Disgrundled

The Grundles | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 1, 2004)
• Original Release Date: November 1, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Grundle Records
• ASIN: B0006TYIQW
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,734,978 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Freakshow

2. Nothing Goes As Planned

3. Here Is Where We Are

4. White Trash Blues

5. Bring You Down

6. Crazy On Your Mind

7. Casualty

8. Headache

9. Turnaround

10. Let You Know

Editorial Reviews

Disgrundled, the 3rd release from Philly-area favorites, the Grundles, gets off to a strong start with the wry social commentary, "Freakshow," a solid opener with caustic lyrics and grungy guitar work reminiscent of the Replacements. The comic reflection turns to pathos in "Nothing Goes As Planned," a song containing bouncy riffs and great harmonies between vocalists Ted Felix and Andrew Dolan that typify the Grundles infectious style. The fingerprints of producer/long-time Philly music staple, Brian Bricklin are obviously all over "Here Is Where We Are." The use of the stacked vocals and instrumentation manages to reflect the Grundles’ Philadelphia-area roots, in a song that is a summation of a stalled relationship. "White Trash Blues" is a tune with shades of Husker Du from the Warehouse Songs era, and guest keyboardist Howie Gordon’s subtle work fleshes out the track most pleasantly. "Bring You Down's" strong sense of characterization harks to Rhett Miller's writing style so that one is drawn to the "I told you so" theme. "Crazy On My Mind" is an alt-country amalgamation with a little taste of Grateful Dead thrown in -- its outstanding production values are some of the best on the album, which takes an abrupt shift of style with the following track. "Casualty" is a great punk rock homage that would not be out of place on the Clash's self-titled album. "Headache" features some great sarcastic lyrics and a bouncy ska style that reminds one of a long lost Camper Van Beethoven effort. "Turnaround," with its effervescent guitar riff and distinctive vocal performance, is an instant Grundles classic. The track epitomizes the group's effective use of basic rock music staples and harmonies to make even those of us with two left feet want to get out on the dance floor and shake something. "Let You Know" rounds out Disgrundled quite satisfyingly, again, on the strength of the punchy riff and harmonies. Drummer Tom Viscuso and bassist Tom Jadico give solid performances throughout, laying strong foundations on which the talented foursome reach for dizzying heights. In these days of the long-play cd, ten tracks seems hardly enough to satiate one's jones for intelligent power pop, but Disgrundled comes highly recommended. --John Riebow

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars outstanding... as usual, March 18, 2005

By 

J. Lyons "usedwigs" (Philly, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Disgrundled (Audio CD)

My Phavorite Philly band delivers another gem. Power pop, rockabilly, alt-country all seemlessly meshed into a singular, inspired sound that the boys have finely tuned after 10+ years playing together. The energy and fun of their insanely enjoyable live shows comes through on this expertly produced recording; you can almost see Teddy Grundle swiveling around stage with his slightly demonic stare while Andrew Grundle trades off vocal duties, lays down wicked leads and tries his best not to drown in his own pool of sweat. The Toms' bass and drums have that "big" satisfying feel that power along most tracks ("Casualty," "Let You Know") while not taking over. "Crazy On My Mind" is a the biggest departure -- a hearty slice of countrified shoe-fly pie -- that goes down easy and has "hit" written all over it if WXPN gets their paws on it. If you are producing a reality show, "Freakshow" is your only choice for a theme song, so buy the rights, make The Grundles some serious cash so they can continue to bring the rock and the roll in fine fashion.

5.0 out of 5 stars dandy disgrundled disk, March 1, 2005

By 

gabe032 (Wycombe, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Disgrundled (Audio CD)

Another quality recording by the four Philly-based guys. Not a bad track on the album and the production quality is their best yet. "Here's Where We Are", "White Trash Blues", "Crazy On Your Mind", "Turnaround" ... well, I might as well list them all for crying in a bucket.

Their live shows are always a hit and this album demonstrates how well and how far Two Toms, a Ted and an Andrew have come - www.grundles.com for more. I'm already looking forward to their next CD. $10 you'll be glad you spent, folks.