Customer Reviews

Come Clean

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
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Indiana-based The Mysteries of Life followed up their amazing Vulgar Boatmen-esque debut album "Keep a Secret" with a sophomore effort, "Come Clean," which is not quite a strong but still has some very fine moments. The Mysteries are a pure guitar pop rockers unfortunately laboring in a era dominated by grunge, boy bands and shock rappers. Nevertheless, few artists are able to produce songwriting hooks so effectively.

The albums high point is "Kiss Me Goodnight," which is a dead ringer for The Vulgar Boatmen. Other standouts include "Let it Slip," "Year Ago Today," and "Tell Me." Though there are not as many standouts as on the debut album, there are no outright clunkers either.

Overall, a strong sophomore effert from an overlooked band that deserves a much wider audience.

This CD immediately gets your attention! Their unmistakable melodramatic sound is such a fresh change. The songs are well thought out and nicely done. I especially like "Your face betrays you" as it easily relates to everyone that has been there/felt that. Come Clean, the opening and title track is a great opener. This is the type of CD that you would want to put on, open the windows and just take in that lazy sunny weekend. You won't be disappointed.

Actually I know why. They're music isn't a fast as some would like it. Even so, Downhill, Tell Me, Let It Slip and Fingerprint are incredibly good. All the songs grow on you after repeated listenings. It is only a matter of time before they break it big.

This band has had a hard time getting good exposure and they deserve more. I know everybody says that about some unknown band that they like, but this is different. When you hear Mysteries of Life, you'll know what I'm talking about. There is a lush sweetness and still a convincing confidence that carries your heart away. Every time I play their records, that's how I feel, and I have a lot of records. The new record, Come Clean, is further evidence of their serenity vs. vigor state. The songs pop off the album, they're so excited for you to hear them. In that way, they don't have the cool force of the first album, Keep A Secret, but they drip with a devotion to the common elements in each of our hearts. Pop music, in other words. But really good pop music. The lyrics aren't as coherent as on Keep A Secret, either, but they still make you want to sing along.

This record is extremely tasty, growing on you with every play. The Mysteries members include former Blake Baby Freda Love, her husband Jake Smith (both also formerly of Antenna), and noted (but sadly obscure) songwriter Dale Lawrence (of the Gizmos and the Vulgar Boatmen). I play this record at work all the time and it's really infectiuos. I note that they are scheduled at SXSW this march, so look for an early summer breakout. If you get this record now, you can tell all your friends how you were listening to this great record back when.

Once in a great while you hear a collection of songs with which you instantly identify. They make your life a little richer; they become the soundtrack to your conscious hours. You play this collection of songs for everyone you love, because you care for them and you want them to know this wonderful secret. "come clean" is such a thing. i am concerned that i can't find the superlatives to convey its simple wondrousness. the mysteries of life have given me a gift and i'm damn grateful to them

I really like this record. Simple yet completely engaging. Fans of Silos, Vulgar Boatmen, mellow Marshall Crenshaw, and lovers of "pure pop" music will appreciate this one, which grows more engaging with every listen. Hope they're still together...