Customer Reviews

Gemstones

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

 

 

I'm not sure if Adam Green is deliberately trying to sound one part folksy-druggy kooky balladeer and one part vaudevillian-cum-cabaret singer. Either way, it matters little. I'm completely intrigued.

Oh, I'm not saying I love his music, but I certainly appreciate the gusty chutzpah to put something out there like "Gemstones". The lyrics are strange and somewhat disturbing and the music is stripped down and, yes, simple. But it's Adam's voice, his character that really kept me listening track after track.

Actually, I take that back, I am saying I like his music and I'm totally going to endorse this cd! And don't let the haters keep you from enjoying something completely left of center.

The songs are short (around 2 minutes each), so it wasn't a huge time investment. It didn't change my life, but it didn't rob me of 30 minutes of my life, which I can assure you happens every time I happen to flick on American Idol.

I love this album! I've heard a lot about adam but I did not hear him until just the other day, man was I missing out. Great album full of weird and funny as hell songs,it's so great to hear something original out there in a world of copycats. highly recomended. 4.5*

It seems that the main complaint that people who have left negative reviews for this album have is that it's different from the 2 albums that preceded it. In my eyes there's plenty of room in the world for both "Friends of Mine" and it's immediate successors, "Gemstones" and "Jacket Full of Danger", though.

Adam Green was introduced to me by my cousin as being a novelty artist who's songs were built upon the contrast between their pretty musical arrangement's and Green's often shocking, profanity-laden lyrics. "Gemstones" was the first LP by Green that I purchased, and while I liked it upon the first listen for it's simple, organic arrangements and the sound of Green's voice, I felt a bit disappointed by the lyrical content of the majority of the songs; a number of them seemed to be sort of shapeless lyrically, comprised entirely of non sequiturs. Upon repeat listenings to "Gemstones" and the other albums I own by him I've come to realize that, at least on the surface, Green seems to prefer stringing together words to get a reaction from the listener rather than writing songs with clear-cut meanings, often utilizing a bait-and-switch tactic by leading into a verse with a lyrical cliché only to turn it completely on it's head in the next line. More often than not he does a damn fine job of it, too, and I find myself looking forward to certain songs largely for individual lyrical snippets.

I highly recommend "Gemstones" as well it's predecessor "Friends of Mine" and the album that would immediately follow it, "Jacket Full of Danger". Approaching these albums with the right mindset is important, though: the music is lighthearted, funny, and occasionally incredibly filthy, and is definitely not meant to be overanalyzed. It's great to listen to while drinking and driving around late at night (Uhh... not both at the same time, of course...). I'm not going to list what I consider the "best tracks" since, like with any good album, that will come down to personal taste, but I'll say that "Carolina" and "Choke on a Cock" definitely get people's ears to perk up if you put them on at a party. Great songs for getting friends interested in the artist.

The album clocks in at around half an hour, and the last time that I checked new copies were selling for as little as $2 here on Amazon (in fact, most of Adam's albums sell for criminally cheap), so you've got very little to lose by purchasing yourself a copy.

Adam Green spent a lot of time in the band The Moldy Peaches. Right when people were getting into their odd style, they broke up, and Kimya Dawson and Green started doing their solo records. Adam Green started off doing something that was like Beck's younger brother. Finally on Gemstones, Green has hit his stride. Gemstones I suppose a reference to those people who get their cell phones decorated. The album cover is adorned with those things. Adam Green's voice even sounds different and nothing like Moldy Peaches. He sounds like a mix between Ray Stevens and early Nick Cave. His authoritative voice soars on "Gemstones" and "He's The Brat." Some of these songs have the elegance of Neil Hannon (The Divine Comedy). Some of the songs like "Crackhouse Blues" and "Choke On A C---" lyrically sound like Moldy Peaches territory, but these sound more like early Dr. Demento stuff. I guess that maybe the Moldy Peaches would have been on Dr. Demento every week if they came out in 1980. Songs like "Who's Your Boyfriend" sound like Burt Bacharach. Adam Green is becoming more sophisticated. Young girls seem to love him. You have to admire what he does because it is so unique, singular, and uncompromising. This is a quality recording....

If you liked Adam Green's last 2 albums, then you will dig this one. I can't believe spin magazine gave this album a D rating, its more in the A range, shows what they know. That caused me to not to buy it at first, but after sampling it, I realized that I love Adam's music, how bad can this be? That pissed me off enough to write a review about this album. Adam has a great voice, truely unique lyrics, great guitar riffs, and just good music all together. Each listen brings new things that stand out in the music. Plain and simple, if you liked his previous albums, then you will like this one.

Hi-this is an excellent follow up to Friends of Mine. There's no orchestra, just Adam and his band playing a doorsy rock and roll with Adam's weird lyrics. Best tracks are Gemstones, Over the Sunrise & Carolina. His voice is amazing and you can listen to the songs over and over and find something new every time. Sparkling, Adam - when's the next one?!

The other reviewer may say this music is simple... it's true. This isn't an album you go out and buy because you want to hear great keyboards or somthing. Go ahead and get a Yes album. When you are looking for somthing indie, you are probably looking for somthing simple. (Excluding swedish indie)
If you buy this album you are probably looking for somthing with strange lyrics and good melodies. These are songs you can sing along to with your friends.
Another wise Adam Green option is to grab yourself a copy of "Friends of Mine". Friends of mine has a similar feel to this album but includes some string instraments. (Also another great album you and your friends can sing along to)

For all the hype this album has been getting for being the next big indie thing you'd expect something quite intriguing.
Alas.
This isn't even like the late indie albums which are rehashing 80s indie rock trying to do it in an intelligent way. No, not even that.
This is simply a collection of horribly simple (lyrically speaking) songs which degenerate to further levels of horror musicwise. Musically this has to be one of the worst albums I've heard all year and yes i've heard a LOT of bad ones.

If you were to survive the music and start paying attention to the lyrics you'd need to be seriously apathetic and untouched by bad music in general. You'd also need to be easily prone to swallow the stuff the indie press keeps pushing from time to time regardless of quality.

Basically the music on this album sounds like a teenager trying to learn guitar while another teenager is recording bad samples on it from some cheap software looper. That's as kind as i can be about it.

Stay clear from this at all costs unless you're part of an experiment. Perfect for use during interrogation as very few could survive it without spilling their guts begging for it to stop.

"friends of mine" was so unique, every song a gem. now adam green sounds a bit like an old lounge act anchored by tired melodies that disappoint. one of the great things about "friends of mine" was the haunting string section that backed greens vocals at every turn; making his absurd lyrics appear ironic and sarcastic. i think green needs that counter-weight, that sincere music that compliments his quirky vocals and absurd lyrics. as a big fan of adams, i admire his change in direction, but something was lost on the way...no gemstones here. BUNNYRANCH!!!

adam green's "Gemstones" is a wonderful collection of fun ditties that brings one's inner child. The songs remind one of nursery rhymes sung by a 30-year-old child. every song evokes a feeling of happiness. five stars to the new master of children's songs for adults.