Catchall

Swag | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 13, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Yep Roc Records
• ASIN: B000056IDT
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #241,424 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can you judge an album by its cover?, December 11, 2001

By 

rachel j (Melbourne, Oz) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Catchall (Audio CD)

Catch All by SWAG is a great album.

Catch All 's cover photo is an interesting assemblage of memorabilia by SWAG. It is the sort of stuff we all collect; the personal treasures we can't throw out because they hold our memories. How does this relate to the music? Catch All seems to be SWAG's personal musical treasures. You know, fragments of songs remembered or the feelings evoked by songs.

This is a great album. Catch All is easy to like upon first hearing and over time the album reveals more gems of words and music. Listening to Catch All over a week or two I've found myself humming more musical phrases and noticing words bubbling into my mind.

The music is tantalising and clever. It feels like remembering or recognising old favourites. I can't quite put my finger on a specific resonating song.... and maybe there isn't one. This album isn't a copy of anything. This is modern music acknowledging the influence and inspiration received from music which has come before.

This album is a textured collection with gentle sentimental, rocking, raunchy and some just hauntingly good songs. There are good melodies with well developed instrumentation. These songs are well sculpted. Backing vocal styles are from the `50's and `60's but they are not nostalgic nor daggy. They cleverly fit in, add a fullness to the sound and, in some cases, whimsy and light heartedness.

On another level Catch All can be interpreted as an assemblage of emotion. Although the theme is a relationship breakdown (the good feelings tinged with heartache) this is an upbeat album. SWAG have searched for meaning and come up with thought provoking hope.

I have opinion and comments about each song (because they are all my favourites). But I'll just comment on a few:

`Lone'. It is a silly song but it is so `60's. It has some great instrumental phrases and rhythm which I would love to hear expanded upon some other time.

`Louise.' Don't worry guys, in spite of the thoughtful sensitive approaches to the whole subject there's still a good song about a one night stand.

`You'. A gritty, moving duet with Jerry and Robert (sounding nothing like Diana and Julio). It is distress and anger at not being heard or being considered in the relationship break up.

`Trixie'. Trixie is wistful and slightly teasing in both words and music. There are still fond feelings and memories for the past but it is better to let go. A great song - a caring, considerate good bye.

`She's deceiving'. This is a wonderful, tender song acknowledging that both parties are distressed and in pain. There is an understanding that people do try their best in relationships but sometimes it's just not enough. No one is blamed. (I don't hear any crockery or chairs flying across rooms and smashing on walls.)
SWAG shows their great skill with crafting words. To describe it I have written more words than are in the song!

In summary - I am impressed with Catch All and SWAG. I am looking forward to SWAG's next album. In the meantime I suggest you buy your own copy because my copy is not out of the player long enough to lend anyone.

Message to SWAG -Hey guys, give up your day jobs and do more SWAG.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best CD of the Year, May 22, 2001

By 

paperbackriter (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Catchall (Audio CD)

In a perfect world this album would shoot straight to the top of the charts and spawn a half-dozen top ten hits. Of course, in a perfect world Gangsta Rap, Limp Bizkit and the Backstreet Boys wouldn't exist. Swag gloriously recaptures pop music of the 60's and 70's without sounding like a parody. (Sure, some of the songs show their influences, but it is done in a tasteful and reverential manner.) Big booming hooks, delicious harmonies and killer guitar solos fill each of the 12 songs. Unlike the majority of modern "music", every tune on Catchall is draped in an instantly memorable melody. Songs like Lone, Near Perfect Smile and Trixie will stay in your head for days. In the face of all the tuneless, dreary [stuff] that passes as music these days, Catchall is a testament to the beauty and timelessness of a well crafted song. Fans of the Beatles, Wings, Kinks, Cheap Trick and Todd Rundgren will undoubtedly love Swag. I sincerely wish that all music could be so enjoyable and downright refreshing. This is the best CD of the year. Once you put it in your CD player, you'll never want to take it out !

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Swaggering great album, March 23, 2001

By 

Kevin OConnor (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Catchall (Audio CD)

This cd is way to catchy for its own good. It has been a long time since I have heard music this good, and pure. Nothing world changing, and no overtones, or finger pointing. It is pure and simple, and it is magical. I can't stop listening to it. I have fallen in love with the strings on "Louise." And Tom Petersson's bass on "You" is near perfect. "Different Girl", is the best Brian Wilson song that he never wrote. "Trixe," has the kinks written all over it, and I am in heaven. Yes they sound like their influences and that is what they tried to accomplish. I think this is a tribute to not only music from the 60's, but to an era. Not the hippie drop out culture, but to the era of schwinn bikes, collecting baseball cards, having first loves, and break ups. Coming of age type of stuff. This cd is timeless. If you like pure pop, with real drums, tasteful guitar work, and good walking bass lines, mixed with great harmonies, then this is for you. It does not Rawk, but it does not have to, because it rocks in a cool way. Not in a knuckle dragging way, know what I mean?