Concentrate

Judd and Maggie | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 13, 2003)
• Original Release Date: May 13, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• ASIN: B00009R5T0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #804,155 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

Judd and Maggie are two mcpeople: brother and sister respectively. A few years ago Judd discovered that Maggie can sing really well (which he realized could mask the moments when he can’t) and decided to record an album with her. Two years later said album appeared on the Bolger doorstep inside a bunch of cardboard boxes. It is with pride they present to you Concentrate, their freshman, eleven-song effort.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Concentrate" never gets old! Buy it and enjoy!, December 10, 2003

By 

D. Cook - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Concentrate (Audio CD)

Though they sound like a peculiar mix of Elvis Costello, Camper van Beethoven, Ben Folds Five, Fountains of Wayne and The Reivers, Judd and Maggie craft a unique and unpretentious sound in "Concentrate." The songs are beautiful, melodic and full of hooks. It's so well mixed and produced that it's hard to believe it's their debut effort. The lyrics are positive, down-to-earth and harmonious with a Christian perspective; it isn't in-your-face-Christian but very incarnational and Catholic: It takes the ordinary and adds upon it the insights of grace. This is a must-have album for anyone who loves pure, great pop and even more for those who value pop without vulgarity and darker themes. My only compaint about the album is that there isn't more! I can't wait to hear what Judd and Maggie put out next.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Concentrate, November 26, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Concentrate (Audio CD)

I know Judd and Maggie personally but have only seen them live a few times. If I'm going to write a review of their CD, I want it to be objective beacause I'm way too analytical as a person. With that in mind, I gave the album a complete listen, and I still loved it. The comparisons to Ben Folds have merit. I would also recommend it to fans of Elvis Costello, the Carpenters, and even Randy Newman.

Lyrically poignant and sincere, the album reminds one of the emotional adventure that everyday life can be. The music is bright and poppy without ever succumbing to the inappropriate cheekiness that accompanies the word pop in so many instances. This album is very well produced for a local effort. Added polish would only serve to dry up the melancholic undertones that make this relatively cheery album so precious. Judd Bolger's distinctive voice and more-than-competent playing are complemented by Maggie's welcome vocal interludes. With a little help from their friends, they have crafted a rich journey of a CD.

Record labels should get curious. Anyone who appreciates songwriting should take a chance and purchase this disc even though you can't sample the songs here. Believe that.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent indie debut, May 27, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Concentrate (Audio CD)

Excellent songs, innovative production- another one of those albums you'll be happy you own, and nobody else has ever heard of. I would suggest this to anyone with an iffinity for a well-crafted song, a dying art in these Mtvilified times where ADHD is assumed. You may find parts of this album thought-provoking, so don't buy it unless you'd consider that a good thing.