Customer Reviews

Cerulean

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Erin V. was the name of the girl that introduced me to The Ocean Blue; she is a distant memory, but the music of TOB has stayed with me for the 15 years since we have broken up. I am writing this review in the middle of the fall season and there is no better time to be listening to this album then when the leaves are changing and there is a crisp, chill in the air.

One of my favorites on this album and one of my favorites of all-time is a track called, "Ballerina out of Control". I heard that Deathcab for Cutie is covering that song; which is a shame, because they suck and TOB are exponentially better than them. Anyhow...this album is the perfect compliment to any season, but for some reason, I tend to listen to it most during the Autumn months....

Another standout track on this album is the track, "I've Sung too many songs for a crowd that didn't want to listen" Very long title and long titles are things that Morrissey and the Smiths seemed to get away with and it was quite bold of this group to take on the same bands that started this genre by giving this song such a long title.

I've seen TOB blue just about every time that they come to Chicago and the crowds are getting smaller and smaller and smaller...it really is too bad that the success of this band hasn't stuck around longer. Every person that I recommend this music to becomes an instant fan and comes to their gigs with me. The fans that I have noticed time after time coming to the gigs are loyal as heck and I have total respect for you guys.

Last, but not least...one of the sadist and emotionally inducing songs of all time is called, "A Separate Reality" This is a slow little number with bluesy lyrics and dream-pop acoustics. If you were to do nothing else in your entire life, get your iPod, sit under a tree on a crisp autumn day and listen to that song! It will bring chills down your spine and tears to your eyes, because it is THAT beautiful! Also, if it happens to be a rainy evening; you must give the track, "Hurricane Amore" a listen.

I'm telling you...TOB is soundtrack music to your life and you won't regret purchasing this album and knowing that you have just about every track for just about every occassion in your life. To sum it up, TOB make you feel happy to be alive. Cheers!

The Ocean Blue's "Cerulean" is one of the best soft rock albums ever made, if that's the right categorization of this Pennsylvania band that sounds they're from Liverpool. The gentle guitar work, intricate sythesizers and dreamy vocals makes it seem almost like they were attempting to combine New Age music with rock and roll.

What really makes "Cerulean" stand out, however, is the hook-laden songwriting. Tracks like the single "Ballerina Out of Control" start off pleasently and then surpirse with their hummable catchiness. The lyrics may not amount to much, but when the music is this good that hardly matters. The whole album has a strong consistancy with no bad songs, but in addition to the single "Marigold," "Questions of Travel" and the title track stand slightly above the rest.

Overall, an atmospheric classic that is far more substantial than its soft rock sound appears at first.

"Cerulean" is one of the best soft rock albums ever recorded. Tuneful without ever being sugary or schmaltzy, it contains excellent songwriting, good singing and just enough rock tempo to keep it from feeling wimpy. The single "Ballerina Out of Control," is the best song. But there are a number of other great tracks, including "Questions of Travel," "Cerulean," and "Marigold." In fact, this is one of those rare albums that contains no weak tracks and maintains a strong consistency throughout.

One of the greatest CD's ever. I've been listening to this since its 1991 release and still enjoy its great music. Songs like Mercury, Ballerina Out of Control, and A Seperate Reality stand out and make this album the best of TOB's stellar career so far. Comparisons to the Smiths and other Brit bands are apt, since their inspiration comes from the genre. One of the greatest bands ever that never got their due.

You cannot listen to Cerulean and not be transported. If you close your eyes while listening to "Questions of Travel", you're immediately taken to small German towns, Swiss Alps in the snow, and ruins in ancient Rome; as the lyrics go. Do the same thing with "A Separate Reality" and you're adrift on the sea, the sun basking you softly in the summer breeze. Or, with "Ballerina Out Of Control" you almost become the dancer who turns her passioned performance into a life analogy; dismissing it all away. This foursome from Pennsylvania are the most underrated, underappreciated band in America; perhaps worldwide -- you will not be disappointed in this album.

Some 15 years after its release, this remains one of my favorite albums, on a par with the best of my 1960s childhood. The Ocean Blue has a distinctive sound, a chilly, crystalline clarity & reflective tone, that makes their music instantly recognizable ... and yet, there isn't a sameness to the songs. Each one is different, sharing only the high quality of songwriting & performance. "Cerulean," "Questions of Travel," and "Hurricane Amore" are special standouts for me. It still astounds me that The Ocean Blue isn't a major name in music -- they've got hooks galore, gorgeous melodies, deceptively simple but resonant lyrics, and a contemplative melancholy that speaks to everyone. In a world with better taste, they'd be getting the airtime they so justly deserve. As it is, the CDs are still available, and brilliant blue skies open overhead -- highly recommended!

TOB is one of America's severely underrated bands, period. The synergy and talent these guys achieve on this, and several other TOB releases, is pure magic. Their soothing music flows through you and lifts your spirits with it's beauty and wonderful layered aural textures. How utterly fitting is the fact that they are from Hershey, PA (and surrounding environs), given their pure milk-chocolatey, creamy, sweet sound that melts into you! To me, this is up there with releases like The Church's "After Everything Now This", or The Cocteau Twins "Blue Bell Knoll". TOB forever!!!

Just staring at the effervescence on the cover will give you an idea of what kind of music is in store - music you can put on and float away to another world. There were many alternative groups coming out in the early 90's and this album separated this group from the pack. It's still a great way to unwind after a long day - slap on the headphones and you too can achieve musical nirvana! Kudos also to the drummer who shines on songs like "Marigold" and "Mercury."

I wont say more than this CD is REQUIRED! All 4 of T.O.B. releases are works of pure talent. Cerulean is all the great things people say about it and more. I have heard no other band that can be compared to The Ocean Blue and doubt i ever will. Strictly in a class all their own.

From the opening chords of "Breezing up" to the end of "I've Sung One Too Many Songs For a Crowd That Didn't Want to Hear," each track is a listenable joy to have. This CD produced two top 10 alternative hits, "Cerulean" and "Ballerina out of Control." The latter of the two had a music video that was in very heavy rotation on MTV's 120 minutes in 1991. This was my first Ocean Blue CD and the best. Each song relates a musical experience; "Breezing up" lets you feel how it is to be on a sailboat musically; "Falling through the Ice" is an instrumental that relates being under frozen water.