Customer Reviews

First Love Last Rites

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The movie wasn't much, but the soundtrack's great. It's got a bunch of really cool, unusual songs on it. It's really good at setting a mood. An absolute must for Jeff Buckley and Shudder to Think Fans. "I Want Someone Badly" is probably one of the most stunning examples of Jeff Buckley's vocal abilities. His voice was out of this world.

after seeing shudder to think live, supporting pearl jam last february, they... well - they weren't very good. however, enter the 'first love, last rites' soundtrack, and we have a winner, for sure - with a little help from their friends (namely jeff buckley, liz phair and billy corgan), shudder to think produce a great bag of songs which are much easier to recieve than previous works - definitely the high point of the 'first love, last rites' movie too.

After over 10 years on the music scene, Shudder to Think actually join forces with the likes of Billy Corgan, Jeff Buckley, Liz Phair and John Doe. Pure pop tunes that at times take me back to the 60's age of pop. Almost all of the songs are beautifully crafted. Only thing is, this cd clocks in at about 35 minutes or so.

I loved this - I've always liked Shudder To Think a lot, but never thought they quite pulled off expressing themselves completely on a record. These songs are completely varied in style, but the underlying essence is all STT, right down to their wicked lyrics. I also was pleased that the guest vocalists are not all people whose bands I really care for, but I really enjoyed them here. "Erecting A Movie Star" rams itself into my brain every time I put this on - it's an awesome power-pop song, and Liz Phair sounds great backed by the STT vocals. "Day Ditty" with Angela McClusky is lovely, that one guy really does sound just like Neil Diamond, John Doe is the king of heartbreak and twang, and Jeff Buckley is straight from the soul. The styles of music they borrowed from are all favorites of mine, but it doesn't sound like rehashed 50's hit parade - the stylings are all STT.

Although I'm a huge Shudder to Think fan,
the obvious star of this album is Jeff Buckley.
In my opinion, he was at his vocal best in that track.
My apologies if your a fan of "Our last goodbey" as I am.

Jeff admired this band and it's no wonder. There are brains behind this music and a sense of humor. Some of it is even very pretty to listen to. Listen with an open mind and play it a few times to see what I mean.

Jeff admired this band and it's no wonder. There are brains behind this music and a sense of humor. Some of it is even very pretty to listen to. Listen with an open mind and play it a few times to see what I mean.

Jeff admired this band and it's no wonder. There are brains behind this music and a sense of humor. Some of it is even very pretty to listen to. Listen with an open mind and play it a few times to see what I mean.

Jeff admired this band and it's no wonder. There are brains behind this music and a sense of humor. Some of it is even very pretty to listen to. Listen with an open mind and play it a few times to see what I mean.

What a surprising album. Shudder To Think are total art-rockers who revel in tricky, off-kilter songs, so this is a real straightforward surprise from them. they certainly span the history of American music here, from crooning ballads to pop rock to Phil Spector wall-of-sound knockoffs. the best track is "Appalachian Lullaby" with Nina persson of the Cardigans singing. She evokes the ghost of Patsy Cline on this track, more so than LeAnn Rimes ever will. A perfect song to go to sleep to. The Jeff Buckley tune "I Want Someone Badly" brings all those 50's wailers to mind while "Just really Want to See You" is a duet with a Neil Diamond sound-alike. My mom thought it was really him. To be honest not every track is great. The Billy Corgan track sucks as does the Liz Phair song. But they damn near ressurect Cheap Trick on "Automatic Soup" with Robin Zander on lead vocals. Shudder To Think pull this one off admirably. It doesn't always work, but if you like variety this is a great listen.