Customer Reviews

Circling the Sun

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

 

 

This is a damn good album. The music is so light-hearted it's contagious. Even if someone doesn't immediately find themselves enthralled by this CD it will most definitely grow on them.

This CD is best experienced while happy or a good setting. For example on a peaceful day in the country, or--as emphasized by the band--anywhere on the California coast, but I think any coast will do. However, listening to it in your car in the rain is still enough to make you want to smile and/or dance.

If the opening track "Something In You" doesn't catch your liking right away, go outside on a nice day or drive along the country side and listen to the track "So Right". That feeling alone will make you happy you purchased this CD.

Those seeking something hard and heavy... This is not for you. If you want something the oozes the the fantasy of freedom and elation, this might be right up your alley.

I've listened at least a half dozen times, and I'd say this one is better than the first and probably equal to the second. At thirty-four minutes in length, it never wears out its welcome. Definitely worth your money, and of course recommended if you also like The Ocean Blue.

I found about this CD by accident and can't figure out why this band isn't a lot more popular. "Circling the Sun" is bookended by its first two and last two songs which are almost impossibly catchy, all ethereal melodies and shimmering guitars with upbeat lyrics. Somewhat reminiscent of early Posies or Prefab Sprout, but more Beatlesque in that the songs are shorter and the song structures catchy but simple. I would recommend this CD without hesitation on the basis of those four songs alone.

That's not to say that the other six songs are filler - almost all of them are at least very good, and none are weak. Altogether a really engaging listen. If you're a fan of really melodic pop-rock, you can't go wrong.

Catchy hooks, great harmonies, intelligent music. Everything a great pop record should be

Yes and no.

Yes, because Alan Clapp is a gifted songwriter and musician and even some his most routine music is a breath of fresh air.

But NO- if you compare this skimpy album to his previous albums, the hooks aren't as sharp as they could be. The scant 34 minutes of tunes is so lightweight and slight that if you blew on them they'd float away like a feather.

If you haven't heard his previous stuff and are new to the band, this album would be a "worthwhile" investment. But compare it to 2001's "So Far"...

...let's just say Clapp didn't live up to his full potential on this one.

Pray we don't have to wait another 4 years for the next album.

The Orange Peels' "Circling Around The Sun" is not a great album, but they do offer many instantly catchy songs (and sometimes more emotional). The first track, "Something In You", is a great example - it instantly sucks you in and doesn't let you go. Of course, though, it's pretty cheesy, and the lyrics aren't really interesting. The singer is pretty good - he's got a relatively unique voice that fits the music and is pretty hard to describe (he sounds very cheerful, though). Basically every song is catchy, though not necessarily interesting musically (the production is usually crystal clear, though). There are no bad songs here, but there are definitely standouts like "Something In You", "Circling The Sun", and "What's It Like Mary Jo?". This is essentially only for pop rock fans (with more emphasis on "pop" than "rock"), and they should be pretty pleased. Slightly recommended.

Highlights include:
the entire album (even IF some are "better" than others)

Move over White Stripes, this is not your father's pop.

This disc is going to take more that 1 listen. There's more here musically and lyrically than first recognized. The choruses and production in the songs prevail over the music and the lyrics but this is good pop. Probably the best it gets without going totally "bubble-gummy" and (over the) top 40.

When it opens with "Something in You" an initial reaction may be to cringe at the poppy, "I've heard this before" sound. Give it a chance and it turns into a very nice, simple song. Maybe not the best on the disc but good nevertheless.

"California Blue" envelopes every sound from Southern California from the 50s into the 70s and 80s. The 3(?) tracks of acoustic guitar and lyrical alliteration make this little piece of history very tasty.

Circle the Sun is the only song I don't like. This one is definitely too poppy for me.

The piano on "So Right" could be on a thousand songs and the vocal phrasing is nothing new. But the synthed chorus and backing vocals are the strong points here presented with a bit of cheese.

"I Don't Wanna Shine" - What a fun song! And haven't we all felt that way at times? The bass and drums running together on the chorus just makes me imagine that the respective players give a smile to each other on stage. This has got to be a blast in concert.

Long Cold Summer - The short vocal phrasing in time with the music may not sound appealing to all at first but give this song a chance. The chorus gives way to lifting lead and background vocals. The nod to Zep in referencing "The Rain Song" (also mentioned on their web site) is neatly followed up by a short guitar lead that recalls a "3rd Stone from the Sun" sound.

"Tonight Changes Everything" - nice orchestration and arrangement with the rhythm section laying down a good beat. It's too short, maybe used as an intro into another song in concert?

"Boy in Space" - A nice mix of voice and piano where the songs chorus is the strong point. This could easily be a TV show or movie theme. Like a good bottle of wine, it has a nice finish.

"How Green the Grass" starts like we're going to do a little 70s boogie but soon breaks into some nice key and guitar interplay. Again the drum and bass create some fun in the background. If you speed it up a bit you can sing Americas "Sister Golden Hair" to it.

If I could make any recommendations they would be to make the songs a bit longer and bring some solos to the forefront. The guitarists need to step up and provide more leads. I think this is an excellent foundation to build future projects off of. Trust me, after a couple of listens the hooks will have gotten you and the humming and singing will start.

This album is very upbeat and I find myself listening to it more and more. If you like the band "The Ocean Blue" you almost certainly will like "The Orange Peels". I would highly recommend this CD.

Pop Kulcher Review: The third album from San Jose, California's effervescent sunshine pop band the Orange Peels, Circling The Sun, sounds... well, a whole lot like the first two. Chiming, featherweight guitar pop, evoking the late 60's sounds of Bacharach, the Free Design, and the Mamas & the Papas, filtered through the retro pop stylings of the Apples in Stereo. A bit of the charm is gone by now, though it's replaced by a more polished, denser sound that keeps things (slightly) more interesting. Not memorable by a long shot, but for those happy summer days, the Orange Peels are the sort of band that's nice to have around.