Customer Reviews

The Best of Hothouse Flowers

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I was introduced to Hothouse Flowers at a party, but it took me awhile (a year or more) to actually figure out who this band was. (Asking my host about the band seemed uncool somehow, I guess.) But awhile later I bought Songs from the Rain, which I've always been torn between loving and thinking it's a little hoakie. There's such a strong spiritual, granola vibe on the album that at times you're really moved by it and at other times you feel it's just a little too touchy-feely. But one thing I did realize was I liked this band, this lead singer's powerful voice, the retro,gossipal, rock sound.

I think I next picked up Home, which had a couple of really great songs on its, like Hardstone City, Give it Up and Movies. Then I found People, which had probably my favorite Hothouse song, Halleluah Jordan, along with the great rocker I'm Sorry. In all these three CDs had great moments.

Well the Best of ... wraps up all these great moments -- although it's missing Hardstone City and Gypsey Fair from Songs from the Rain. It's a great starter for anyone who is interested in Hothouse Flowers, or anyone who is just interested in good rock n' roll. Hothouse at their best have an energy the few bands can match, and their music hits you in the gut. I'm going to stop before I say something hoakie, like it makes you think -- but I think it does make you feel.

It's hard not to love these Irish rockers. Their music is a heartfelt mixture of faith and funk. I've purchased a few copies of this to send to friends who needed a skip added to their step. An upbeat and reaffirming message you can dance to. It's all good.

Hothouse Flowers are one of those bands who were destined for global acclaim but it never came. This is a compilation of their best work and includes the infectious 'Love Don't Work This Way', the stomping 'I'm Sorry' and the soulful 'Easier In the Morning'. The music is honest and strong and borne from nature with an almost 'gypsy, carefree feel' to each track. Liam O'Maonlai's voice is haunting and beautiful.(Bono discribes him as having the best soul voice in Ireland). Few music lovers would totally dispel this collection as it has something for everyone. If you have a slight affection to Irish folk-rock music, then this will hit the right notes. Definitely worth the price of the CD.

This is a pretty good collection from "Hothouse Flowers", and identical to their import "Best Of", plus two more tracks. Of course it's missing a few good songs, but what's here makes up for that. Included are numerous tracks from the "People" album, like "I'm Sorry", "Don't Go", "Older We Get", "It'll Be Easier In The Morning", and "Love Don't Work This Way". Plus the great songs "Give It Up", "Home", "Forever More", and others. Overall it's a "Hot" collection of a band that's a little bit rock, folk, and Irish.