Customer Reviews

Boylan Heights

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I first discovered The Connells on a late night music program on my local PBS station here in Atlanta around 1990. The program had booked The Connells for a studio interview, but the studio they were going to use was locked up for the day so they had to end up doing the interview at one of those bathroom displays at a local hardware store. No kidding! Needless to say the interview was hilarious, but the music completely floored me.

I immediatley went out and bought Boylan Heights and I must have played that cassette tape until it was about to snap. The album is, to put it simply, perfect. And I can say that without any twinge of hesitation. The songs compliment each other with such grace and uniformity that it is almost a spiritual expericence. The musical styling has an almost celtic quality, but remains oddly unique at the same time.

Lyrically, this album will keep you coming back for more. The words that are woven are perplexing, but somehow still seem natural and make sense on an emotinal level even if it takes some time to actually dechiper their intended meaning, if any at all. This is an album that I never grow tired of hearing even though I have listened to it heavily for the past eleven years. I never have to be in the mood for it. It always fits.

Boylan Heights is to The Connells what Murmur is to R.E.M. They are very similar albums in both sound and style. Not surprising being that both alubms were produced by Mitch Easter at the Drive In Studios in North Carolina.

If you're one of those people who thinks that The Connells are just a "Prep-boy Band"... buy this album... it will change your opinion about The Connells and music in general.

I have seen several friends turn instantly into Connells fans after hearing just a few tracks of this CD. Boylan Heights exquisitely blends infectious melodies and harder-edged elements. I would compare Boylan Heights to R.E.M.'s best work in the eighties. What a shame that, unlike R.E.M., the Connells have remained a well-kept secret in the United States.

This CD is a gem. Produced by Mitch Easter (the guy that produced R.E.M.'s Murmur album and frontman for the band Let's Active), the Connells present these dark, beautiful, haunting folk-rock tinged songs. "I Suppose" is one of the standout tracks, with shimmering, chiming guitars, and "Over There" uses brass to great effect. The melodies are strong throughout, and the whole thing has an atmosphere somewhat reminiscent of R.E.M.'s Murmur. A great, overlooked album, and one of the best of the '80s in my opinion. If you want to get into the Connells, buy this one first.

The Connells created a true music lovers "album" when they released Boylan Heights. I say album in the sense that all songs flow into one another based on careful arrangement (a concept that didn't quite make it into the music of today, sadly). This is a cd that you'll want to play straight through without interuption as each song builds on the previous. Boylan Heights creates a mood and energy when you play it. Its stirring dark soundscapes are blended with that unmistakable-one-of-a-kind sound.....clean, jangly Rickenbacker guitars dance over solid bass and perfectly understated and timely drums !! This is arguably the best Connells cd from start to finish....that's not to say that there are not better songs on other cd's but Boylan Heights strength is that it is a complete musical work. I'd be hard pressed to pick a favorite song off this album because they are all so tightly wound together.....a classic in the minds of any and all that have heard it !! This is also a great starting place for those wanting to find out about the Connells....also equally great for other reasons is of course Fun & Games !!

I just bought this album on CD after having the LP for years. I'd nearly forgotten how brilliant this album is. Since buying the CD a month ago I've played it nearly every day since. It's just simply one of the most melodic, beautiful, catchy and lyrical albums ever made.

Strongest release by the Connells, they were possessed when they recorded this. Much more intense and consistent than their later releases. If you liked this CD try Fun & Games or Still Life. Darker Days is also a good idea, but considerably weaker in the lyrics department than Boylan Heights.

Overlooked as another jangly guitar-pop band, it seems the Connells never really got their due. Their entire catalog consists of great albums, but this is truly their masterpiece. There's nothing even close to a bad song in the mix.

I just recently picked this up on CD, having worn out my vinyl from so many repeated listenings. It hasnt left my CD player since. I have introduced this album to many people and have yet to find anyone who hasnt fallen in love with it. Do yourself a favor and check this one out. You will not be sorry.

This is definitely one of my favorite albums of all time. It is a perfect showcase for the songwriting genious of Mike Connell. When I listen to this album I don't skip any tracks --they are all great. I would definitely recommend this album to anyone, regardless of musical preference.

Recently saw the band in Chapel Hill, NC. Hearing them again, and especially the tracks from Boylan Heights, Fun and Games, and One Simple Word was definately worth staying out past my bed time. The entire album is great work. If you do not already own it, purchase it. If anyone knows the tour schedule or where I can find it, please let me know.

Fabulous album. Scott's lament is a classic. When you go through an entire album and don't have a single bad song you know you've done well. The Connells at this point in their careers go do no wrong-this album is the quintessential album to buy (along with Fun & Games)