Customer Reviews

Days of Wine & Roses

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

 

 

Wow, has it been 17 or so years since this terrific album was released? I've been listening to this at least once a week ever since i first bought this album when it came out. And, I know this sounds like a cliche but I really think this album hasn't aged a bit. From the rollicking Definitely Clean to the hard-hitting title track, this album doesn't contain a single clunker, unlike the current alt-rock acts who release albums of one good song and 10 or so fillers. What else can I say? This is simply a terrific album.

The Dream Syndicate produced two great albums; Medicine Show and The Days of Wine & Roses (I should also add their self titled first EP). Both are highly under-rated recordings from an under-rated band. If your interested in listening to some seminal recordings from one of the finest undergroud bands of the 80's- check both of them out. Unfortunately the Dream Syndicate lost it's edge after Medicine Show so I can't recommend their last three albums as whole-heartedly.

The Dream Syndicate share with a number of other fine 1980s bands the distinction of being a great band doing straight ahead American rock in an era when public attention was turned to other genres. Their particular take on post-punk was heavy on the "post", light on the "punk", as their influences--Lou Reed,
the Doors, and, in the case of their guitarist, the "acid rock" extended jam, were combined with a melodic and lyrical sense that was not simply retro. The centerpiece of this album is the band's finest song, "Tell Me When It's Over". This song sounds like the best song Lou Reed never wrote, and in particular, the
line "I thought I knew the answer, but no question was posed"
sums up a lot of moments a lot of us had and still have. This is excellent, intelligent, driving rock, well worth owning.
I just wish they'd re-release "This is NOT the New Dream Syndicate Album! Live!" in CD.

One of the strongest albums, track for track, that I've ever heard. The distorted interplay between the lead and rythmn guitars is worthy of Lennon/Harrison. Their Velvet Underground influence is obvious and I always felt this was the greatest album from the early 80's neo-psychedelic movement. A classic!

The secret weapon is the out-of-control seeming lead guitar, but if you like Lou Reed's voice on "Sister Ray" you'll dig Steve Wynn here. As someone else commented: not one bad song.

kinda the worst awful west coast caterin to THE EAST COAST bore wat past post punk PRIME before the ultimate bore FOR A FEW YEARS SETTLED IN, THIS IS LABORIOUS,impossible to listen to three times in a row,ONE OF THOSE AWFUL FINDS that doesnt reward repeated OR carefull LISTENINGS, is THERE one good tune? ALTHOUGH MIRACULOUSLY THEY ACCIEVED A NEAR brilliance on their latter ALBUM MEDICINE SHOW WHICH IS A STUNNER in a west coast STONER HEAVy LITERATE seventy take more neil young than lou REED crapaolla.