Customer Reviews

Finally

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

 

 

It's too bad that three of TMJ's other recordings are out of print. But on the bright side, Finally is the best of their work. The sound is tight, the lyrics powerful and the tunes crunchy and melodic. Like other reviewers here, I'm mystified that this band never seemed to catch on. They're worlds better than Lit or Green Day or any of a hundred other alterna-pop outfits that have made it bigger. Imagine Foo Fighters with a sense of humor, Barenaked Ladies with a New York City edge or Stroke 9 with a proven track record and you'll have an idea what you're missing. But only an idea - TMJ is one of a kind. Of the releases still in print, this is the one to get if you can afford only one. It's light years past the rough edges of their beginner's effort, "Green Eggs and Crack," and much more consistent than the B-side collection, "Gods and Sods."

Like others, it amazes me how almost no one has heard of Too Much Joy. I saw a video for a single off their Son Of Sam I Am album, and was hooked immediately. Finally is one of their best, but to me Mutiny is their top album, although it is out of print, it is worth it to look for it in mom an pop music stores. I can't wait to hear the new album. Smash a glass and cry, Too Much Joy

These guys are amazing. How they didn't catch on is beyond me. This is a must buy for any alternative fan. It's london calling for gen x.

Too Much Joy is, simply, the greatest unknown band around. Try to imagine R.E.M. having a bratty younger brother and you'll have an idea of what TMJ sounds like. It amazes me that the airwaves are full of bands like Green Day and matchbox20, yet Too Much Joy is still stuck being the critics' darlings. Buy this album (and their other's, as well). You won't be disappointed.

I HAD to write ater reading Bill W.'s "review". Seems to me he as a personal axe to grind.

Not only is the production on ...Finally bigger, punkier, more exciting and more like what TMJ always sounded like live, or tried to anyway, but those "Roy Thomas Baker" productions on the previous record were done by Wittman, the SAME producer, as well. Also he IS a bass player and actually at least as good a one than Sandy. (he plays live with tha other famous international star and seems to do fine). Sandy was always fin live and I enjoyed his lousy singing. But the newer TMJ sings better, plays better and makes better, more consistent, records (including Live At Least).

Some reviewers think it's about how smart and "inside" they think they are. But this record is the very BEST of TMJ.

Written by ivy league graduates and performed with their simply good pop-sense cuddled up to rebellious punk-spirited beats that drove their ironic and melodic hollering (in songs like Half Life, How to Be Happy, and I Believe in Something), all of Too Much Joy's work is as relevant now as it was ahead of its time, back when I was young. My very favorite song also happens to be on this one: Skyline; "nobody owes anybody rent, everybody is an accident!"

In response to the L-Words comment about Billjsw having a No personal ax to grind. I doubt it - I used to see Bill at all the TMJ shows in NY. He was a big supporter of the band (which on the level of TMJ was way important). I can relate to what he says in his review. Finally has a live sound - something not every band can or should do in the studio. I too live Live At Least but prefer TMJ

studio recordings to sound as such. Some okay songs here but nothing on par with anything on Mutiny or Cerial Killers.

Too Much Joy are the kind of guys you root for to make it. It is unfortunate as their chances seem to be fading unless they pull a rabbit out of a hat. The last song pretty much waves the white flag. As always it is a great personal song that exposes a naked truth to close the album. It hits the nail on the head as they admit to themselves they may not be able to achieve all they wanted in their careers. It may be for the best that they are throwing in the towel. They have become really bland. A few years back they were going to jail protesting freedom of speech by singing 2 Live Crew Songs, and writing songs like "William Holden Caufield". As with most bands that mature they have improved the technical qualities of their work while their songwriting has lost its edge. The fans here seem to really over rate this newest release. It does have their signature closing song. Besides that though there isn't much of interest. They almost try too hard. I keep hoping they succeed, but song after song they just churn out faceless songs. Since I hate popular songs maybe this will bring them fame and fortune and their quality work only held them back. I will keep my fingers crossed.

Too Much Joy is one of those bands you just either detest or adore. Personally, the fact that Newt Gingrich likes an old song the guys wrote about breaking your glass and crying because you're just so damned happy cinched it for me. Ol' Newtie never did that background research on TMJ - this is the band that routinely sings, "Take a Lot of Drugs" and "The King of Beers" for their audiences. And from the style of Tim Quirk and company, Finally is a smartass, tongue-in-cheek explosion of melody and riffs only undercut by the extensive use of heavy guitar style. Too Much Joy fans will drool over the album - the radio stations will probably ditch it in favor of Eddie Vedder, pensive Seattle whiny weener that he is. Gotta preserve that all-important teenaged demographic that calls in seven requests for "Jeremy" in ten minutes. But we're not bitter. Hey, realistically, if you want to fork over a good $15 for a CD with one good song on it and garb! age for the rest, Too Much Joy is not your band. The melodies are intricate, the lyrics are intelligent, and the bassist (believe it or not) is a sargeant on the NYPD. For nine years. This band is dedicated to doing one thing they enjoy - playing the hell out of the songs they've written and making sure that their music stays true to what it's supposed to mean. Whatever that is.

Why isn't the world listening to Too Much Joy? What, did the demise (& eventual resurrection of) Green Day end "fun punk?" "Finally" is one of TMJ's best (& hopefully not LAST) work. "Kids Don't Understand" was the single, but more deserving single choices were "I Believe in Something" and "Halflife." A great disc from a band that doesn't get half the respect they deserve.