Customer Reviews

Arlington to Boston

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Emmet's refreshing rock sound is unfortunately underappreciated. In my opinion, they are one of the best kept secrets in the music industry, providing both insightful lyrics and enthusiastic melodies. This album in particular is my favorite as it captures the group's many different sides with the upbeat "Arlington" to the reflective "Boston" A definite must have for any music lover. (Also, check out "Ear Plugs 50cents" if you wanna hear emmet's amazing live sound).

Emmet Swimming - Odd name for a band, but these guys were one of the best playing the East coast College circuit in the mid/late '90's (right up there with Dave Matthews and Hootie). Plus they were good guys. My buddy fogot his ticket to see Live play at the big rock club on the other side of town in '94, so we headed over to the hole-in-the-wall bar back near campus. We went in to see a decent band from a couple of towns over, and Emmet was opening up. There wasn't much of a crowd that night and Emmet was peddling the album "Wake" that they'd just cut on the VA indie "Screaming Goddess" label. We talked to Todd and the guys for half an hour once they finished their set. About 15 shows later (for me, probably 215 for them) they got signed to the big label, re-released "Wake" and later put "Arlington" out. "Arlington..." captured their live sound and is just a great tribute to a great '90's college pop band. Highly recommended. Especially poignant for those with divorced parents.

I have listened to these guys for 5 years, and every album gets better and better. I loved this album. I love all their music, and one day more and more people will enjoy their music as much as I did.

Emmet Swimming is a band I heard for the first time on HFS in Washington DC. Very few times in my life have I ever heard a song and immediately *had* to have the album/cd/tape - but the song "Arlington" was one of the songs and 'Arlington to Boston' is one of those CD's. I've bought it three times (I *just* ordered it again) because other people borrow it after one listen and I never see it again.

'Arlington to Boston' is full of - for lack of a better term - infectious sound. The entire disc is full of good music that make you listen the whole way through - and face it - very few records have good song followed by good song followed by good song - this CD does, starting with the first track. The lyrics to "Arlington" alone will hold you :

Ivana's a sculptor
and she's tending bar
she's piercing her nipples
in the name of art
Rick's an accountant
and he likes tattoos
he keeps them all hidden
so his boss approves
it's the suburb of the week
arlington

Brilliant! And true. Everyone is entitled to thier opinion - and I see some reviews have them pegged as a college band - which I understand, but even living in DC when "Wake" and "Arlington" were released, I never thought of them as a 'local' band. They have always sounded great on every level and thier live shows have never been anything short of heart pounding.

My favorite song on this disc has to be "Fake Wood Trim" though. The lyrics are moving. Ex:

freedom's not something you fight for
it's just the key that locks us in
and what did your father die for
a cardboard house with fake wood trim
guess you showed him

It's the guitar and drums that really push it in to my permenent top 10 songs, though. The chorus is so overwhelmingly catchy that you can't resist singing along. People say that a lot - but with every fiber of my being - I mean that statement. "Fake Wood Trim" is a first rate composition with one of the very best choruses of all time.

Side note: I met Emmet Swimming once at the 9:30 Club in 1997 and after seeing them live 10 plus times and listening to their disc until it was stolen (the first time), I walked to the side of the stage (they were just talking to the crowd) (I couldn't believe it) and shook the lead singer's hand and all I got out was "wow - you're tall". 9 years later, it's one of those moments you wish you could go back in time and correct.

Their music is moving and this CD is one you'll be proud to have in your collection.

Emmet Swimming is one of the few bands who consistently product albums that you can put on from start to finish. Although many songs you will (or should) like immediately, this CD is like a great wine that gets better with time and as you listen more and more. I have had this CD since it first came out in 1996 and I still listen to it. If you're new to Emmet Swimming this is a strong album with slow songs like "Bullet in your Hand" and "Long Way Down", and other songs with a faster beat like "Arlington" and "8:45". Buy this, you'll love it.

Emmet is a great band form my college days. It definitely has that college rock station vibe, but a great listen. I highly recommend.

Their first album on the big label, this disk is a refined version of the best sets played by the Virginia band. "Arlington," and "Boston" are complete opposites in terms of mood and style. This only adds to the flow of the album. They're not the most skilled artists ever, but this is a great album. These guys are so well known around the GMU campus that I once knew a girl who named her dog "Emmet." Support the band and buy this thing today.

This album, although not my favorite Emmet album, has a wide variety of songs from the heartbreaking, "Bullet in Your Hand" to the more up-beat "Parking Lot". Some of you might be familiar with "Arlington" or "Fake Wood Trim", the two songs off of this album that recieved the most airplay. If you liked those songs then you'll love "Arlington to Boston" since those are no where near the best tracks on the album. Firthermore, if you like Barenaked Ladies or Dave Matthews Band, you'll be sure to love Emmet Swimming. Don't forget to check out their new release, "Big Night Without You". Emmet Swimming is a talented band and worth the investment.

This release is definitely superior to their initial record, and more varied, and catchier than their recent release. If you want to check out this band, this is the cd to buy. The lead singer certainly does not have a classical voice, but it is unique. I would categorize ES as folk-rockish, if you want a label. They have some great cuts on this album, including "Arlington", "Fake Wood Trim", "8:45", and "Boston". A worthwhile purchase.

I bought this album on the strength of these guys' opening act for Guster. These songs are in generally uninspiring, and this album might as well be one long song because they're all so similar. But it's fun, and a few songs do stand out, such as "Parking Lot." If you're looking for a good rock album to expand your horizons with, try Texas' "Ricks Road" instead.