Customer Reviews

Buildings and Grounds

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Oh my...someone lent me a copy of the new Papas Fritas CD. I saw them live about 3 years ago and thought they were OK, so I popped it in. I listened to nothing less than a modern miracle of pop tuneage. This Massachusetts trio will make you smile, then lightly shake your rump, then make you cry sweet tears of joy. I don't normally resort to hyberbole, but "Buildings and Grounds" has simply floored me. The best way I can describe this album is as a collection of homages to various styles of pop music. It has a folky 60s number ("Girl"), a couple of loping country-rockers ("People Say" and the truly tear-jerking "Lost in a Dream") and one joyous song that sounds like a cross between Blur and the Partridge Family (the amazing "Questions"). But it mostly concentrates on the period between 1978 and 1983 and its myriad styles -- disco, glam, Britpop, electropop, punkpop. The brilliance is that PF does not resort to mere imitation, but instead performs in a contemplative, meditative style the kinds of songs that were never performed that way in their original form. For example, "Way You Walk" is an absolutely perfect combination of Yo La Tengo, ABBA and the Human League, down to the wonderful boy/girl vocal swaps between Tony Goddess and Shivika Asthana. This is pop music of the highest order, and I could really go on much longer about it. Suffice it to say that if you're a pop music fan, you will be floored by this album.

This is the first Papas Fritas CD I've heard or owned, and I must say that I'm kicking myself for not purchasing "Helioself" more than two years ago when I had it clutched in my hands at Tower Records but opted instead to buy something that I'd actually heard before (I think it was John Mellencamp's Greatest Hits, but that's beside the point). This is just my kind of music: loose, casual and really catchy pop with alternating male and female vocals and lyrics that are actually worth listening to. I haven't come across a band that excited me this much since I discovered Belle & Sebastian back in '97. In fact, before I had a chance to listen to the whole CD, I'd already logged on to this site to order their previous two CDs. My favorite track--at least for now--is "The Way You Walk," which has the retro feel and propulsive beat of "Walking on the Sun" or Edwyn Collins' "A Girl Like You," but the male/female dialogue reminds me of a less-kitschy "Don't You Want Me" by Human League. "People Say" is a soft-spoken, wistful ditty full of heartfelt longing and irresistible hooks. It reminds me a little of the Roches and a lot of Barbara Manning's "San Diego Zoo" on the 6ths' "Wasps' Nests" CD (one of my all-time favorite songs). "Far From an Answer" and "I Believe in Fate" are hypnotic, very subdued tracks that recall Steely Dan: pseudo-jazzy arrangements and an underlying moodiness that creeps under your skin. Meanwhile, there are totally danceable early-80s throwbacks like "Vertical Lives" and "What Am I Supposed to Do," which have the wacky frivolity of the B-52s or something off the "Valley Girl" soundtrack. There are such a wide range of styles at play here, mainly within the pop-rock genre, that I'd think this music could be universally adored. But I guess that the Papas try hard enough to stay away from generic, formulaic radio pop that their appeal has been limited. I'm just sorry that I went so long before stumbling upon this great musical find.

I heard the Papas Fritas review on NPR a few weeks ago and went woah. The female vocalist sounded great and so did the band. So after listening to audio clips I bought the CD and am very happy I did so.

There is absoultly no need to compare this band to Fleetwood Mac or any other band. Its actually quite insulting and pointless, as this band does a great job on mixing up the tunes and the tempo of the songs on this CD.

The basic pattern is a song with a male lead vocalist then a female lead. On some songs they are both present most notably The Way you Walk which has a nice organ driven pop beat.

Shaniva is incredible on People Say and Far from an Answer. The best female vocalist I have heard since Corrine Dewery of Swing out Sister (and you all know how wonderful Corrine is if you have heard any SOS).

The CD also has a fun driving tune What Am I Supposed to Do? I love turning this up loud. Also Beside You and Another Day are very good. This is a recording you will play and play. Its hard to get tired of it because the songs are so well done.

And of course Papas Fritas will become huge in Eurpoe and Japan because we have a bunch of teen age morons in the US that will be 6 feet under before they can even grasp the concept of music rather then pop media driven god awful noise that sells albums here. But no need for you to join that group, get this CD.

After seeing them open for Blur so long ago, I'm sure never to miss Papas Fritas when they come to town... While previous recordings never lack for charm and melody, "Buildings And Grounds" is the sound of a band getting it exactly right and being all they've promised they could be... Touching, bittersweet, sometimes funny, and infinitely hummable, these are among the best pop rock songs being written today...

If you're a 75-77 Fleetwood Mac fanatic who laments "they don't make 'em like they used to," _Buildings and Grounds_ will be your new addiction. Papas Fritas trade the ebullient uptempo sytle of their previous two efforts for a more laid back sound, laying their crisp pop template over a 70's soft rock style. The result is a catchy mix of plucky guitars, simple synth lines and multi-gender vocals. Previous efforts too often took earnestness one step beyond entertainment, but here they maximize their collective talents by exploring smoother grooves and utilizing small changes to great effect. Favorite moments include the smart call and response vocals in "Way You Walk" and the balloon ride energy of "I Believe in Fate" and "People Say."

A few years back, a friend turned me on to the odd little band out of New England. On the first two albums, they displayed a great deal of talent, and weren't afraid to stretch musically. They seem to embrace pop music, swimming in a pool that many people feel is unworthy of real talent. They jump in head first - with a inverted, half-roll twist.

The new album, Buildings and Grounds, is a solid effort and an excellent introduction to the band if you're unfamiliar with their work. It's a bit of a departure, and to me, shows a bit of maturity as songwriters and musicians. The sounds are a little softer, the lyrics are more subtle, and the album is a bit more 'produced', but what is revealed is probably the most solid effort from the Fritas to date.

There is plenty to appreciate, from the Fleetwood Mac influence of People Say (listen to Gypsy right before putting this track on) to the typical Fritas-fun of What Am I Supposed to Do? Nothing reaches out and says "love me" as songs did on the first two albums, but having listened for a week, this may be a deeper, more meaningful love.

5 stars may happen in another week, but for now, if you're one who enjoys a well-crafted pop song, this is something you should own. Papas Fritas is one of the best unknown bands working today, and deserves a group of fans who are willing to swim in the same pool. Jump in.

This is one of the best CDs I've ever owned in a long time. There's only 2 songs that I skip on this CD and that's a special list to get on in my book. This CD is mixed with feel good emotions, and songs that are just relaxing. It's a great CD to take on a road trip too. If you love Belle and Sebastian, the New Pornographers, or The Stars, this CD is right up your alley. If I had to stay in a room for the rest of my life, and I had to pick CDs to have with me, this would be on top. (sorry, that sounded really depressing)Anyway, everyone should just buy this CD now, but I think you have to get it over the internet because for some reason the mainstream CD stores do not have this special, musical rapture.

I first heard "Way You Walk" on RadioVW, a set of online radio stations put out by Volkswagen of America. Now I understand why this album was featured on that radio station - this is very good driving music!

I really enjoy the variety of sounds that make up this CD... Every song has its own style and flavor... Shivika Asthana has a very soothing voice... She really shines in tracks 2 and 6, "People Say" and "Far From an Answer". Combined with a pleasant beat and great-sounding guitars, this music is very refreshing.

The third track, "Way You Walk" is what made me buy the album without even listening to the other tracks. Although I bought the CD because of one track, the rest of the disc has turned out to exceed my expectations by far.

I've been turned on to a new band...Definitely listen to this album. I'm ready to go for a drive!

Buildings and Grounds is this nifty Massachusetts band's 3rd release and possibly it's best. Filled to the brim with smart pop sensibility that seems to stick mostly to the brilliant formula Lindsey Buckingham crafted on Fleetwood Mac albums from 1979 to 1983. The Buckingham classic combination of throbbing bass lines that weave in and out of hypnotic drum beats and gorgeous acoustic and electric guitar sparkle throughout Buildings and Grounds. After the dissapointing Helioself, this new one finds Papas Fritas more in sync with their self titled debut with a collection of songs that gets under your skin, makes you smile, and makes you want to play the album all over again. If you ever wanted a perfect summer album for driving in your car that wasn't made by Brian Wilson, Fleetwood Mac or Mamas and the Papas, this is it.

Can't play this CD enough. Smooth lyrics. Helioself was great, this band has matured into a band worth following. I especially like People Say - crank it up!