Customer Reviews

Dirty Vegas

5 star:		(45)
4 star:		(33)
3 star:		(18)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

Like most people I heard about Dirty Vegas through the Mitsubishi Eclipse commercial which featured the electronic dance hit, Days Go By. And while that song is really quite enjoyable, radio killed it after excess airplay. That's the main reason why I bought the album; to hear what else Dirty Vegas had to offer. What I heard, however, sort of surprised me. Now I'm not saying that I was disappointed... NO WAY!... it just shocked me to find a lot of acoustic and folk influences in addition to the dancy funk vibes expected. I actually feel that "Ghosts" is his most impressive song on here just because of its showcasing of both worlds with an acoustically folkish beginning that breaks through to infectious tech-pop. "7AM" and "The Brazilian" actually carry the hardest techno/trance beats with consistant flows that will turn your room into an all-night dance party while "Throwing Stones" has more of a progressive house sound that's quite addicting. I must explain, though, how this album is not entirely a dance album but rather trance-pop with the aforementioned acoustic guitars and folkish-pop singing. His voice even resemles that of David Gray...(at least to me...) My absolute favorite song, however, would have to "Simple Things Part 2" which samples some vocals from Pink Floyd's "Another Brick In The Wall pt. 2". I also really enjoy the acoustic version of "Days Go By" which is a break from the overplayed mainstream version.

Overall I feel that Dirty Vegas's debut album definitely has potential it just falls short when it comes to originality. I still recommend this album but when it comes to dance music there are much better things to choose from, such as Leftfield's LEFTISM, Kylie Minogue's FEVER and The Crystal Method's VEGAS. Don't let that disgruntle you, though, because this really is a good album. It's just not the best in its genre.

It's likely that you're already familiar with the first release from the debut album by Dirty Vegas. Days Go By, an almost haunting pop house tune made popular by the 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse car commercial. You know, the one where the riders let loose with strange dance extensions to the throbbing beat with the simple but memorable lyrics..."you / you're still a whisper on my lips / a feeling at my fingertips / pulling at my skin... / days go by and still I think of you / days when I couldn't live my life without you / without you..." There's a touch of electronica, acoustic rock, and soulful vocals that you can bop to and yet somehow it's also relaxing. Yes, it's perfect driving music.

But Dirty Vegas is no one hit wonder. This is one of the best albums of the year. Here is modern musical alchemy pushing the edge of two popular genres- acoustic rock and dance. The British trio is comprised of Steve Smith (vocals/percussion/guitar), Paul Harris (keyboards/production) and Ben Harris (guitars/production). It's tempting to say that Steve's soulful singing and talented songwriting are what make this album shine. But Paul and Ben are musicians in their own right, Paul one of the top DJ's in London for the last decade, and Ben was once a guitarist in a band then moved on to produce house records. They've been doing remixes as The Hydrogen Rockers for a few years, but for some reason decided to change names for their debut album.

This album is difficult to categorize. There are soothing acoustic tracks like Candles and All or Nothing that gently rock with Steve's sultry vocals and percussion, and amazing rhythm guitar & bass work by Ben and Paul. I was often reminded of music by Seal, David Gray, and Duncan Sheik. Then there are interesting rock/electronic hybrids like Days Go By and I Should Know where the guitars and vocals seamlessly give way to catchy dance beats. Ghosts, the second single from the album (and perhaps the best song here) also fits into this hybrid category, showcasing the best of Steve's endearing vocals, a groovy baseline, and a sweet, galloping electronic beat.

The album falls short of greatness on two instrumental tracks, Throwing Shapes and The Brazilian. Sounding like "B" sides of beat-heavy techno records, cutting these ten minutes would benefit the album. But two bad apples don't ruin the whole bunch, so don't let that stop you from grabbing this stylish gem that is as hip and sexy as the glossy, 80's retro art that comprises the album jacket by photo realist painter Richard Phillips.

The album closes with two great tracks that underline this trio's strengths. The Simple Things, Pt. Two again melds beats, a groovy baseline and great singing/songwriting. Take these words to heart, fellas, and drop those tech-heavy instrumental tracks. "It's the simple things that make you smile" Smith sings... and just as the song nearly finishes, he breaks into lines from Pink Floyd's Another Brick in the Wall. It comes across with spontaneity, and whether this was improvisation in the recording studio or not, it somehow all works. The album then closes with an acoustic-only version of Days Go By. I've been listening to this album for more than two weeks now, and it continues to grow on me. Go ahead and get Dirty. This may very well be the best album of the year.

I think by now we all have heard "Days Go By" in the Mitsubishi car ad with the young people heading out to go clubbing. The song itself is just fantastic. It blends the best of house music with chillout music. The beats are rapturous and the vocals are heavenly to listen to. I will admit that I picked up "Dirty Vegas" for that song alone. Now that I have heard the entire cd, I have to say that "Dirty Vegas" is the dance album of the year. I dont' count Kylie Minogue's "Fever" because it was released late last year. Like I have said before, "Dirty Vegas" blends the best of house music with chillout music. Danceable yet you can still chillout listening to this album at the same time. The vocals are so smooth that the listener would almost die listening to. I love how Dirty Vegas sampled Pink Floyd's "Another Brick in the Wall pt.2" for "Simple Things Part 2". Then there is the hidden track of the acoustic version of "Days Go By" which just threw me for a loop. I didn't expect to hear that which is a good thing. I totally dug hearing an acoustic version of the dance-pop hit "Days Go By". Truly unique for a dance song. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this album a whole lot. I definitely have to say that it is one of the best albums to come out this year.

Part of the certainly unappreciated genre of 'Trance-Pop', Dirty Vegas' debut is one of the best chill cd's and one of the better dance cd's I've had the pleasure of listening to.

This is the type of cd you listen to in your car after coming home from a raging party or concert and need something both soothing sounding and relaxing. From the opening, Vegas show their electronic prowess to mix big beat techno, vocals, and actual instruments. Sort of a less-jazzy and more relaxed Basement Jaxx, which I very much enjoy.

"I should know" and "Ghosts" are the openers and are my favorite off the cd. Pretty upbeat and definitely good sounding. What surprised me most about this 'dance act' is how good the lyrics are with the music. Phrases like "ask me tomorrow what I thought of yesterday".

The next two tracks take it into a little bit of a different direction, perhaps into cruise control. My least favorite track is next, entitled "Candles." I didn't like the constant pitch changes, the sloppy beats, and the lyrics for this one.

Perhaps because of my hatred for that track is why I love the next one so much by comparison, "All or Nothing." Back to the soothing vocals and beats with a bit more melody. Very nice. "7 Am" also takes off on that base and makes it a little faster.

"The Brazillian" is the high point for acidic techno and drums. This is one of the fastest paced songs on here and just seems out of place. The CD just started building and building in speed and climaxed in this one, and its just not as good as the rest. Good, if only heard by itself.

"Simple Things Part 2," the last track seems like the obligatory slow song after "The Brazillian." Not much meat to it, but seems like a logical ending.

The hidden track, "Days Gone By - Acoustic," isn't anything too special. It's good and all, and its certainly the only song on the album you'd WANT to hear like that.

Overall, a very enjoyable experience. It gets 4 stars because its one of those cd's that you'll listen to once or twice, put it on the shelf, and need to be in the mood for to pick it up again. That, and I really disliked "Candles" that much.

This CD is great. Not only is the song from the Mitsubishi commercial good, but so are all the others. Most of the tracks on this album are upbeat, get up and dance songs, but there are also some tracks that are mellow and relaxing. These guys have a different sound in every song. I can listen to every one without hitting the skip button. The arrangement of different sounds and rhythm is amazing. They kind of make me think of Pink Floyd mixed with techno. I hope to see Dirty Vegas around along time. If you liked the song in the commercial and enjoy upbeat music, you will love these guys.

Dirty Vegas are well known for what might become the dance anthem of the summer, "Days Go By". I was curious of this album, and after previewing it in a store I realized I had to buy it because I was taken in by the infectuous beats and the mesmerizing vocals and instrumentation of the album. The album is standard fare, at times its quite relaxing and just a great chill album, then there's some really energetic songs on here. My only complaint is the similiarities between some songs, making you wonder if you are listening to the same track again. But its a nice album, I don't really understand the comparisons to Madonna's music, she did bring electronica with Ray of Light and Music, I do love Madonna but Music was [material from] Daft Punk in the UK, so its a cycle really. It doesn't matter as long as the music is good, so I'm sure many will enjoy this album. Give it a listen, you might be surprised with what you hear.

I just bought this CD today and I have not stopped listening to it! There are lots of cool dance tracks (like the one from the ... commercial), but I was surprised when I found more. There are a couple of songs that bring the acoustic guitar to the forefront and showcase solid vocals. I have bought a couple other dance/techno CDs, and really just liked a 1 or 2 songs, but this has a nice blend that keeps you listening (on many techno CDs the songs start to sound the same).

The CD has what I think is a bonus track - a mellow version of Days go by - the acoustic guitar is great in this version.

Oh yeah, I really enjoy track 11. It has lyrics from Roger Water's (Pink Floyd) The Wall - Reminds me of my Jr High Days "We dont need no education!"

Not your run of the mill dance/techno CD. This is a great buy - with a couple of surprises.

While not really "new" in sound, Dirty Vegas provide a CD full of highly danceable and highly listenable pop tracks. With the narrow range of material played on commercial radio, it's no wonder new material has to get noticed as advertising music to reach an larger audience (Moby anyone? How many would have bought Play if his songs hadn't been heard in ads first?).

This CD is in "heavy rotation" for me at home, in the car, and at work. I especially like listening to it driving at night.

"Days Go By" got me hooked, of course, but there are a lot of other good tracks too. "I Should Know" and "Throwing Shapes" are both beat-heavy dance tracks, while the slower and darker "Candles" fits in perfectly and has a smooth transition into "All or Nothing". Other favorite tracks of mine are "Alive" -- has a great groove without any need for vocal "effects" -- and "7AM".

Speaking of vocals, lead singer Paul Harris (I'm guessing -- liner notes don't say who is responsible for vocals) sounds a lot like Neil Finn (of Crowded House and Split Enz fame). He practically channels Finn on the unlisted "acoustic" version of "Days Go By" that closes the CD. I happen to like Neil Finn a lot, so this works for me.

Finally, if you're a Pink Floyd purist, you may not like Dirty Vegas appropriating "Another Brick in the Wall Part 2" for their "Simple Things Part 2", but I happen to think it's a great touch.

DV may have a brilliant name, and as it happens a solid album here, but they also stumbled on something quite new: a mixture of dance and synth, mixed with music essentially accoustic and driven by song-writing. Ministry of Sound meets Crowded House. This, coupled with the compelling beats and soundworld of the teriffic nightclub-like Days Go By, represents a missed opportunity. The combination of the above, plus more resembling the processes behind Days Go By, would probably propel DV to greater heights. As it is, there is an unwelcome feeling of caution, a fear of letting rip.

3's a deceptive score, but 4 was a tad high. Days Go By, Lost Not Found and Throwing Shapes are the pick, i.e. the more innovative ventures which would get any crowd going, with the dreamy and seductively sparse Candles being a delight. But I was left wishing there'd been more adventure and fliration with gung-ho beats and synths, rather than revert repeatedly to anglo-Crowded House. The two styles are both fine, but Days Go By next to, for example, Ghosts, is just bizarre. Diversity is a wonderful thing (ala Radiohead etc) but in this case it represents half-effort in either category rather than mastering both.

On a road trip from Philadelphia, PA to Grand Junction, CO - I was introduced to Dirty Vegas. Yeah, I had seen the car commercial and dug the groove, but it wasn't until I had the opportunity to hear the entire album that I could really appreciate what I was hearing.
Dance music and acoustic guitar? Crazy, but it works. I love way the songs are crafted - I like that you can understand the words and sing along. I like that it's peppy one minute and a little laid back the next. I liked it so much, it was the ONLY cd played in my car for 4 months straight!
So - if you are looking for something a little different or maybe you just want to change your own theme music - pick up this cd! :)