Customer Reviews

Downtown, Saturday

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Not since the first Son Volt album in 1995 has there been as excellent an album from an "Alternative Country" artist. "Downtown, Saturday" flat out gets my vote for best album of the year. If radio had any imagination, these guys would rule the airwaves. The vocals are as hauntingly pretty as the music and the songwriting is breathtaking. A rare album that improves with every listen.

The first time I listened to this, I said to myself, "Yeah, not bad, I can probably listen to this a few more times." After a few more times, I'm saying to myself, "What a great album. People don't make albums like this often enough." I hate to label things, but this is the best altcountry album I've ever heard. Somewhere between rock and country, with elements of soul, folk, and, yeah, even hip-hop (check out the first song's drum beat) combined to make a perfect album. I wouldn't change a thing. I'd add it to the short list that includes the Rolling Stones' "Exile on Main Street", Big Star's "Radio City", and the Clash's "London Calling". It really is that good.

I swear the music makes me ache like arthritis. Usually albums that try to be wrenching come off as overly sentimental and sappy; it's a tough line to walk, but they do it without ever looking down and faltering. Completely sincere, heartfelt, believeable and way too easy to relate to, get wrapped in and the next thing you know it's 2 in the morning, you've listened to it 6 times in a row and there's more empty bottles around then you remember opening. Recommended, but not necessarily for those who can't plumb the depths.

If it wasn't for Amazon I probably would have never heard of this solid almost perfect alternative country album. If you are a fan of Uncle Tupelo, Wilco, Son Volt, etc then look no further and pick up a copy of this flawless independent release. There is a pervasive meloncholy country vibe throughout however a couple mellow rock tunes thrown in to round out a very solid melodic batch of tunes. Once again I come across a almost unheard of album that is sure to spend alot of time in my CD player. Other required essential alt-country releases include Whiskeytown's "Strangers Almanac" and Scud Mountain Boys "Massachussets".

This music is amazingly textured, yet not over-produced. Their sound is like Wilco meets Tragically Hip meets TT Boy meets Neil Young. The disc hasn't left my stereo since I bought it.

CLASSIC ROCK MAGAZINE (U.K.) As a follow-up from last year's "Back To My Senses"; St Louis- based nadine have released a second album that fans of classic, rootsy, American rock will find irresistable. A relaxed, immaculate collection of songs that echo moments of prime-time Tom Petty and 'After The Goldrush'-era Neil Young. Opening track 'Closer' showcases Adam Reichmann's enigmatic vocals and tasteful less-is-more guitar style, with not a note wasted. This format is consistent throughout an album that both rocks hard ('Out On A Limb') and slow-grooves hypnotically ('Leona'). Five songs in, 'Deaf, Blind And Dumb', with its cool Hammond organ and electric piano, is possibly the finest moment of this compelling record. The acoustic 'So That I Don't Miss You' will invite the obvious Neil Young comparisons as Reichmann's voice lilts and gently cracks, but never fails to stir the emotions of the listener.

Self-produced, 'Downtown, Saturday' displays a convincingly mature approach to songwriting with memorable tunes and hooks to the fore in each song. Like the excellent 'Summer Teeth' by Wilco, Nadine have crafted a record that is hard to fault, and sure to be among the contenders for album of the year.

Just listened to this CD for about the 1000th time. I normally listen to R & B or talk radio, but this is THE cd for those who like soulful classic rock and roots instrumentation. Great production and songwriting, along with special care given to the guitar and organ sounds.

I like all of the tracks, especially #1 closer, but #4 is the best. My boo Megan always knods in approval when she hears the opening lyric in song #4: ..."she's a trial and error kind of girl", while I love the reference to the "Drug store towns of Southern Illinois"...

Listen to track 2, and you will hear more great writing. Listen closely and you will know that the song is about the "brighter future" that may await an indy band when they sign a record deal. With references to "barrels of cold hard cash that you could---learn to love"...you see that the band has minimal interest in a big record signing, which is amongst the reasons that they probably warrent one.

BUY this CD and you will love it forever

Peter Noonan, pianist, St. Louis, MO

So beautiful... Sensitive and breathtaking. The first couple of listenings mostly promising, but suddenly it grabs you into your bones. In some way this is the record you expected or wished that Neil Young released 'after the synth rush' or after he landed on the water. Don't mean that this sounds 15 years old, but mature, relaxed and extremly beautiful. Still hope that they will ever visit Sweden ....

On first hearing, this recording seemed way too familiar.

Haven't we been over this road SO many times since it was first paved by the Byrds, then Gram Parsons & The Flying Burrito Bros., then the (early!) Eagles, etc. etc. with sproadic revivals by REM and Wilco?

And aren't the echoes reverberating every single night in half the bars in Boulder and Santa Cruz?

Yes. But...

Nadine offers such a fresh and sincere serving, with subtle updates and crafty songwriting, that even these tired ears perked up.

They keep it midtempo, mostly mellow. Neil Young meets Coldplay, say. Transparent production, honest & uncomplicated arrangements. Simple songs with sly modernisms tucked away, and hooks that catch on the second, not the first, listening.

This is a joy, even if you think you've heard it all before.

Nadine are post-rock in the best sense, mixing elements of all the genres, rock and roll, country, even hip-hop and arriving at something completely unique and compelling. I was reminded of Neil Young, but not just for the high, emotional tenor of adam reichmann's voice, but also for the ambitious and restless energy in this record, searching and yearning for complex answers to complex questions. Highly recommended.