Customer Reviews

Before Today

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Before Today is my first introduction to Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, after months and months looking at the album and reading a few reviews and listening to the short samples here on Amazon, I decided to buy the album for 5 dollars. I can't decide if this album is pure genius, or completely rediculous insanity, probably a combination of both, either way, I cannot stop listening to it, I've played the album over 20 times now and still can't even begin to express my love and obsession with this album! I've tried showing this album to my wife and some friends. But, to my dismay they just look at me like I'm an idiot wondering what the hell I'm listening too, but I swear, if you give this album a chance you will see the magic and mystery in this album. It has some of the most amazingly crafted pop songs I have ever heard. I cannot wait to hear what comes out of this artist next.. Quick question for those who have been following him for a long time, is it worth investing in his older albums? Because I have heard this is basically a studio remastery of his older music show cased. Thanks in advance.

I haven't written a review of anything in a long time frankly because I haven't been this turned on by a band with a truly unique sound in a long time. I heard Round and Round on Sirius XM for the first time and was literally paralyzed by what I was hearing, this effect hasn't happened to me in a long time, last time I can honestly say this happened was the first time I heard Interpol, prior to that, The Sea and Cake, prior to that, The Smiths. I'm going through a timeline of 25 years here mind you... But truly, truly the most appropriate way to describe what I was feeling listening to this album (which I purchased very shortly after hearing Round and Round for the first time), would be going back to the utter bewilderment/excitement that I experienced seeing/hearing Culture Club's Karma Chameleon for the first time on a music video show (didn't have MTV way back when). I can't say it's the nostalgic sound of Before Today that makes me think of this or what, just my experience. Oh and I say Best Album of 2010 and very aware of bands like Broken Social Scene, Band of Horses, etc. most of whom I do enjoy.

This is one of the finest pop albums to come along in a while; full of psychedelic riffs and rhythms, catchy harmonies and synthesizer heaven, jangly guitars, searing vocals and tight drums galore. They are reminiscent of The Beatles, Stones, Moody Blues, Sly Stone, etc It still has a very modern feel though. Fresh and exciting overtones of Pink Floyd exist here amidst the whole package which is airtight. Recommended highly to lovers of alternative rock/pop which soothes and satisfies even as it challenges the listener to follow along. It's all well worth the effort and you will be rewarded with repeated listenings. Trust me on this one; you'll thank me later.

I don't pretend to be a music critic, so this is simply from the perspective of an electic listener who knows what she likes when she hears it. This CD is amazing, and on my stereo the sound quality is fine. I hear hints of David Bowie and Lou Reed and REM here and there, but whatever and whoever may influence Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, they mix instruments, vocals and genres to come up with their own unique brew. (And I hardly ever find anything worthy of the overused "unique.") "Before Today" evokes the '70s and '80s but it's a totally today sound.

OK, so I'm an Os Mutantes fan that just happened to get turned onto Ariel Pink because they are touring together. Wanting to maximize my concert enjoyment I bought the Before Today mp3 release, to at least be familiar with the songs before the show. I toyed with the idea for a while, but always was put off because, well, this guy is out there (and I'm a Mutantes fan) and Before Today was intentially recorded to sound like crap. That said, Ariel is awesome. This release is song after song of solid pop. I grew up in the 60's and it really takes me back. There are parts that sound like the 70's as well. If you give it a chance you will be hooked and love it. Rock on Ariel!!

I am very impressed with Before Today. Having never heard of Ariel Pink prior to reading internet reviews of this very album, I gave it a try and walked away refreshed and pleased, almost like I learned something. I was instantly struck by the intentionally lo-fi quality of the album, which works very well with the construction of the songs and serves to hold the collection together in to a recognizable whole. Each song has its own distinct retro quality, but still sounds current and fresh. While flipping through the many albums and songs in my best-of 2010 play lists, I find myself coming back to Before Today out of curiosity and the feeling that I'll hear something new each time. That is the sign of a great album. It isn't obvious on first listen, but this album grew on me very quickly.

Ariel Pink is nothing short of ambitious, whether it comes to his songwriting, his production, his constant changes in style, etc. I got my introduction to him through the track "Round and Round", which could've been a gimmicky retro disco-throwback and nothing more if it weren't for Pink's incredible songwriting. The structure, the lyrics, the hooks, all amazed me when I heard it. It still remains one of the best things I heard in all of 2010.

Although when I picked up this album, I knew Pink was someone who experimented with many different styles from the past (hence the album title, "Before Today"). He clearly doesn't enjoy the idea of restricting himself to anything. Now, I find that the two greatest assets to this album are 1) Pink has definitely given his time to studying the artists and styles he takes from. The genres he emulates on this work sound genuinely identical to the way they did in the 70's and 80's, respectfully. And this leads into 2) The production. It's not as easy as one would think to experiment with these past sounds or to present such an anachronistic sound, as if the music has actually been recorded in the time period it represents. And this album does this flawlessly, without seeming overly nostalgic or even gimmicky.

But now this leads to my gripes with the record. To me, none of these tracks reach the level of enjoyment that "Round and Round" gave to me; in fact, my favorite section of this album is the aforementioned song and the tracks that bookend it. "Fright Night (Nevermore)" and "Beverly Kills" seem to be cut from a similar cloth as "Round and Round", or at least the latter is. Both are very enjoyable, very catchy, and altogether strong points in the record. However, besides those three tracks, I can't seem to find anything else that jumps out to me or impresses me. The closer "Revolution's A Lie" got me excited, as it plays with a post-punk sound which seems to have been especially influenced by Joy Division. However, the track doesn't seem to go anywhere, and as I said, nothing seems to jump out to me.

That's just one example though; most of the tracks honestly go that same route for me. There are some special moments, such as the guitar solo in "Butt-House Blondies" which sounds uncannily like any hard rock you would find in the early 70's. However these moments of inspiration are few and far between. Clearly I'm the minority here, as most of this album's reviews are fiercely positive; however, the album just didn't work for me.

This album is the one fans have been waiting for...Spunky,fresh and this time he's getting close to his peer R. Stevie's polished sound! This album has a couple songs from Oddities sodomies and are perfected with studio quality sound and help with his bandmate's. From start to finish this album is the freshest thing to come out from a band in general...It's a masterpiece from start to finish. Ariel and his bandmates really let loose on this one!!! It's his first for a quality sounding album and you know for a fact he aint gonna cut slack on his first studio album. All and all great album..if you like his other albums then this one is a defining moment in his artistry as well as his bandmates. They're best is yet to come...believe me on that!

This album is a perfect progression, increased production values which are delicately applied only underscore the talent of this artist. Can't stop listening to this one.

My first experience of Ariel Pink. Some very catchy tunes. Pity about the recording quality. Not as bad as the "Best of REM - In Time" special edition CD I also purchased but not that good really. Jane