Bewitched

Luna

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 1, 1994)
• Original Release Date: March 1, 1994
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Elektra / Wea
• ASIN: B000002HEY
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,565 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

On its second Elektra album, Bewitched, Luna lost the silly tiny "squared" symbol after its name and gained a second guitarist: Sean Eden joins former Galaxie 500 leader Dean Wareham, Chills bassist Justin Harwood, and Feelies drummer Stanley Demeski. This time, the result is less the tentative, slightly disjointed work of an (ahem) alternative supergroup than the product of a tasteful psychedelic rock band specializing in stylish restraint and a distinctive, clean, and crisp guitar and drum sound. Luna doesn't deny its influences: Demeski brings the Feelies' trademark crazy rhythm to any project he joins, and while Wareham used to squirm whenever he was asked about Galaxie 500's obvious debt to the Velvet Underground, he now underlines the connection by inviting Sterling Morrison to guest on two tracks. --Jim DeRogatis

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Velvet Underground had a baby---and its name is Luna, July 5, 2000

By	29-year old wallflower "Eric N Andrews" (West Lafayette, IN) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

Simply put, without the Velvet Underground, the modern rock of the 1990s may not have happened. And while the death of Sterling Morrison (who makes an appearance on here) put to rest any hopes of a VU reunion album, younger music fans like myself can easily see the VU's influence in a fellow New York band called Luna. BEWITCHED is the place to start for those new to Luna. Dean Wareham is a soundalike dead ringer for Lou Reed, proving once again that carrying a tune is no longer a requirement in pop music. While VU's music was drenched in feedback, Luna concentrates on acoustics and melody, therefore sounding more mature and folky. Songs like "This Time Around", "Tiger Lily", and "I Know You Tried" are beautifully sung and played acoustic songs that could almost qualify as Velvet Underground unplugged. Like I mentioned before, the late great Sterling Morrison contributes some tasty guitar work on "Friendly Advice" and "Great Jones Street", two songs that sound like VU outtakes, and wonderfully so. I know Luna has done a whole lot more than just BEWITCHED, but this album was the one I picked up first, and I'm sure it's the best one to get acquainted with first. The Velvet Underground torch has been passed on to Luna, and with albums like BEWITCHED, I hope they'll carry it proudly.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Exactly a Sleeping Pill, June 21, 2004

By A Customer

Very few bands put off the same vibe as does Luna. Particularly on Bewitched, I think Luna begins to define their own sound as sort of a dreamy, sleepy indie-pop. Don't get me wrong, though--this album won't put you to sleep. Lead singer Dean Wareham is a brilliant, quirky lyricist who paints such lovely, real pictures of everyday situations. You know, the conversations and moments that aren't easily put into words. And along with these unique observations come extraordinary sound. This recording is so crisp and clean--from the opening reverb-soaked riff of "California All the Way" to the jazzy, vibraphone tones of "Sleeping Pill." The standout tracks are "California...","Tiger Lily", and "Bewitched". I think I like these the most because Luna doesn't wear its Velvet Underground influence on its sleeve as plainly on these songs.

So, to get the full effect of "Bewitched," I recommend you save a listen for a cool, rainy day in June. Open the windows a little, but stay in a reclined or comfortably seated position. Wear headphones, of course, and let the thick wall of textured sounds fill your ears...and be sure to listen to the lyrics...you'll be taken away to places and feelings that seem vaguely familiar.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just lovely...., January 12, 2005

By	Kirstie8 "cocteautwinn" (New England, USA) - See all my reviews

A lot of folks who have reviewed this cd seem to like Penthouse more. I, on the other hand, put this alongside their latest and and final disc, Rendezvous as their most shimmery and addicting. Wareham's lyrics and delivery are beyond charming. The guitar work is clearly inspired, and they have a tone that is mood elevating as it is also melancholy.....I love this band!!!!! I had the good fortune to see this band live back in the late 90's (they opened for the Cocteau Twins), and alas, I didn't pay attention to their performance..........