Beyond the Java Sea (Reis)

Metal Flake Mother | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 22, 1997)
• Original Release Date: 1996
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Scrimshaw Records
• ASIN: B000005A7I
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #248,550 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Tongue Long

2. Wingtip Lizards

3. Wiggle Like a Wide One

4. Ballroom

5. Mean to Me

6. Open a Vase

7. The Inquisition

8. Fine Lady

9. Sutpen

10. Squash Beetle

11. Dance for Nails

12. Got a Lot of Blood

13. Mr. Flavor

14. Our Love for the Bone

15. Moss Howl

16. Matador

17. Safer

18. Deem-On

19. Dream Flamingo

20. Scatchin'

See all 21 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great overlooked treasure, May 14, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Beyond the Java Sea (Reis) (Audio CD)

Considered by many to be the best album to emerge from the Chapel Hill music scene, "Beyond the Java Sea," first released in 1991, has been criminally neglected compared to works by some the area's more well-known bands (such as Ben Folds Five, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Archers of Loaf, Superchunk, and others). It's a brilliant album by any standard, with soaring Pixies-like guitar riffs, thrilling vocals and harmonies, eccentric yet intelligent lyrics, and a creative musical energy that underscores the considerable and diverse talents of it's musicians. Sadly, Metal Flake Mother broke up shortly after this first album was released, all the more puzzling considering that fan and music-industry interest in the band was peaking at the time. As a result, "Java Sea" never received much exposure, and founding member Jim Mathus went on to form the entirely different sounding Squirrel Nut Zippers.

Nevertheless, the album is a stunning collection of confident, innovative songs that grow richer with repeated listening. Some standouts include "Wingtip Lizards," a Beatles-meets-surf guitar pop gem, the magnificent piano ballad "Open a Vase," and the grandiose yet wistful "Dance with Nails." There is enough stylistic diversity on the album to keep it lively and interesting from the opening Pixies-inspired "Tongue Long" to the closing torch ballad "Safer." For completeness, the CD reissue tacks on the band's earlier, and rather inferior, "Deem-On" 7-inch single.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's dissapointing that this band was so underexposed, March 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Beyond the Java Sea (Reis) (Audio CD)

If you're looking for a Squirrel Nut Zippers soundalike, then this is not it. But this recording is completely awe inspiring. The vocals are almost operatic and wonderfully bold! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this CD!! It's terrible that the exposure this CD gets is due to the S.N.Z.'s (especially because the songs on this CD are far better than any "reused" songs the S.N.Z.'s will ever put out). REMEMBER Jim Mathus played Drums with Metal Flake Mother. He didn't write these songs. He can only wish he had.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Overlooked Wonder, January 14, 2006

By 

J. Holmes "blood+whiskey" (yokohama, japan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beyond the Java Sea (Reis) (Audio CD)

despite having a fairly ridiculous band name/album title, Metal Flake Mother's one and only full-length album is a treat for those who like weird pop songs with hooks and a slightly quirky and creepy edge. the music is full of unconventional melodies and creative arrangements; utilizing a surf guitar sound...full of that "round" rockabilly tone and dripping with reverb. in listening to this great cd, it becomes apparent that perhaps Metal Flake Mother was influenced by Pixies in both their guitar sound and their songwriting approach. and it works wonders, becasue i've heard alot of bands that try to ape the Pixies style; but Metal Flake Mother pulls it off by adding plenty of their own personality and elements that make them a band on their own. and the singer's vocals are great...sort of like a more glammed up Morrissey. they are flamboyant, tuneful, but never over the top; aways staying to the respectful range of the song. Beyond the Java Sea is a record that i have grown intimate with over the years; first discovering the cassette in a bargain bin many many years ago and wearing it out with repeated listens. and now finally being able to listen to it on cd...with some tasty bonus tracks tacked on, as well. discover for yourself what all the fuss is about...look past the band name, album title, and the dreadful cover art, and discover a secret masterpiece, much overlooked and underheard.