HOTEL LIGHTS: Hotel Lights

Hotel Lights

Hotel Lights

© 2004 (c) 2004 Hair Sucker Songs (bmi) (634479004711)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

Beautiful alt. pop songs, acoustic guitar, lush keyboards. New project from Darren Jessee (Ben Folds Five)

notes

www.hotellights.net

reviews

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  • author: Joerg from germany

    These "autumn flavoured" songs leave you in a light melancholy mood. The musicanship is excellent; evergreen melodies and great lyrics. Once again thanks to cdbaby for the fast service and the musicans on this record for their enormous talent !

  • Like it!
    author: paddlepops

    Liking the music, nice to see Darren Jessee away from BF5. It's been on my CD player since I got it.

  • I want their Tshirt!!!!!!
    author: sally

    Wow. I dont put my ipod on shuffle anymore cause i want to get straight to Hotel Lights. Amazing work. All they need to do now is tour Australia so i can buy a t-shirt. Thanks Guys!

  • required listening
    author: andy

    I first heard this disk about a year and a half ago browsing through CD Alley in Chapel Hill, and i rarely go a week without playing it and forcing it on anyone who will listen. It is absolutely wonderful. If there is any justice in this world, this disc will be huge. Also check out "goodnightgoodmorning," as it contains Hotel Lights most beautiful song to date, Let Me Be the One. And if you have the chance, HL sounds just as good live...

  • Fantastic!
    author: Julie Ploss

    I knew this would be great! My sons who are 2 & 4 love it, too! (They have very sophisticated taste) Love it love it love it.

  • Fantastic...
    author: jfr

    I just want to confirm what everyone else here has already been saying about this record. It's really, really great, the best new band I've heard in a long time. Got this the other day and can't stop playing it. Buy this...

  • Mellow Music To Chill With, Buy It Now!
    author: Dexter Garner

    This music is amazing, one of the best cd's I have. Hotel lights is even better live. Check out there website at www.hotellights.net for show dates, times, and locations. Very good mellow music, a must have cd.

  • How good is this?
    author: Jonathan Lee

    Over here in tiny little England it is difficult to get hold of new indie US music. Being a massive fan of BFF, I am not sure where I heard about this album. Nevertheless, Cd Baby got it over the Atlantic and thank goodness they did. A fantastic album, musically great, lyrically fantastic and gorgeous overall. Darren has proved himself as an artist in his own right and this sits up there with Whatever and Ever Amen as a colossal album. Nice work Darren - a UK tour perhaps?

  • Hotel Lights hit a home run
    author: LifeOnaPlate

    A great melodic album, perfect to just throw on and chill to. I also heard about the band through Ben Folds Five, and I was not let down by this purchase. A friend had burned me a copy of the album to try out and it was so good that I had to own it.

  • why don't you have this album????
    author: bleep

    in the realm of cdbaby, hotel lights is a definite 5!!! i bought this album nearly a year ago and still love it for its freshness. off-kilter vocals. great tunes that leave me reminiscent. i took one listen to the first two tracks and was sold. track 2 and 7 are my faves from the record and are two of my all-time favorite songs. the production is great. i can't get over how great am slow golden hit is!

  • My new favorite CD
    author: Pamela Fritz

    Darren Jessee was always my favorite member of BFF--I always thought he wrote amazing, witty songs--and this new CD away from Ben and Sledge does not disappoint. Though the songs are beautifully mellow, they'll sneak up on you when you least expect it. Friends of mine who've heard the CD love it, and a DJ friend has even started playing several songs on her local indie show to rave reviews. So pick this one up; it's money well spent!

  • Great CD!
    author: Koen Vermeulen

    I found out about this cd through Ben Folds Five's website. The songs are great, very mellow and slow. But also some more uptempo-songs like I Am Train. Highly recommended!

  • Darren Jessee writes impecable pop songs.
    author: Brian

    Darren Jessee wrote some of my favorite Ben Folds Five songs (Leather Jacket, Magic) and he doesn't dissapoint here either. The Hotel Lights disc is solid. The songs have so much depth and charm. They all have a different sound, but fit together nicely. Hopefully, Darren can afford to keep this group together until they're signed so he can continue making perfect music.

  • Why are there no more than 5 stars?!?!!!
    author: DeathJake34

    This Cd is great, unlike anythign I've ever heard before and for some odd reason I keep coming back to it and listening to it. It never grows old. I love it and definitely is in my top 3 favorite CDs ever and makes this band my favorite at the moment.

  • This album kicks ass!
    author: Stephanie

    I bought this album because I was a huge Ben Folds Five fan, and wanted to see what the members of the band have been up to since the break up. I have to say that I really enjoyed this album the whole way through and would recommend it to anyone!!

  • Flows into your soul
    author: Kami

    I maintain that their album is one of the best released last year by Triangle artists. The members' years of experience shine through. The music flows like ripples across water on a gorgeous spring day and touches something deep within your soul, stirring like a first kiss.

  • Simple, stunning, timeless
    author: Matthew Dillon

    This is an awesome find. The opening tune gave me that goosebump magic that music is all about. I really feels simple in a beatiful way. The songs aren't pretentious they wisper tales of life to you. Loved it. Can't wait for next release. Get to the UK and play some shows! Review us at www.overplay.co.uk/windmill

  • Very Good
    author: Winona

    What a brilliant CD, Mr Jessee sure does have a talent in writing great songs. Everyone I've played it to thinks it's a really good album.

  • Amazing, laid back soft rock that will blow you away!
    author: Chris Neale

    This album is extremely well balanced album that will keep you entertained for ages. It just needs one more uptempo song however, in my opinion. Great use of keyboards and piano to create the desired effect.

  • This album is a must have!
    author: Kristen the Librarian

    I've played the 'Hotel Lights' CD for several gatherings at my house and at a friend's house. EVERYONE has the same three questions/comments - "Who is this?" "Where can I get this CD?" and "I need this album." It's not background music, it's a conversation piece! Please, don't miss out on this amazing CD.

  • Very cool and refreshing music
    author: Kevin Blackley

    CD is great! Nice melodies and no disturbing top 40 garbage.Roger Gupton is a gem on the bass!

  • Great CD, came great
    author: anonymous

    This CD was awesome... great mix of songs that are distinct but similar... very relaxing...

  • Stellar
    author: Annon

    This is a fantastic CD if you have the opportunity to catch this band live do so it's even better than the already stellar CD.

  • Love it!
    author: Sean in Ferndale

    This album is really terrific. Totally warm and lovely. It will definitely make my top 10 for 2005.

  • Awesome
    author: Sammy

    If you like Wilco, you will love this CD. But don't take my word. Buy it and find out for yourself. You won't regret it. YEAH DARREN!

  • Awesome melodies and memorable hooks & sweet vocals.
    author: Rita

    Awesome melodies and memorable hooks - not to mention Darren Jessee's sweet vocals. Some of the tracks remind me of the simplicity of early Sloan... On a personal note, this CD brings back my memories of time spent visiting Chapel Hill. Boy do I miss the shrimp and grits at Crooks!

  • simply brilliant
    author: CW

    Hotel Lights' debut CD is a welcome gem amongst many other lumps of coal. Music on the radio is becoming more and more mundane and redundant. Take solace in the fact that Hotel Lights' offers something to refresh your soul. This record would stand out without having the BFF alumni recognition. It is of course receiving a lot of attention because of obvious afilliations but these works are a masterpiece in and of themselves. No references to the past are necessary here.

  • Best CD I've heard in years.
    author: Graham Smith

    As a BFF fan, I had to hear this CD and boy was I surprised! It doesn't sound like BFF, it's better in many ways. Very mellow and melodic acoustic music perfect for relaxing and just chillin' out. Buy this CD.

  • Good Times
    author: Josh

    this cd is great. buy it now.

  • Incredible!

    Fantastic cd, can really capture your feelings....very relaxing

  • Collective, mellow, much needed
    author: Mike Pro

    Darren and his new bad master blending soft rifts, light beats, and mellow feelings into artful music. The bands states complex thoughts through simple lyrics... Pink hair for a blue girl... Well done Jesse, well done.

  • Hotel Lights Leaves the Door Open For You...
    author: Mike from RI

    I truly enjoyed this disk. I was curious to see how Jesse has moved on from BFF and was amazed with his adaptability to front this band and write most songs. Folds dominated his last band, so it is nice to see him shine here. However, I always knew he had an excellent voice, which once again shines. I very much enjoyed the mellow nature of the disk and the alternative topics of interest. Overall, Hotel Lights, leaves the lights on for you to come by again and again. 5 Stars!

  • finally
    author: jamie from nj

    I have been waiting to hear something from Darren for a while now and could not be more happy with his latest project. A great cd to listen to over and over again. I can't wait for an opportunity to see him live again; I only wish I lived in NC.

  • Great stuff -- a diverse, beautiful album
    author: Nathan Monteleone

    Hotel Lights is a nice tour of about every kind of gentle pop rock you can imagine. Each song features its own blend of guitars, organs, pianos, and synths, and the tracks vary between upbeat and depressing, but the whole album still sounds cohesive. All the music is well-written; there are no dud or filler tracks here. Be sure to check out the fantastic country-influenced "Stumbling Home Winter Blues" and the just plain beautiful "Motionless", although a few listens of any track ought to convince you this one's a winner.

  • author: katie

    this cd is amazing! i am a huge fan of ben folds and ben folds five, so when i found this cd i was psyched. darren jessee is such a spectacular artist, the cd is very refreshing and the songs beautifully written.

  • Amazingly beautiful and creative
    author: holly

    Being a huge Ben Folds Five fan, I didn't expect much from Darren Jesse solo. I wasn't a big fan of either Song for the Dumped or Magic, but this cd is a whole new ball game. The tracks are beautifully layered, and seem to get better each time you play them. An amazingly sucessful debeut, and I devoutly hope they keep up the great work.

  • it really grows on you!
    author: davy gravy

    Every time I listen to this album I like it more. It's one of those that once you 'get it' it really gels in your mind and you come to appreciate what the artist has done with the material, and you wonder how they got in your mind so deeply. I can't wait for their next album!

  • quickly became a favorite
    author: Robyn

    I absolutely love this cd. I put it on as soon as it arrived and I haven't stopped listening to it since. I can't wait to hear what these guys do next.

  • Fragile, Pretty, all in all really good debut.
    author: Nicholas Jackson

    I really enjoyed this cd, i bought having been a fan of Ben Folds Five and was not disspointed its fragile and beuatiful and well worth buying. Great for fans of later Promise Ring stuff and Pete Yorn.

  • I'm glad I discovered this album!
    author: Mark George

    I heard about this album through the Ben Folds mailing list - after I heard the samples I had to order it. A nice mix of acoutstic/folk songs - definitely worth getting.

  • Money can buy happiness if you spend it on this cd.
    author: Tim

    This album brings to mind the goodness of life. The soothing melodies and calming accompaniment remind me of good times with friends when everything is right. It lifts my mood every single listen.

  • Like good wine
    author: Ben

    This album is like good wine. You must taste it slowly and it will grow on you after a time. Nothing too catchy that jumps out at you right away, but give it a good 5 times all the way through and you'll find yourself really relaxing and enjoying it. It needs time like good mold on cheese....if that makes sense?!

  • Well worth the $15
    author: Cody Lauchlin

    Pleasant mix of folk, rock, and a dash of electronica. Easy listening, and at times, musically edgy. Very good debut.

  • Great CD!
    author: Eric

    I never post reviews, but this album is so good I just had to. A great effort for a first album. Pick it up, you won't be disapointed.

  • Engaging songs and sound
    author: Jedediah M. Folks

    Awesome stuff from these guys, the combination of music and Darrne's singing makes for a great album.

  • super awesome like mellow
    author: j

    great cd like death cab for cutie tossed in a blender with ben folds five and a pile of greatness to make an jaw dropping sound

  • A great CD!
    author: Mike

    I, like many others, was drawn to this as I found out Darren Jessee from Ben Folds Five was doing some new work. After hearing the samples, I bought it instantly and was not let down!

  • Absolutely fantastic melodies, lyrics and production!
    author: kay N

    The songs flow in an amazing manner. Great insight in lyrics. Beautiful, mellow sound. Great album! Surpassed all my expectations - Everyone I have shared it with think it's awesome!

  • You'll fall in love with it!
    author: Renata Nascimento

    An album where everything fits together. Great melodies, great lyrics, great voice. A must have!

  • Great Disc....check it out!!
    author: Jon

    I really enjoyed this album. I expected to hear songs reminiscent of the ben folds five days with some raw jazzy drums and upbeat tempos, but once i got used to the slower mood i really liked it. You can toss this one in the stereo and just let it play...good times

  • Perfect for the Season
    author: Speedricer

    As a huge Ben Folds Five fan, I felt obligated to buy this CD, if only to support Darren Jesse. I was pleasantly surprsed after hearing it that I actually WANTED to own this album. There aren't any catchy tracks that get stuck in your head, but the whole tone of the album is fantastic.

  • Brilliant
    author: Topha

    Excellent CD from Darren Jessee's new band. A must have for all Ben Folds/Five fans. Wonderfully mellow

  • Definetly a must have
    author: Sean

    I am a huge Ben Folds Five fan, so i thought i'd give Hotel Lights a try because i love darren. The CD is sincerely fantastic. Very nice mellow tracks that put you in a feel-good mood. Just awesome.

  • Brilliant, Brilliant Lo fi Album
    author: Ian

    I wasn't sure what to expect but this album is great. It's got a great mood and a couple of superb songs. I'm a Train Leaving is simply amazing. BUY THIS! You won't regret it.

  • Thoughtful
    author: Mark

    This CD won't hit you over the head but instead lure you in with inspired softness and a few catchy hooks. It's a great CD to just push play and sit back and enjoy the whole thing. I agree that it will make for great road trip music.

  • so clear, balanced and effortless.
    author: roland bowman

    so clear, balanced and effortless. my dawgs at sound of music studio also on the case and deserves 5 too.

  • One of the best CDs I've bought all year.
    author: Aldo

    There's little more to say than what's already been said above, but I was steered towards Hotel Lights via Ben Folds' mailing list, and it's truly a great album. It's relaxing, uplifting, and enjoyable to listen to from start to finish.

  • The BEST band you haven't heard of!!!
    author: Brandon

    Yet another AWESOME North Carolina Band!!! The quality of the music on this one is consistent, not ONE wasted track...they are all a pleasure! It is like Ben Folds and Death Cab gave birth to a baby that looks a little like Pedro the Lion! There is a reason this CD is always sold out...BUY IT!!

  • Hotel Lights is Fantastic!
    author: Kirk

    Any fans of Ben Folds Five know that Darren Jessee can write a good song. One of my favorite albums of the year so far.

  • Great music!
    author: Adam

    Through an amazing blend of genre's, Hotel Lights have a real gem on their hands. It's a great CD!

  • Great Album, Great Artist
    author: Leviticus Nesauretsew

    This album is a piece of art. It's great to hear some new stuff from former Drummer of Ben Folds Five, Darren Jesse. He's an allstar by all means. The album has a very slow depressing feel to it, and it makes great music to make out with your girlfriend. Defintely worth $15.

  • Aren't you tired of fake rednecks?
    author: sctas

    Absolutely the most beautiful album you will hear this Fall. The perfect post-BF5 companion to 'The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner', an album on which Hotel Lights founder / singer / guitar / pianist Darren Jesse was a major songwriting contributor. You can honestly begin anyhwere on this album and fall in love with it's magic and charm. This is one record you may want to buy an extra copy for when your best friends steal yours out of jealousy.. . lovely.

  • Worth the wait
    author: DTW

    Talk about the "Mumbling years"...I saw Darren perform live last year (under the name Remover) and have been waiting for this cd ever since. Well worth the wait. Buy it. Love it.

  • Melodic Bliss!
    author: Ian

    After being a huge BEN FOLDS FIVE fan it was pure delight to hear and experience Darrin Jesse's HOTEL LIGHTS. After writing the music for FIVE's Brick and Magic, it's no surprise Jesse's Benless CD is a melodic mellow gem. If I have to compare I'd say HOTEL LIGHTS is Radiohead meets Coldplay meets Ben Folds Five with their own refreshing spin. It's a great buy!

  • This does not fall short.
    author: Ryan

    Darren Jessee's quest to become his own individual has certainly succeeded this debut effort. Don't expect to hear lush Ben Folds Five harmonies on this record. You have the opportunity of experiencing Darren's true voice- figuratively and literally. I separate my record collection based on consistency. There are those that can play their course and those that fall short. This does not fall short.

  • Highly enjoyable.
    author: Mike P.

    "A.M. Slow Golden Hit" is an amazing song by any standard. Hotel Lights sound like a beautiful meeting of Beck, Wilco, and the Postal Service.

  • Great CD!
    author: Kristen

    Very mellow, relaxing album. Lovely lyrics and lonesome licks (guitar, that is). And Darren's voice is so soothing. It's a perfect cd for fall.

  • Great songs, nice flow, fresh sound, listening joy
    author: Zak

    Ben Folds was right when he said that Darren Jesse is or would be a great songwriter. This album is totally rocks. Its got a great a mellow tone and is really relaxing. Lyrics are fantastic and quotable. Hotel Lights have definately got it where it counts. If they can continue to put out material this strong, they'll be a truly great band with lots of commercial potential. Pick this one up.

  • Great music to just LISTEN to!
    author: New Hotel Lights Fan

    I am an avid Ben Folds/Five fan and was extremely disheartened when the band broke up a few years back. But with Ben making CD's and now Darren with his new band, it is double the pleasure double the fun. This CD is excellent to listen to with smooth and mellow sounds and intriguing lyrics. Great for a long car ride.

  • Amazing new CD
    author: David P.

    Amazing CD. I LOVE 13/15 tracks. That is not common by any normal standard of artistry. Buy this CD, or regret it later when everyone else loves it and you don't have it.

  • Fantastic album
    author: Jennifer

    This is a beautiful, beautiful album. The harmonies are fantastic and overall it has a very soothing feeling. Darren's voice just shines through on this album. I would strongly recommend purchasing it.

  • A Wonderfully Inventive and Intricate Album
    author: CHINASKI (www.cdbaby.com/cd/chinaski)

    Hotel Lights has delivered a terrific collection of songs on their debut album. The songs range from energetic to slow-paced to a happy medium between the two. Generally mellow, some songs feature the electric guitar while others are acoustic-based. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

  • Excellent! Great lyrics, and chilled out music.
    author: J. Todd

    This album came as a recommendation to me via the Ben Folds website. I was highly impressed with the lyrics and how well put together the instruments were. Its a great album to chill to in the evening with a good brew.

  • Fresh, wonderful, and lovely...
    author: Late Tuesday

    Just got an email from Ben about this record...we love it already! A little haunting, a little chill, and a lot of emotion. Highly recommend it. cheers, ~Late Tuesday

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