Customer Reviews

Bewitched

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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..........

This album is played, recorded, mastered, what-have-youed so perfectly that it blows my doors off every time. And that's almost an entire decade now.

this is one of those rare albums. every song is crafted and surprising and luscious. it captures luna at arguably their musical peak. it is the cd that beginners should try first and ardent fans never get tired of. and it makes you want to buy more luna albums.

i love this cd from beginning to end. but three songs in particular, tiger lily, friendly advice and bewitched, are so good that they made even my jaded ears feel like they were hearing rock and roll for the first time. the band sounds relaxed but tight; the lyrics have a wry, light touch; the music goes from groovy guitar jams to quiet reveries. i don't mean to gush, but you will be very happy you bought this cd. do it.

You've never heard such sweet, lustrous pop in you're entire life, I assure you. Trust me. From beginning to end Warham and crew layer the sounds in a tight melodic spiral until you are flying 5 miles above the earth. From my favorite lovesong of all time "Bewitched" to the catchiest alternapop track ever "California", you will be flying high with Luna again and again. I recommend all of their albums and DEFINITELY check out lead-singer Warham's former work with Galaxie 500. It'll sweetly rip into your ear drums and pull you into orbit at the speed of thrumming guitar strings.

I have been a huge Luna fan for more than 10 years (since Penthouse first came out). Penthouse usually gets "best of artist" when you read about Luna but this is my personal favorite. The first song "California (all the way) hooked me instantaneously and has remained one of my favorite Luna songs to this day. The entire album will play in your head for days after listening to it....it is a special, dreamy trip that will both elate and calm you. Some say Luna is an acquired taste, for me I loved them from first listen. Wareham's "singing voice" is really more of a "story-telling voiced"....it fits the music. The guitar work on all the albums is from another planet, ranging from raw and loud to dream-like and mesmerizing. The jams are riveting but all are properly timed, the right length and fit the songs. It has been 3 years since the band broke up and I find I really miss their sound. Dean and Britta continue making music but (I'm sorry to say) there is something missing.
All of the Luna albums have moments but Penthouse, Bewitched and Rendezvous are stand-out classics and should be in all serious music collections. Buy these discs, put them in your player, turn up the volume and relax into a comfortable chair. Prepare yourself for a special sonic experience.

It is my opinion that Luna was a great rock band and though "Lunapark" was a solid debut, their sophomore effort, "Bewitched", is more consistent and sounds more like a Luna album (enter: Sean Eden) rather than a polished version of Dean Wareham's previous band, Galaxie 500. By no means is "Bewitched" typical, or any of their albums for that matter, but here's where the band's legacy begins for me. Any rock fan would be remiss in not owning "Bewitched" and "Penthouse" which are full of some of Luna's most inspired compositions.

As you probably know, Luna have been frequently compared to the Velvet Underground, but don't let this comparison weigh too heavy in your judgment of them; they sound quite different. The comparison is not without merit as certain aspects of the music are influenced by the Velvets, from the minimalist chord patterns to the lead guitar tones, however, there are musical components that define Luna as a genuine band and not some knock-off, gimmicky kind of thing. Wareham is a talented writer and lyricist in his own right and really pulls the whole thing off. This is rock music and Luna ranks up there with the greats inasmuch as contributing to the tried-and-true standards of how rock and roll is done while doing it as only Luna could.

Fans of the Velvets should know that Sterling Morrison plays a scorching guitar solo on "Friendly Advice" but Wareham and Eden make it hard for the listener to tell where Sterling ends and they begin, obviously doing their best to impersonate his style. But what a treat! Other highlights include the hauntingly ethereal title-track, the trance-inducing beauty of "Sleeping Pill", as well as some of their most popular tunes like "California", "Tiger Lily" and "This Time Around". Oh and did I mention that "Friendly Advice" freakin' rocks?

Also, not enough is said for what a great bass player Justin Harwood is. He plays very smooth, melodic lines and carries the songs even when he is laying back and playing in the groove. "Sleeping Pill" has one of the all-time great bass lines. We always need more of those.

It's a shame that Luna (along with a whole host of other great bands) were poorly treated by their label. The big labels of the music industry have no one but themselves to blame for their problems. Rock is not dead or dying nor will it ever fade silently into nothing. May I say thank you for the fans of rock music, who buy album after album of their favorite bands? The devoted music fan suffers while the industry clamors to sue them and churn out sucker pop garbage.

This album can get to you so slowly, but so surely. It's got to be the easiest listen of the 90's (save Radiohead's 'The Bends'). Though nothing like Radiohead. And yes, the Velvet Underground presence is quite strong on this album. I really like VU, but get real if you think that Lou Reed and Co. did anything this clean, this professional, and this clever.

Dean Warehem doesn't need to wale and wine his way through his clever lyrics....and Sean Eden gets it on guitar - he plays it smooth (hear "Into the Fold") and dreamy.......and Sterling Morrison is a treat to have on any album, and his contributions on 'Friendly Advice' and 'Going Home' help give the album a different attitude like no other.

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And then a beautiful love song in Bewitched - makes you cringe everytime. Then all of a sudden, you get this perfectly radio friendly tune that is overshaddowed by the rest of the 5-star album - 'This Time Around'. At this point you can't believe what you're hearing. Then hit cruise control and relax......because the last half of the album is breezy, friendly. "Going Home" and "Into the Fold" solidify the album as a Luna original, and ends with the calm, dark, "Sleeping Pill".
It's a great Sunday morning album...........and an all-timer!!

Has there been a more perfect pop song than "California"? ...perhaps The La's "There She Goes", but that's about it.