Phil Jimenez’s new outfit is a perfect fit.
author: brian sendrowitz
Phil Jimenez’s musical output over the last five years has been remarkably diverse. He made his name as producer/multi-instrumentalist of the enormously successful pop act Wheatus, known for their clever, tongue-in-cheek pop songs. Before Wheatus, Phil led the lesser known but critically acclaimed group Jordan River, given to transcendent, world music-infused acoustic material. His new band’s debut release gives us something completely different, yet somehow manages to incorporate elements of the two previous projects. The explosive opener, “Fire” is part slacker anthem, part shamanistic manifesto, and part ode to the redemptive power of rock and roll. It picks up right where Jimenez left off with Wheatus, with its irresistible hook courtesy of Mr. Brendan B. Brown. “Taking All My Time” finds Jimenez sounding like a young Lou Reed gone completely supersonic. The song builds itself up to a thrilling climax, and segues right into “Never Thought,” with its wonderfully mathematical guitar intro. Here, Jimenez contemplates “trying to make whatever out of nothing at all”—a strong metaphor for the creative process. “Found Love” is an artist-in-exile song, lyrically in the tradition of Tom Waits’ “Shore Leave,” or Dylan’s “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues,” dressed up musically as quirky pop-rock in the vein of Cake or Soul Coughing. The song plays out like a mini movie and is virtually impossible to get out of your head. The debut EP from Gordo Gringo is a joyous affair from start to finish, and it will leave you hungry for more.
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If you buy any record this year...buy this one
author: Ninety Five
yeah i hear what you peeps out there say - he's the guy from wheatus ? then either - they're great or they suck
well if you are in either of those groups you should buy this EP - the sound of the CD in one sense is nothing like wheatus but then again it is - FIRE has Brendan B. Brown on vocals while the song itself is definately written by Phil - these songs wouldn't be on a wheatus record - but if you like wheatus you will like Gordo Gringo almost certainly
i can't really sum up in words how the EP sounds - every song is different - from steel drums to guitars to loops to banjos - its all in there - you can listen to the songs on mp3.com and then (of course) you can buy it right here !
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Simply Great!
author: Gordo Gringster
... Simply great! A credit to everyone involved.
I aint gonna ramble on too long, as it seems that the other reviews have "hit the nail on the head" so to speak.
The EP contains 4 great songs each of which have a very different feel - None of which sounding like the numetal that we all know, saturates the charts at the moment. Infact alternative doesnt really do this style of music justice.
The lyrics are quirky and catchy and the tune is the kind you will be humming all day long. All of this is topped off with a very fitting vocal.
One part of the EP that has to been noted is its presentation -the vynal feel gives GG such character before even putting the cd into the player. And then once you do you have a very authentic vynal noise. Very cool.
Well, i can't really think of what to say but awesome! And i would recommend this disk to anyone - My friend who personally didnt like the downloaded clips heard the EP and found a new interest for GG!
Well, on a last note, great stuff guys and keep it coming!
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