I accused my son Burt of wasting too much of his money on CDs that he won't care anything about in a year or two. He handed me this one and said I should give it a listen. I have to admit that I've had a hard time putting it down since the songs are so welldone and have such a meaningfull message! I wasn't aware anyone was recording songs of this caliber anymore, so am glad to realize that at least one group has something worthwhile to say to the youth of today, as well as to the grownups who think they know more than they do! The bass and drums might be a little loud for older ears, but the end results are breathtaking once you take in the full spectrum of this CD. My friends and coworkers can't believe I'm listening to anything new, having long called me an old stick in the mud, but even some of them admit the Echoes have something special to offer? I haven't heard any of their other discs, but intend to purchase one for Burt's birthday in August if he doesn't beat me to it. Really it will be as much a present for me as for him, so I'm more excited about his birthday this year than he is!

What a great group! And what a great CD! I'm surprised more people haven't heard of the Echoes? Their music is very moving and their tunes stay with you for days. My boyfriend plays in a band and they've been trying to learn some of these songs. It really takes some doing though! I really like the way the members exchange vocals and that none of them seem to be on an ego trip? Everyone's just doing his or her best for the group. It shows! The CD starts out strong and hardly ever lets up. It tends to be a little mellow towards the middle, but then gets even rockier than before? I wish I could sing like the girl in this group. My boyfriend's band wishes I could too! I'm glad I got this CD and think anyone who likes good music will like it too.

Dear Echoes, What am I going to do with you guys? I open up this CD, sit down and mellow out, hit play and then got blown to bits! You did a great job there, you Echoes you, and have a disc with many highlights. One of my favorites is "Stained" where your voices blend so very well together. The vibe of the album is mystical and haunting and, although it's reminicent of the 60's, it's more of that 70's rock sound to me... you know, the sound before disco came. For a brief time, 70's rock was good and you've recaptured that small window. "Take Me As I Am" and "I Was Dreaming 'Bout A Woman" have been going through my head ever since the second time I heard the disc. Besides Teresa's voice sounding strong, I was impressed by the harmonica... and was that a dobro on "If I Could Take You Away?" Wow, what a vibe you've stirred on plastic and in my own heart! To have all of the elements of accordion, dobro and the likes with that haunting, nostalgic feel is just incredible. I would be very, very proud parents of this "bad boy" guys. This is, without a doubt, your strongest to date, instrumentaly sound, and just and pure in nature and intent. The way that you've incorporated things like banjo and metal guitar is unique and, as far as I know, it's never been done. You both provide great vocals to the cutting and sometimes choppy guitar work. The bass lines run well with the drummer and provide a solid and powerful rhythm section--especially when Mark gets down and lays down licks. I hate to compare songs, but I had a firm indentation lain across my head the first time I heard "Troubled World" in that it felt like two of my favorite licks were combined like peanut butter in my chocolate. It almost seemed like Jethro Tull's "Aqualung" and the Moody Blues' "I'm Just A Singer In A Rock And Roll Band" met and transcribed a totally new and better lick and you guys jammed the living snot right out of it! I'm not saying "Troubled World" sounds like them, but rather lets off a similiar vibe in my heartstrings. Following it with "If I Could Take You Away" was perfect and, although that song is much mellower, I was still hanging on to "Troubled World;" but, as I allowed it to be a transitional step, the new song captured my senses. Teresa's voice dominates a wonderful tune here and, accentuated by Mark's "below bass" voice, took me to a brilliant world and left me with the memories of a time when I had the energy and passion to take someone away. You Echoes have done incredible work throughout and the sound is so very well balanced. Everyone knows that it takes more than a couple of good songs to make a good disc. Although this album's song list is a strong one, it's supported by a great balance and overall sound. I don't know how you got some of the sounds, but at the beginning of the album it sounds like you were running things through a Leslie cabinet and achieved that "coughing" effect that it brings. It's not always the right way to go but, if that is what was done, you used it wisely! "Prove You Love Me" is yet another strong song that almost convinces me that I was the second gunman at the grassy knoll on November 22, 1963... purely because of the urgency (or did i say that already)? I just love the blend of electric/acoustic with that voice. Teresa, oh, Teresa, why do you visually take me places that I haven't been for quite some time or maybe a place I thought I already was? And you, Mark, most definitely you belong in long robes as you write and discuss a lifetime of expression and joy in this music/Echoes' music. When Clapton plays, he gets choppy to prove a point--and you do the same thing, but for totally different reasons. Your solos are biting and cutting to the bone and, as you drop ol' "Steamboat Willie's" boat back into the water, you take no prisoners... be it someone to emulate you or hang as a barnacle. Much like the Bible, this disc dances and trades and supports it's own self in and throughout. The packaging and the concerted effort to have all of the words printed is a wonderful addition. The artwork and color photographs are done so beautifully. Without a deliberate action, you have touched me in a couple of dozen different ways. In essence, this is a fine disc. Thanks for "getting 'er done!"

In his review of their previous release, journalist Joe Viglione stated in the "All Media Guide" that "There are fifteen songs on the group's first full-length CD, 'Listen Up It's The Echoes,' the follow-up to the limited edition 'The Echoes Sound Off,' and they all have a charming appeal all their own." Supporting this notion, critics and would-be critics alike debate which tracks they like best on sites such as Amazon.com, CD Baby and the late, great Tower Records. I, therefore, suggested that The Echoes' first full-length CD be rechristened "The Echoes' Greatest Hits, Volume One." I further submit, upon repeated listenings to this disc, that "Now Hear This" be dubbed "The Echoes' Greatest Hit, Volume Two!" Like its predecessor, this CD opens strongly with a straightforward rocker, "I Couldn't Stand." This track sets the tone for things to come: the more acoustic-based, laid back sound of "Listen Up" having matured both production-wise and lyrically with only selected cuts harkening back to earlier days. "Ourselves" neatly follows the extended fade-out/guitar duel of "I Couldn't Stand" before another rocker sounds off through "Stained." These three tracks presenting a strong opening to a strong release, we're then treated to a real surprise: one of the group's male members (possibly songwriter Alexander himself?) assumes the lead vocal position on "I Was Dreaming 'Bout A Woman." Usual lead vocalist Starr offers firm support with her backing vocals, only to emerge with her own memorable lookback in "Autumn Rain." "Write You The Best Song Ever" comes next as some relief before the heavy-rock sound returns with the moody "Long As The Grass Is Growing." Again, the male singer (Alexander?) takes center stage on "The 8th Of December" while Starr lends moral and vocal support prior to an extended fade-out of electric guitar and piano. In fact, the harmonicas of "Listen Up" only appear briefly on this CD, with the electric guitar and other instruments brought more to the fore. After the Lennon tribute comes the hard-hitting "Troubled World," the folky "If I Could Take You Away" and the tongue-in-cheek "Losing Game." As with "Autumn Rain," a mood is established through the gradual build-up of instruments in "Prove You Love Me" prior to the drum showcase titled "Rather Be Coming Than Going." This may well be the most minimal track on the CD, but it works amazingly well while clocking in at the least amount of time. Another surprise comes with the country-rocker "Follow In Your Footsteps" before the piece-de-resistance is offered in the anthemic "Take Me As I Am." In comments concerning their previous CD, fans pondered whether or not The Echoes could follow-up "Listen Up." With the release of "Now Hear This," the answer is most definedly a long, loud "Yes!"