author: Josh Silverstein
The Essentials are not just another bunch of ego-driven wannabes convinced they're cool enough to get by on silly attitudes and no talent. This band is good. Damn good. "Surfin' the Cosmos" has some of the best guitar-based songs I've heard in many years. Top shelf. The guitar melodies of "The Last Rock Song," "Can I Be Your Hero?" and "Ooo, Stranger" (my favorite track) are hypnotic and soothing. Art Perry's songwriting is a versatile as his unique singing voice. You can easily tell that he knows what he's doing, and there aren't many people in the business today who can make that claim. The band is tight and they sound like they're genuinely having fun. Nancy Gibson provides a wonderful augmenting voice. "Backround singer" is a limiting term because on "Hawaiian Hippie Love Song" she proves she's capable of being center-stage. Ms. Gibson also contributes on bass and as a songwriter.
Engineer Kevin Joella's sound quality is full, warm and real. No overload of tracks, no studio gimmicks, and NO SAMPLERS!! Mr. Joella also provides much of the fine guitar work.
The Essentials are an uncommon band that deserves serious attention.
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Love It! Finally, actual singing and enjoyable musica. "Foreplay on the Beach" i
author: Little Cubano
This CD rocks! Great mix of styles. No two songs sound the same, and the words can actually be understood. Great rhythm, vocals, and lyrics. Love the shakers, and the subtle mysterious background sounds in some of the mellower tunes.
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awesome!
author: eddie
This cd is definately not mainstream..it is mild yet robust. The music has a comfortable down home feeling similar to the likes of the folk masters, yet it also has a rocky playful side that is a lot of fun.
The musicianship is top notch, and the music as well as lyrics are appealing to all age groups.
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