Desert After Rain

Minibar (Author) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• ASIN: B000OLADSY
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,068,220 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

11-track CD from 2006.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Americana with Brit-pop roots, March 31, 2007

By 

hyperbolium (Earth, USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Desert After Rain (Audio CD)

Minibar continues to straddle their UK origins and adopted California home. On this third CD the balance continues to tilt towards roots-rock, with the oft-mentioned Wallflowers and Wilco still being relevent comparisons; the Wallflowers' Rami Jaffee even turns up on Hammond organ for a pair of tracks. But even with their twangy guitars and rasp-and-whisper vocals providing a blend of rock, country, and soul, there's still an underpinning of Brit power-pop in the dense melodies and harmonies. The latter is highlighted on "Wide Open," thick with vocals and guitars reminiscent of Teenage Fanclub.

After a major label release for Universal and an indie on Foodchain, the band has issued this one on their own, distributing it through CD Baby and at their shows (including an upcoming tour backing Pete Yorn). The opening "Things I Left Behind" catalogs the abandoned jetsam of the indie experience in a travelogue of lost clothes, bandmates, LPs and experiences strewn through the years. On the flipside, "Can I Call You A Cab?" lingers over the physical and emotional remains of a relationship, pondering how to move on. The dissolute closer, "In the Strings," mulls the same quandary, but with a sense that 'goodbye' is the only answer.

The band's rhythm battery has the bouncy snap of a well-honed pop band, but with enough swing to give it soul. Simon Petty's voice defines the band's sound, with a rasp that sits perfectly among (rather than on top of) the band's mix of acoustic and electric guitars. Minibar may have missed the broad commercial window for their brand of rock (although Americana radio should eat this up), but those who love beautifully produced pop with twangy edges should check this one out. 3-3/4 stars, if allowed fractional ratings. [©2007 hyperbolium dot com]

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars shadows on swimming pool floors, January 18, 2008

By 

seaven - See all my reviews

This review is from: Desert After Rain (Audio CD)

Do you like the Smithereens ? You'll love Thing I Left Behind
Are upbeat songs your Fave ? Crime Scene Ribbon and Hooked Up are for you
How about tear jerkers ? Try Snowglobes, In The Strings, Biker Night and maybe even Hooked Up (yes it can be both)
Loved Casper the Friendly Ghost when you were a tiny baby ? Listen to Can I Call You A Cab
In need of a Feel Good Song ? - Its The Sight of You
Yeah the other ones are great as well.Fly Below the Radar