Customer Reviews

Five Eight

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

 

 

I have been listening to Five-Eight since happening upon them opening for Firehose at Trees in Dallas back in 1990. They grabbed me the minute I walked into the club, and I have been a huge fan ever since. Mike Mantione is a truly unique frontman. His frenetic guitar playing and nonstop energy on stage is like nothing else I have seen. And his song lyrics are genuine and heart-felt. I have actually used some of his lyrics in high school poetry units I have taught. I can only describe Five-Eight's combination of raw energy, humanity, and brutal honesty as being kind of like a spastic kid who has an uncontrollable fit, does his damage, has a quiet moment of embarrassment and shame after realizing what has happened, and then goes on and does it all over again. Their music captures true emotions and moments (feelings of rejection, neglect, alienation, misguided devotion, coming from a dysfunctional family, coping with loss, being a parent, and being a part of this grand, over-medicated world we live in), and it says it in words I wish I had written. I have, on several occassions, been brought to tears upon hearing certain lines from their songs (ie. "Goddamn It Paul," "She's Dropping the Bomb," and "Florence"), and the new self-titled CD is no different. "Square Peg" deals with Mike's life-long feeling of not quite fitting in, "I'm Still Around" captures the band's ability to write a great hook and melody, and "A Man Is a Pent Up Thing" (previously released on 1993's "Angriest Man" EP)explores the fine line between wanting and trying to belong and the struggle to control and hide the fears of it not working out. This is a great band and a great CD, and I wish every music fan could sit down and give them a listen. I only wish they would come through Texas a little more often.

Thank you Five Eight for making another excellent rock album. Raw energy and beautiful lyrics is what makes this album so incredible. I have listened to their other stuff, but I cannot stop listening to this CD. My favorite song on the disc is A Man Is A Pent Up Thing. Originally released on The Angriest Man CD, this song grabs me everytime I hear it. Mike sings, "I've got to love someone some way, I got to make it some someday, It's in my blood, When I write the greatest song, Well you know I still won't belong..." One of the most powerful songs I have ever heard. Go out and buy this now.

Five Eight ceases to amaze me. Been a fan for years and when I thought that they couldn't get any better, they do. This album can stand next to any release in 2004. Buy this CD & turn up the volume and play Square Peg. I promise you will not be disappointed.

I have to give this band a 10 out of 10 on this one. Mike Mantione has once again proven why this band deserves the recognition it doesn't give a crap to have. A small-club band that sounds best LIVE braaks free on this release, leaving me feeling like the proud parent of a kid going off to college. I'm proud for their success but wish they would come back home and play the intimate clubs where I feel like I am the only person in the crowd. But they deserve so much more than that. Do yourself a favor and get this album. Go see them when they are in town. For they are not a child anymore. Well, actually, they are. And that's why I love them.

I hate to write this...but,

I have been a big Five-Eight fan since around '92 and while I am all behind changing, evolving, etc... I can't help but what wonder if this is the same guy i loved listening to? Granted the guy can play guitar, write amazing lyrics and so on. However starting with Gasolina there seems to be a drastic shift in sense of melody and passion. On I Learned Shut Up, The Angriest Man, and Weirdo this band was THE best thing around and how they not made it huge, i don't know. But starting with Gasolina (omit the strange The Good Nurse...very different, and I give them credit for drastically trying something new)

This seems like a cliched sort of alt. rock. Don't get me wrong this is decent, but the first three were unique changed your life when you first heard them. Even "A Man Is A Pent Up Thing" does not compare to the original version. Growing is not always good and this band is case in point. Mantione has written some absolutely amazing things and lately has written some things i wouldn't give to an enemy (Guitar, RIGHT TO DRIVE???, Summer vacation, ETC..)

Now I'm not one who cares for sound quality (polished) but I do love passion regardless of what style of music and I can't help but feel that this band is simply making a living and not as hungry as it once was. Again this is still better than 95% of what is on the airwaves now.....Buy It then discover the first 3.