Customer Reviews

PW & The Ghost Gloves Cat Wing Joy Boys

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

 

 

Paul Westerberg's recent prolific rate is something to get excited about. The three year waiting periods between releases on a major label are a thing of the past. However, if variety is the spice of life, Paul would do well to have some shakedown occur within his kitchen. Between his digital releases of last year ("49:00," "5:05," "3oclockreep," "Bored of Edukation") and his two batches of mp3s released this year, it feels like Paul Westerberg is peddling the same song over and over.

This particular song I talk about is not a bad one. If it were, I wouldn't have bothered downloading this new EP. But I get the uneasy feeling that in his newfound creative control, Paul just falls into his comfort zone every time he hits the record button. If I had complete control over my creative process, I would be more creative with it.

But anyone who has followed Paul this far knows that "comfortable" is not synonymous with "bad." "Ghost On The Canvas" and "Good As The Cat" are perfect blends of familiarity with a quality tune. I can still get into a lyrical sneer like "treat me good as the cat." This EP further pushes the quaint jalopy that is Paul Westerberg's solo career down the smooth road leading him and his fans away from the Replacements aftermath. It's just that it's nothing new.

Say what you will, because the man has taken some time off...and may NOT have delivered what you have WANTED. He's had a rough time...let him be for pete's sake. He is human- just like you and me...I have heard bad-mouthing and such, but in one woman's opinion-he STILL speaks to my heart. He has for the last 22 years.
As far a the latest recording-it is Paul...from HIS heart, as it always has been. He's The BEST American writer in my lifetime. My world has been better because of HIM.

The first thing one might notice on the review boards is that there are 4 and 5 star reviews, and then there are 1 and 2 star reviews. There are no 3 star reviews yet. It's not so much a "love it or hate it" situation as it is simply an expectation of the listener. Sure, Paul isn't going out of his way to make glossy studio versions of these tracks. Nor is he trying to reinvent rock music. To expect this is missing the point. What Westerberg does prove here is that he continues to be an effective antithesis to our mass-produced modern day music culture. To admit that creating a work of organic, imperfect, yet heartfelt tracks is a rare feat these days is sad. However, so long as Westerberg stays true to his intentions, as he does here, I will be anxiously awaiting his next.

Paul Westerberg once again proves that he is the undisputed king of lo-fi, self-produced rock and pop that is more raggedy than Ann and Andy combined. Five of the six songs are good, and "Love on the Wing" is great. It's a worthy addition to his discography.

Once again, out of nowhere, here comes Paul Westerberg to drop another set of stunners on us lucky fans. Since his release of the "49 Minutes" download last year, Paul has randomly let loose a bunch of individual tracks as downloads on amazon.com. Now we're lucky enough to have a full EP. It's typical Westerberg fare - loose, scruffy rockers and ballads played with more heart and spirit than nearly anything else out there. For the insane price of a little over $3, this is the bargain of the year. The perfect set for early Fall, it's here for you to make your own. If he keeps up this pace and releases something of this quality every year I'll be a happy, happy man.

PW has been producing some great, great material of late. "PW & The Ghost Gloves Cat Wing Joy Boys" is no exception.

this batch of gems is chill enough for a couples hang, gritty enough for the boys, and jam-packed with the sloppy charm that made you fall in love with PW in the first place. (and the sound quality is pretty good--it sounds like he's actually getting the hang of home-recording.)

this EP is $3.89. you can afford it. stop reading and start downloading.

Ghost On The Canvas: Touching, rhythmic and full sound; a very easy listen, and as usual, Paul's phrasing will catch your attention.

Drop Them Gloves: A rocker reminiscent of The Stones "Street Fighting Man". Love the harmonica...a foot stomper!

Good As The Cat: All is good with this one. Lyrics we can all relate to, hummable, sing-along. Try not bobbing your head to the beat!

Love On The Wing: Opens with melancholy piano and vocals, merges into full guitar, drums, etc. Again, I can best describe this as a touching song. Something about it resonates with me. This song will end up on a House M.D. (or similar program) soundtrack.

Gimmie Little Joy: Love it, Love it! *See my comment above for Good As The Cat.

Dangerous Boys: Pure Westerberg, which is what we're looking for, right? Liked everything about it. Probably the "hook" track of the EP.

I purchased the CD instead of just downloading the MP3. Based on another reviewer's comment about the packaging my expectations were low. I wondered if I was wise to pay more just for a jewel case. When it did finally arrive (takes longer than usual because it is a made on demand item) I was very pleased. I would have preferred he include a scrapbook so I could look at him, but that was the only thing that made this different than any other packaging. Paul is not the only artist to exclude the nice little booklets and for the price, it makes sense to me.

Make no mistake. I'm a Westerberg fan. This is not Paul's best work. I agree with the previous reviewers who say these songs are hardly worthy of an outtake release. I'm feeling a little taken advantage of. Not recommended.

More of the same mediocre effort hashed out on the last couple "internet" compilations. Most who have the ability to listen objectively will find this equally disappointing. These songs should be on a bonus/out takes cd.

He's less prolific than Bob Pollard, but only slightly. And Paul's output is devastatingly mind-blowing - he's not just throwing you scraps here. I'd pay four bucks just to hear "Love On The Wing", which will be an instant invite to a party of your favorite songs. It RSVPs at the first piano chord and has brought everyone to achingly beautiful tears by the first guitar jangle. This song ain't for the birds, and yet it's a song about them.

If you're not aware of Paul Westerberg yet, keep a look out. He'll weasel his way into your heart in the fall, huddle up for the winter and there's no getting rid of him then. Not that you'd want to.