saw? wtf? Tonite It Shows - It sounds like a song from a musical for a character who is like walking alone but then comes to some big realization. It feels very theatrical...but sung by someone who can't quite hit the notes. Endlessly - Is that the saw again? Is that a chorus of people trying to sound like the saw? I Collect Coins - Like an old timey jukebox running out of power and going slowing out of tune Opus 40 - oh! this song doesn't suck...wait, why are they dragging out the end so much? stop ruining this! Hudson Line - dear god the 80s saxophone and just 10 extra seconds of a single high pitch at the end. Why?! The Happy End (The Drunk Room) - Is the drunk room in a creepy funhouse? What is with the weird stop in the middle where I was blissfully relieved it was over, but no! Goddess on a Highway - oh! a second song that doesn't suck, let's try not to ruin this one at the end. The Funny Bird - NOW you are self-conscious about your voice and singing through some voice distortion box? why now? Oh good, let's end this song with a bunch of random noise. Pick Up If You're There - I didn't hate this one even though it was a little like a funeral dirge...until that effing saw sound again, and then for some reason an unintelligible answering machine message. Seriously, now you guys are just fucking with people, laughing at what they will listen to and call it music. Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp - I don't have a huge problem with this song. But it's way too little, way too late....oh wait, 3:50 seconds in it ends and becomes a hidden terrible track that again sounds like the backing to a bad musical that happens in a creepy funhouse. 2.5 not crappy songs are not enough to pull this out of 1 star territory. Also they made me spend all this time listening to the songs again so I could write this review and I am spiteful about that.
This was weird. And not in a good way. Couldn’t get past the third song.
I use the word interesting far too often in my reviews. As I was typing it out again about this album, I searched for similar feeling. Synonyms to describe this album that don’t quite describe my feelings: absorbing, engrossing, fascinating, riveting, gripping, compulsive, spellbinding, captivating, enthralling, entrancing, beguiling, appealing, attractive, amusing, diverting, exciting, and action-packed. Synonyms that describe how I feel about this album fairly well: compelling, intriguing, entertaining, stimulating, thought-provoking, compelling, and engaging. While it does not describe my feelings, my favorite interesting synonym is unputdownable. What a mouthful! This album is the stuff of Mercury Rev’s unencumbered dreams. And it would be a great sound track for some deep REM sleep dreamscape. I had never heard of this album until today. Another fine discovery.
Decent,
Like The Zombies, another great album written by a band on their uppers. Excellent, timeless, genre-defying stuff.
I think I might be wrong as the Internet loves this...but I struggled so bad, I found it so limp and lackluster and his voice was aggravating, 2 stars, but there is a part of me that think I may have not given it a real chance...
Bara stråkar
Holes has to be one of the best openers ever, but the rest is a bit boring.
Another artist I’d never heard of. I love that there are albums like this in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Dir. even if it turns out to actually be a really big artist, which may well be the case, I like listening to things that I’ve never come across before. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Holes, Goddess On A Hiway This was a perfect Sunday afternoon album. Admittedly, I’m writing this a day late, but the last day of the weekend can feel a bit naff, and super chill music can always make it a bit better. This might be another album for me to bear in mind when I’m studying. I can see it being a relaxing album and helping with assignment related stress!
4.5
De très jolies mélodies. La voix est un peu compliquée. Le début de l'album enchaine les très bons titres avant que la fin ne se perde un peu dans des interludes inutiles (coucou alt-j). Une belle découverte.
I enjoyed this album, it's not really like anything I've heard before. It blends shoegaze and pop and the singer sounds like a Midwest emo singer. The first song was great, the orchestration was very good especially the string instruments that are prominently good throughout the album. I still felt that a lot of the album lacked what the first song and a few others had in emotions and just felt kind of bland. Overall I give this album a 7.5/10 and this is one of the few artists I have found from this list that I actually like.
This album pulled me in immediately with Holes and it didn’t disappoint from there. This is a beautifully intricate album, it sounds meticulous and messy at the same time. The vocals accompanied the breezy notes perfectly. I really enjoyed their use of what I thought was a Theremin or straight up saw but apparently they patented their own instrument called a Tettis Wave Accumulator, so that’s pretty neat. I didn’t expect to be handing out a 5 to this one but here we are, this was great. 5 stars
- Never heard of Mercury Rev before - Can see the Flaming Lips comparisons, think it also sounds a lot like Smashing Pumpkins - The opener was clearly the best track - Fav songs: Holes, Endlessly, Opus 40
Pretty good
I loved the whimsy and experimentation of this. A new favorite!
Really weird album with the wailing synthed woman voice in a lot of songs. I don’t like this.
I thought this album was very cute!
This one was...different, lol. I'm not entirely sure if I liked it or not, but it was an interesting trip to be sure. The vibe was like, Tim Burton releases an album that sounds like the 70's, but was made in the 90's. Maybe that's your cup of tea, but I was left a little wanting. I can't think of one song that really stood out (I'm re-listening to some songs to write this review), they all had a very similar sound which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Very ethereal and dreamy, and I don't know if I ever figured out exactly what the album was trying to say. There were also a few lyric-less musical interludes that I rather enjoyed. It kind of had a few songs with early White Stripes vibes, which I can definitely get down with. This is especially prevalent in the lead singer's sound which reminded me of Jack White especially on Goddess on a Hiway. I could see several songs appearing in the slow moving, climactic final scene in a Tarantino film, so it feels like a product of its time. Favorite track: Goddess on a Hiway
Too slow for my taste. Like a slower version of a Coldplay album.
Twee.
3.75
I really loved the harmonies in the backing tracks in this album. Although the voice was a bit annoying at times, the music itself was excellent. It felt very theatrical and large, making me feel like I was watching a musical. The songs seem to meld together well, and the album feels like a cohesive thought rather than a jumble of songs. The ending’s a bit odd, but it lends itself to the thought of being a movie or something of the sort. Favorite track: Opus 40
I had to listen to this one several times before I was ready to rate it. I very much like it, although my initial thought was "this is kind of a rip-off of Flaming Lips." Little did I know that this is a side project by one of the Flaming Lips' members. Anyways, I think the three songs at the beginning of the album are perfect. There are some other good ones, but the first three are fantastic. Somber and psychedelic, this album brings a spacier sound to the neo-psychedelia of the time. Additionally, "Goddess on a Hiway" has some clever lyrics that I think is a pretty interesting way to make a song (two verses that are homonyms of each other making them seem like choruses). Anyways, if you like psychedelia or the Flaming Lips, you should give this one a try as well. Highlights: 1, 2, 3, 5, and 9.
I probably suck but I found this incredibly boring
It was interesting, very artsy. It wasn't bad, not really my style.
kinda weird I played that right before flaming lips as they sound so similar. Feeling generous but I feel like this album is a good 4.5
It’s Arcade Fire with more theremin, less tympani, and a whole lotta weed.
This was pretty good. The songs were somewhat varied and there was not a song I disliked. Both of the singers' voices were a tad bit grating, but I got used to it after a while. It kind of fits the tone of the album. My favourite song was Endlessly.
Never heard of this album or group. - Sounds like a movie soundtrack - Very dreamy and melancholic - During "Endlessly" there's a part that sounds like 'Silent Night' - Opus 40: "Tears in waves, minds on fire"
This was interesting, but I didn't love it. It just maybe didn't come together for me. For example, I love a musical saw, but it just seemed to be really sticking out here, rather than an integral part of the songs. I appreciated it more as a group that took risks than something I will keep listening to. There are some great lyrics, and "Goddess of the Hiway" is wonderful.
Yawn!
The music of a quirky circus (a Quirkus-TM). Organs, strings, woodwinds, horns, musical saw. I'm not in love with it but if someone I lived with had it in their regular rotation, I wouldn't be mad.
If I hadn’t known what I was listening to I might have thought this was the Flaming Lips at times. Since I love the Flaming Lips, this was great! In particular loved the opening and closing tracks, but lots of other great stuff along the way.
I just went on a whole ramble about how much I didn’t like this album, then I gave it another listen. I changed my mind. I wasn’t in the mood for shoegaze I guess. I actually really like this now that I have it another chance. Beautiful melodies and I’m digging the sax solos. Makes me feel like I just took a massive bong rip and sunk six feet into my mattress. Definitely a vibe. 8.5/10
3/5. Sounds a little like too many other songs. Like almost similar note patterns. Some fun and unique instrumentation keeps this from being a bad album.
Pop rock. Indie
I was reminded of the flaming lips and that hour of bewilderbeast album listening to this even tho there isn’t much concrete reasoning behind it, just vibes. This is still good 90s music but wasn’t as good as those two things I just mentioned. opus 40 is a banger though
What a change from butthole surfers! Found this music and voice very unique. From the very beginning, I thought I was going to hate, but Holes grew on me and I have to say I liked Opus 540, Hudson Line and Goddess on a Highway. I re-listened yesterday and think my Mindy may like this. The last 2-3-4 minutes was a little out there, but overall, I kinda liked this album and don't have many complaints. Ill give 2.5 but will rate a 3
3 Never have I ever heard of Mercury before this. “Please be cool” I thought as tender synth started playing and when Mr. Rev started singing my stomach dropped. Another quiet album with nothing to grab on to. I was already tenuous until BAM! Saxophone! By the end of the first song a lot of my fears were quelled and I was drawn in. This album sounds like lullabies for nightmares. This album was starting to put me to sleep near the middle until OPUS40 gave it a jolt of life which lasted through Hudson’s Line. Poppy and bluesy but the momentum was quickly halted by a song I can only describe as a Legend of Zelda song that was cut from the game. Goddess on a Hiway is fuckin’ awesome which I think highlights this album’s biggest problem which is it’s consistency. Is it elf-core or 90s pop rock? Tender and acoustic? Jazz? Idk but I’d say I like more than I didn’t like. That ending though… Favorites: Holes, Tonite it Shows, OPUS40, Hudson Line, Goddess on a Hiway, The Funny Bird, Pick Up If You’re There
3 I saw that the frontman for this band was previously a guitarist for The Flaming Lips, and I can definitely hear how his time with the group influenced this album. However, this album was also supposedly recorded while the band was at its lowest point, after a period of commercial failure, personal hardships, and amassing debt, and I think the ensuing sound does a good job of encapsulating the desperation of the band. I kept thinking how each song would fit behind a character’s “come to Jesus” scene in a movie or show, when they realize they’ve bottomed out, and are about to begin their redemption arc (or tragic ending). The tone throughout is very consistent, and nothing feels out of place (except for the hidden track, though those are usually deliberately jarring), but it’s also not overly interesting. Holes was a great opening track and moodsetter, but not much else stuck out to me after that. I think the fact I kept thinking of movie scenes is proof of the music here being more complementary sound than the forefront. Not that that’s necessarily a bad thing and that music should always be flashy and catchy, but in this case I wasn’t left with much of a lasting impression.
музыка интересная, а вокал чё-то не
I really enjoyed this. A few memories unlocked. Goddess on a Hiway in particular.
There were some songs that were okay, but this is sitting at a 2.5.
This had it's moments but didn't quite get there
I actually really liked this - some songs were very Flaming Lips-esque. But some more experimental ones bring it down to a four.
This is one of those albums that has grown on me over the years. From originally thinking of it as a good album but not holding much sway over me, to sinking into my brain and becoming a favourite of mine. In this album they come off as a psychedelic R.E.M. swirling around the edges of dream pop tinged Americana. At first I found Jonathan Donahue's vocals left me on edge but now they have a calmling quality over me
7.4/10 would listen again: prolly heard before: no enjoyed most of the songs ans couldn't fault any in particular. Have to be in a certain mood to listen again however but it was alright.
Meh fine.
Weird- but I think I like it. Vocals are squeaky and it has a psychedelic thing happening. The dischordant breaks are not for me but there are a few tracks I went back to and listened again because I’m not sure if I like them or not
I've never heard of this, and the cover isn't giving much away. I'm guessing some kind of indie rock? omfg this guy would have to be the worst lyricist of all time. This is laughably bad, his rhymes are I guess meant to be whimsical, but fuck they come off as PATHETIC. oh and the music is just some equally annoying, toothless garbage. Genuinely frustrating to listen to. 2/5.
I really didn’t like this. The singing was terrible. I can’t believe this drivel is on this list.
This album has some very nice moments, but it struggles to really maintain or develop them. Like a joke without a punchline. Like a firefly without a light. Like a ship without a rudder. Two sad dogs without a bone. 🐕🐕
Never heard of Mercury Rev before sound slot like the flaming lips, good album just didn’t wow me
For some reason I thought this was a britpop record but it's absolutely not, much more of a Flaming Lips and Sparklehorse kind of thing that I enjoyed the heck out of
Really enjoyed Funny Bird and Pick Up if You're There a lot, but the rest sounded like mid tier Flaming Lips. And Like Flaming Lips, I appreciate what they're doing more than I actually enjoy it.
Hey!!! I already had this one
I have never heard of Mercury Rev before. This is a treat. I love how comforting the arrangements are. Opus 40 stands out to me with it's warm glow. Some experiments are taken on tracks like The Happy End, which kind of take me out of the groove that Mercury Rev had built up to that point, but for pacing purposes it helps break up the monotony. Overall, Deserter's Songs is a tender, thoughtful album. I enjoyed it all, including it's weirdness.
Not a good album of theirs. But, it got me back into them. I went back and listened to “The Great Migration” which was one of my favorite albums for a couple of years in the mid 2000s. I also tried listening to other albums, but only found that I liked the one.
There are some really nice tunes on here
This album is a rollercoaster in terms of tone, but in a good way. Long periods of music without lyrics allows for the neo-psychedelia aspect to really show itself off.
WOW. the website made a strong first impression. holy wow. how is this totally my shit...? wowza.
An album which grows greater the older it gets. The links with The Band are clear here - Levon Helm appears on one track - with this an updated ghost tour through American history. I like to imagine they're driving through deserted gas stations and tumble down wooden shops on Highway 66.
Hiway of a godess was good
T3B 1. Goddess on a Hiway 2. Holes 3. The Funny Bird Wasn’t expecting much, but what a good listen. Ups and downs but pretty surprised! Solid 3.
Nope
Fav songs: - Goddess on a Hiway
What a schizophrenic, creepy album. I was walking the dog as it was getting dark behind a railway track and through a tunnel whilst Pick Up If You’re There was on. Head was on a swivel. 3 stars.
Gave up on this one after 5-6 songs. Another one i can't understand someone saying you must listen to this before you die.
I liked the first song. I remember theres a line about moles in holes. Thought it was alright at best.
-First half of the album is megaboring -Album picks up in the second half. "Hudson Line," and "Funny Bird" were good. -"Funny Bird" was probably the best, it actually got heavy -"Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp" has a good thumping groove, but the back half of the song is just random noise nonsense -Honestly there are like 6 minutes of quality music on this album, it was bordering on a 3 but so much is boring crap so it gets a 2
ok i guess
flaming lips lullaby album
Flaming lips makes an elevator music album. Delightfully vanilla.
2/5
Couldn’t finish it. Was realllllllly boring
Surprisingly solid album that is great for chilling out.
I liked the cinematic sound with the strings and the saw doing theremin type stuff. There’s some pretty cool stuff but I feel like I might like this better with a different singer. 3
Funny bird is a crazy journey. Delta sun bottleneck stomp sounds like bron-y-aur stomp.
His voice kinda sounds like the Death Cab guy. There are specific parts I like but for the most part, the lyrics aren’t great. Endlessly definitely rips off Silent Night.
This album is what I think psychedelic sound like, the great combination of instruments and the changes in the voice give it a beautiful sound. The first song alone it's great, however the following songs are just good too. In between some songs there are some recordings that gives the album a more natural look.
A few track were ok, but overall I didn't enjoy most of this one. Sounded like Coldplay but like if they weren't that good yet. Nothing too memorable unfortunately
Never heard of this band before today. Eh the music is ok, nothing that immediately jumps out or grabs my attention. It is quite slow in some parts and almost put me to sleep. I'll give there other stuff a chance but I don't think I found my new favorite band.
Absolutely loved this, great discovery for me, thank you
Well-composed and well-performed music, albeit not very interesting at times to my admittedly untrained ears.
seems okay, i dig the strings and the dreaminess, the vocals get old for me
WOW. This hit much harder than I anticipated. Dynamic, perfectly sequenced, powerful, interesting, emotional. Can't believe I'd never heard of them before. I was going to write about how they share the same vibe as the Flaming Lips, but then I read their wikipedia page and saw that was way more accurate than I could have thought!
Kind of a Tim Burton twist on The Flaming Lips. I like.
Did not enjoy
Interesting. I like the album but if I saw this live I leave early so I can fight traffic.
Rock-pop alternativo. Ni fu ni fa.
Un 4 por Goddess on a Hiway. Igual un 5 al single, pero al disco entero no.
Speciaal album met veel kleine gekheidjes. Het is er aan te horen dat ze dit echt voor zichzelf maakten, en dat maakt het zo goed.
Enjoyed this chamber pop album a lot, it was very ethereal.
These songs are really good and really artistic, its slightly above average but i feel like it could've done more
soft spoken. garage rocky. i thought it was the flaming lips for a second. it was good.
Lots of interesting musical ideas but I wasn’t too into it. I wasn’t crazy about the lead singer’s vocals. “Hudson Line” (which has a different lead vocalist) and “The Funny Bird” stood out as strong tracks.
"Holes" is the big opener and second biggest track on here going off of play count on Spotify. I think it sounds alright, has a cinematic sort of chord progression/melody/arrangement with a super pleasing dissonant final chord in each repeating progression. "Tonite It Shows", the second track, continues with the cinematic type of sound. Oboe, clarinet, harp, and pizzicato strings are pretty different for a singer-songwriter type of sound. I liked the album the more that I listened to it. I don't love the timbre of the singers voice, which is something I really hate saying. It simply doesn't grab my ears enough for me to want to listen again after a song finishes. It's not terrible or anything, but I think it's just a little bit uninteresting. The overall sound is nice though and I can tell that there was a lot of effort put into all of the little details on the record. If this was a simple singer-songwriter indie rockish sort of record then it would be a 2/5 for me but production and arrangement bumps it to a 3/5.
So shimmery.
dásemd
I liked it. The weird voice was entertaining, would listen again.
Very interesting sounding album
Lovely artsy alt rock sound, feels like the laying of tracks for the weirder alt rock of the 2000s
A bit of a damp squib to cap off 50 albums of this project. Seen the Flaming Lips comparisons from many reviewers and immediately feared the worst. As it happens, it’s not as bad as that. But it’s still very meandering and dull for the most part. Doubt I’d ever return to this one.
Had MR down as a fairly experimental band. Their previous albums were fine, but then they suddenly came up with a highly accessible pop album. Perfect sequencing. Perfect atmosphere and very strong song-writing. My favourite record from 1998.
Bof, ok. Il y a une belle tentative d’exploration, mais ça me laisse plutôt froid.
On flirte avec les Flaming Lips ici. Je crois bien avoir déjà entendu la pièce Holes. Ça ouvre bien l'album. Ça se gâche par contre avec l'exploration avec la scie qui devient parfois très agaçante. Pour le reste, il y a d'autres bons moments (comme Goddess on a Hiway), mais la production me dérange parfois. Après avoir lu sur le groupe, je suis plus intrigué d'aller écouter les premiers albums que de réécouter cet album qui est très inégal.
ok mas nada de mais
Yeah, it was fine
A slow burner of an album, deserves repeated listening to realise how well crafted this collection of songs are. A mixture of influences, slightly psychedlic pop at times, but also traces of everything from Prefab Sprout to Black Keys.
Was alright
Quite pretty. I like the lyrics, but not so keen on the Flaming Lips style vocals. Very mellow.
Nice variety in music, very whimsical at parts. A ton of different moods and sounds and instruments.
Liked this. Didn't love it. So like 3.5 but not 4. And since 3.5 isn't an option I'ma round down on this one.
I hear the Flaming Lips comparisons that a lot of people have made, but yeah... not as good.
Sorta of like Bob Dylan meets a theremin.
This album felt like not only multiple genres coming together, but multiple eras as well. It transitioned between themes really well and the songwriting was sneakily intricate. Probably my favorite discovery so far
Part ‘90s alternative part turn of the shoegaze there’s some real interesting stuff going on here. It’s struggles with being interesting enough throughout the run time.
3.5/5
Genius album one of the finest.
4/5 best - tonite it shows worst - the happy end (the drunk room) the funny bird is by far the best instrumentally but by far the worst vocally.
A bit similar to The Flaming Lips, which should make sense since some people on here would do some work for that group. Most of the songs here are very solid and worth checking out. Favorites: "Holes", "Endlessly", "Goddess on a Hiway"
first listen quirky and chambery, but also boring?
highlights: sounds goofy sometimes -tonite it snows -i collect coins -endlessly -goddess on a highway least fav: what was than end -delta sun bottleneck stomp -pick up if you're there (goofy ahh violin) liked: i guess? there's something off with instrumentals, some great bangers but overall kinda indifferent
Not feeling it
Not my favorite, had a hard time getting into it
Almost unlistenable... First song is ok, but it's a downhill slide of meandering random harmonies after that.
I enjoyed this. Interesting and eclectic. 3 stars.
Was I a mercury rev fan in the 90’s? Maybe one of my siblings or friends? Why’s does this sound so good and so relatable? Why does this sound like a memory long lost?
My god, the music press went nuts for this one back in the day. But what a drag of an album in time- a tuneless singer, unnecessary theremin, an assortment of sounds and whistles here and there, floaty tracks with no discernible meanings. A pretentious affair with no levity.
Rock-pop alternativo. Ni fu ni fa.
Nice music, very ethereal sounding and soothing
I like that album. Very much a mellower Flaming Lips that highlights the best parts.
An absolutely gorgeous album, perfectly paced, beautifully produced / orchestrated and songs that are so full of beautiful melodies that stay with you. I was introduced to Mercury Rev through All is Dream and I still think it is the stronger album overall but the higher high points belong to Desserters Songs. 4.5 🌟
Un d'aquests discos suposadament obres mestres i que no passen de ser un meritori exercici d'art des de la depressió. La voluntat i el que envolta els objectius del disc solen encumbrar-lo més enllà del que realment és: un bon disc de psicodèlia noventera, amb una veu molt característica, uns arranjaments amb classe i dos grans temes, 'Opus 40' i 'Goddess on a Higway'
pretty groovy
First Time Listen and I am quietly impressed, Some lovely tunes in an understated way here. Good use of the Theremin throughout. Can see links to Wayne Coyne and Flaming Lips here, really lovely album. I particularly liked "Holes" "Endlessly" "Hudson Line" and Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp.
not really my speed
An absolutely gorgeous album, perfectly paced, beautifully produced / orchestrated and songs that are so full of beautiful melodies that stay with you. I was introduced to Mercury Rev through All is Dream and I still think it is the stronger album overall but the higher high points belong to Desserters Songs. 4.5 🌟
Apparently the similarity to The Flaming Lips I was hearing was no coincidence, since Donahue was a former member. I want to like this because the music seems deep and meaningful, but the wandering vocal delivery and doofy orchestration are irritating.
If you close your eyes and pretend this is a lost Flaming Lips album it makes it even more disappointing.
Really liked the first song, definitely has some Sparklehorse and Flaming Lips vibes. However much of the other songs are kind of misses for me, not sure I loved the execution. I dig the concept though.
This is so good 4 for "Holes" and "I Collect Coins" "Endlessly" was pretty good too 3
Very chill, beautiful and an easy listen. I really liked this. Some of the songs here make me feel emotions that don't exist. "Goddess on a Hiway" was amazing, so were all the songs after it, finishing off with "Delta Sun Bottleneck Stomp". "I Collect Coins" reminds me of something and I can't put my finger on it.. really, there were no bad songs here. I don't have anything to complain about.
The list described this as Neil Young fronting Pink Floyd, but to me it sounds more like sad, somber Flaming Lips. Dece.
As a 90's alternative fan, this just fit my sensibilities. How had I never heard this band/album before? The question behind the album's sound... what would a late 90's alternative band on an asteroid belt mining rig sound like? It's belter music influenced by some mixed tapes salvaged a passed down that contains Nirvana, Jane's Addition, Moist, and Chemical Brothers.
Good composition. This album was similar to flaming lips with some composition through in
I remember hearing Holes in some TV show and was hooked from that moment on, but the ones mentioned in the wikipedia article don't ring any bells so bummer for that. Anyway, have been a long time fun, and really dug this listen. Hadn't really thought about the Flaming Lips angle 'til I read my colleagures review. Fave: Holes, Goddess On A hiway
This was not what I was expecting. I had in my mind that Mercury Rev were the kind of boring, semi-corporate quasi-indie band that proliferated in the late 90s and early 2000s, and with which I was (and continue to be) bored by. But when I started playing this record, I immediately recognized the songs Holes, which is a woozier, more interesting song than I was expecting. The connections to the Flaming Lips are significant, and this album (in many ways) was the first of that late 90s softly psychedelic, quirky rock (possibly twee?) that followed, especially centred around the production of Dave Friedman (Flaming Lips, Tame Impala, Pond, etc). I liked some of the records that followed more than this, but I can see how this was instrumental in breaking the way through and showing that music like this could be commercially viable. I admire that they made it for themselves -- this was highly unfashionable at the time -- personal, and quirky. It certainly did not resemble much on the charts at the time Some critics have accused this of having some strong songs (Holes, Opus 40, Goddess on the Hiway) and some filler. I don't mind the "filler". It's different and weirdly produced, even if somewhat unmemorable. I really am on the line of 3 or 4 stars, but in my heart of hearts, I wished this rocked just a little more, and his voice gets on my tit after a while, so I am putting it in as a three, on the understanding that this is clear 3.5.
Can't say I feel too special for pointing out how eerily they sound to Flaming Lips, from the etheral instrumental to vocal style. I wouldn't question it if you told me "Holes" was actually Flaming Lips. It's a lovely dreamy style for us fans of traditional pop and chamber pop. The songs were memorable and pleasant, especially with all the unique strings and other instruments (a saw?) The instrumental tracks were decent interludes to divide the experience. I was only impressed by two tracks. Besides the unique instruments, the lackluster performer failed to satiate me, especially when compared to the crazy psychedelia of Flaming Lips. I do appreciate their efforts to get wild in "The Funny Bird." I would enjoy listening to this again, especially as background music.
Don’t really know Mercury Rev. I knew Holes but was only half-aware it was by them. And from the voice on that track, I assumed they were a comedy / pastiche band. And I still have that feeling as I listen to the tracks after Holes. The melody of Tonight It Shows made me initially think it was a cover of Stairway To Heaven. And I just don’t like that voice (sounds put-on). The high register (which in places sounds like someone playing a saw) and the fragments of popular and throwaway tunes do nothing to change this perception. I don’t find the album offensive, and it does have a old time Hollywood movie / dreamy quality in places. But call me a misery - music is music and this type of silliness is not what I look for in a band or album that I would choose to sit down & spend much time with.
How is the album almost 25 years old? Gosh. I knew the singles from back in the day, but never really explored the album. My loss. Holes and Goddess remain outstanding. Such quality, crafted songs. The understated vocals draw you in. Quality listening.
Not too bad. Not too good. Would listen to if on
I really like Mercury Rev. If anything more than Flaming Lips who they share much of their DNA with....and production duties. This album is their poppiest and the songs never outstay their welcome and are enjoyably melodious.
The half-sister of the Flaming Lips' 'The Soft Bulletin', I've had a soft spot for this album for many years. Delicate and emotive music that rises and falls, with Jonathan Donahue's feeble and vulnerable voice sitting beautifully amongst the quiet moments and riding the crescendos of the weirdly instrumented music. Listening with an objective and critical ear, it could be said that about half of the tracks are quite forgettable. However, as a piece it is much greater than the sum of its parts and is really quite sublime. Rating: 5/5 Playlist track: Goddess on a Hiway Date listened: 26/04/22
A grower. Not great, but the good songs are BRILLIANT.
First album I couldn't finish. A couple songs were okay, but not strong enough to redeem the album. It feels like TV music
Man, that's an album that feels dated. And not dated to 1998, when it came out, but dated to somewhere around the middle of the 60s. And not in a good way. I was going to give it a "meh" 3-star review but there were multiple saxophone solos which lost it another star.
4.3 - What an exciting discovery! I never knew "The Soft Bulletin" has a sister album. The parallels between the two records is undeniable. I heard it from the beginning not knowing much about "Deserter's Songs." David Fridmann's discography is vast and impressive. The flow of this album is amazing, from gently orchestrated pop songs to instrumentals featuring theramin. It's dense with atmosphere and explores a vast emotional landscape.
Another band I’ve heard of but never listened to. Eclectic (possibly to a fault) and I could do without the wild theremin forays (or whatever electronic noise generation gizmos were at play) but some really strong parts too and worth further exploration.
I've heard a couple of tracks at the time on the radio and liked them but never listened to the whole album until now but it's quirky and upbeat. I can understand the singers voice might grate for some but I think it works in the context of the band. Wildly differing tracks and sounds (eg: listen right to the end of Delta Sub) but I kinda think it hangs together ok. Favourite tracks Holes (love the theramin), Goddess and Funny Bird.