Customer Reviews

The Dream Is Over

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

 

 

My introduction to this band didn't come until after my introduction with John Vanderslice's solo work. There I started with his most recent "Cellar Door", an excellent album. I didn't become a "big" fan, however, until I cycled back through his career to find this album.

"The Dream Is Over" has got to be considered one of the best indie rock albums of the 90s. It is definitely considered that with me at least. And when you consider their previous album, "Original Motion Picture Soundtrack", which is almost as good as this album. You might even consider MK Ultra one of the best indie rock acts of the 90s. Again, I consider them just that.

The album starts off with the title track (my favorite MK Ultra song, period). It's the most melodic track in their collection. "The Dream Is Over" has a great beat, catchy lyrics and a melodic chorus. Next on my list of favorites is "Red On White On Blue". To me, this song sounds very similar to Pavement. I'm not too big a Pavement fan, so this song and this band I actually prefer. "Heavy Weather" is another song to note. It is upbeat and grunge with pounding drums. I can't help but sing with them on this track ("Machine Washablllllllleeeeeeee") "Goodbye, Max!", like the rest, is melodic. But, unlike the rest, is a little more layered. There are violins and some sonic, yet subtle guitars. Completely coincidental to its title, "Darkness and The Silver Spoon" actually sounds a little like Spoon. The song could very well fit on their "Girls Can Tell" album.

Every other song on this album is very good as well. This album is the perfect final release in my opinion. Fans of Spoon, Sunny Day Real Estate, Pavement, and John Vanderslice as a solo artist should definitely check this out. They might enjoy it as much as I have, which is a lot!

EDITED: It should be noted that since these guys are no more, they actually allow you to download MP3s of all their albums off their website www.mkultra.com. But their music is so great, I still felt the proclivity to buy their material.

this is an insanely great pop album full of all kinds of twists and turns. if red cross doesnt getcha bouncing i dont know what will. there are alot of parrallels between this and ok computer. hmmm gee john, but ok computer one of the best albums ever. yeah i know.

this is a wonderful last record from sf's mk ultra. "original motion picture soundtrack" was one of my favs from 1996. this band was beyond obscure while they were around, now they seem to be reaching cult status.

This band, did a tour with the great SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE, And every one was purely amazed by there songs, after hearing so much, I had to check them out, and MK ultra has written one of the best albums of the 90s, but unfortanly, no one will hear it. But you must!! why you ask? take THE DREAM IS OVER amazing vocals, on an acustic guitar but yet has so much emotion, or GOODBYE,MAX! the song flows amazingly, and the guitar playing is quite good. I miss the war has some of the most amazing lyrics ever and vocals, so so much emotion. People throw around the word EMO, but this band made music emotinal for me, and for that, its worth the price of admission

It really does make me laugh. It shows that Vanderslice isn't a very expearenced songwriter here. On some of the best songs he says the funniest things. For instance on the track 'Sunday' he says, "Please understand, being down don't give me no pleasure". That's a fine, it a bit cliche, lyric. But then he follows it with "I'd rather be rollerblading", that's a bit lame but then he rhymes it with, "or Chinese New Year parading". Hehehe, John, you're killng me. That's funny 'Chinese New Year parading'. These funny moments turn out to be the most interesting, and belive me, there's plenty of them to laugh at. Like on 'What I Live For' and 'All We Have'. Songs like these have a certian original charm that his solo stuff is lacking. Probably for fans of Vanderslice only, but those fans will find lots to enjoy here.