Customer Reviews

Freak City

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

With Freak City Soundtrack, their 3rd Album, Chicago's Material Issue made perhaps the definitive power pop record of the 90's. Such a statement may sound like hyperbole, but trust me, this one's that good.

At the time, the record's quality was a pleasant surprise even for hardcore Issue fans. The band's debut "International Pop Overthrow" was an instant classic upon release in 1990, but the follow up, 1992's "Destination Universe," although not without its charms generally featured too much glossy production and too few actual great songs and quickly found its way to cut-out bins and used record stores everywhere. It seemed as if the band was on the path toward irrelevance, but Freak City combined the increased polish with a killer set of tunes.

Things start off with a bang on "Goin' Thru Your Purse," a song that could stand as a template for hard-edged pop rock. All the ingredients are present--frenetic beat, spiky guitars, a clever lyric and hooks, hooks and more hooks. From there its more of the same with highlights including the dreamy, mildy psychedelic "Kim The Waitress;" the lush "I'm Your Fan" "Ordinary Girl," featuring a prototypical boy-in-love chorus and "Help Me Land," a rocker that bubbles over with enthusiasm.

In short, its a dozen or so three minute -gems--closer to early Cheap Trick (this band would be a perfect choice to cover "He's a Whore") than Big Star on the power pop continuum. In fact, Trickster Ric Nielsen lends a hand and the results are better than any Cheap Trick record since "Heaven Tonight". Almost a decade after its release, the songs still sound fresh, especially on a car stereo on a sunny summer day. Highly recommended.

Is it possible to make a perfect power pop album? Maybe not but Material Issue have certainly come as close to it as any Beatle ever has. This CD should be required listening for anyone who appreciates power pop and all it's descendants. The unfortunate affair of Jim Ellison's death and the lack of printing of these albums is gonna make the Ish an obscure icon of the pwer pop movement in the vein of Big Star. If you can find this cd, buy it, don't argue!

This cd has it all,it has the cathcy songs,the guitar and drum solos,and that's just in the first song! The second song is one that describes everyone that has ever like a girl (or guy) but knew they could never have them. The other songs range from sad break-up songs,up-beat songs(such as "Help me land") it also has some hidden jems among the rock such as "help me land","goin through my head" and "Funny feeling".The lead singer also has a large variety of vocal ranges he can go from high to low in an instant(which makes it hard to sing along)
This is all i have to say so i will leave you with one last note: BUY THIS ALBUM!

I remember years ago, riding on a bus, listening to the radio. "Kim the Waitress" came on and I was blown away by what an excellent song this was. The feel of the song, as well as the instruments used during it were absolutely intriguing. The fact that such simple lyrics can be transformed into such a revolutionary ballad is inspiring! So anyhow, years went by and I became content with the fact that I would never pin down the artist of this wonderful song. But...I did. And I listened to the rest of this brilliant cd, and was blown away by it as as well. Go figure!

I gotta admit, I've heard a lot of bands being labeled "power-pop" that just don't cut it. Usually they're really wimpy and don't have any "power" at all. I'm happy to say that Material Issue delivers the goods on this CD. The singing is amazing, the songs are great, and the production is just perfect! Too bad this thing didn't get the push it deserved, they should've been HUGE! 20 years from now, I'll bet this will be considered a classic. There are lots of bands that try very hard to imitate this sound, but I've never heard any that pulled it off as well as Material Issue. If you've never heard them, take my word for it that the singer has one of the coolest voices that's ever been recorded. Check out their debut CD also, it's pop perfection. R.I.P. Jimmy Ellison.

Freak City is the BEST POPROCK album of the past ten plus years....END OF STORY! Only problem, try to find it. In the record label's infinite wisdom, it's out of print. MI has, and continues to inspire those who love great songs, and great singles, with top B sides. The future will see their music re evaluated....mark my words

Sweet Lou

this is a great band ,their 1st album may be their best start to finish but this one has alot of great stuff this band should of been more well know nationwide but somehow slipped though the cracks ,r.i.p. jim

When I'm in the mood for power pop, this is usually what I listen to. A few duds, but mostly really good stuff.

Freak City Soundtrack finds our Chicago lads getting a little too close to their Marshall stacks - The Jesus & Mary Chain would be jealous of the feedback that permeates this record.

For those who thought International Pop Overthrow was a little too candy-coated, you'll definitely get your fill of crunchy guitars on this one.

The late Jim Ellison does a great job of taking the pi** out of "guitar gods" with his one-note solo during "Help Me Land."

Still, I'd try IPO or DU (if you can find them) before FCS. Why these MI CDs go out of print in under five years while record companies continue to churn out copies of fossils like "The Best Of Cat Stevens" is beyond me.

Okay, first of all this is not a soundtrack, just a clever album...I mean CD title. Now the good news: I've always described this band as the sonic heirs of Cheap Trick and boy does "Going Through Your Purse" prove it. Power-pop perfection! Unfortunately the rest of the of the CD isn't up to high standard set by International Pop Overthrough (their stellar debut featuring on of my ex-favorite songs Valerie Loves Me which share's it's unfortunate name with my ex-wife) and Destination Universe (which is a nearly perfect pop album). Unfortunately, distraught over their label dropping them, Jim Ellison took one last ride on that motorcycle he liked to ride (clever lyrical reference), but he should have open the garage door. So, scour those flea markets and second hand-stores for these out of print CD's and also look for a live EP which i believe is titled 2400 Material Issue Fans Can't Be Wrong.