Customer Reviews

A Glorious Lethal Euphoria

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Originally I sampled this cd buy listening to sound clips and wasn't impressed.

The impression I got from these clips was each song being repetitive and unimaginative, while trying to differentiate from certain other instrumental bands that fall into that trap by adding cliched "surf" reverb into the mix.

I later found the cd at a cheap used price at $3.00 and took a chance.

Boy was I wrong about my first impression.

The songs are varied and imaginative.

The reverb add is not added into a cliched 'surf" manner.

The band has really focused on the song structure and not just impressing people with guitar licks, thus makes this recording great

I'm currently 31 & a guitar player of 15 years. I've listened to this album for over 10 years & still enjoy it today. To me, that's the definition of a classic album. One you're intimately familiar with & have listened to for over a decade - yet you would listen to any song off the album any time it pops up on shuffle in your mega-music library.

I mention that I am a guitar player because I firmly believe anyone who appreciates quality, innovative guitar playing OR great guitar sounds should enjoy this album. Jim Thomas has definite identifiable influences, but his playing is unique enough to set him apart & make him an influential player.

Also worth mentioning - though this is an instrumental album - Jim's playing is SO lyrical that you don't wish for vocals even once.

If you're into bands like Pink Floyd, Neil Young, or Led Zeppelin I believe you will like this record. If you're a guitar guy/girl, I think you will like this record. If you like surf music, I think you will like this record. If you're a hater & pessimist, just go about your day & don't write a review unless you have constructive criticism.

Long live The Mermen.

I cannot possibly describe how much I love this album. Every emotion we harbor... this album gets to them all. The tones are euphoric, the melodys are enthralling... it's the perfect CD. Any true music lover should love this CD.

While at first I didn't really think this sounded like a surf album (when I think surf I think Dick Dale), and I still really don't think so though with the amount of reverb on the guitar I guess one could say so - its still hypnotic in its appeal. If it is surf , it transcends the genre. The bassist for the band is to be quite blunt, amazing. The album's full of really crazy songscapes that are soothing and sublime and drenched in reverb and melody. If you like music get this album. It's the only thing from a rock band that I can still bear to listen to.

In an ever-increasing crowd of 1963-leftover wannabe surfer bands, Jim Thomas of The Mermen (an actual surfer) breaks through and rises to the top with a barrage of guitar sounds that are alternately noisily intense and pristinely simple. San Francisco's own bring the sound of 'surf' into the 90's, and they appear to be the only ones who are doing it...

I've listened to a lot of music. This is bar none some of the strangest I've ever heard. Imagine elevator music from a bizarre alternate dimension, where a glass elevator overlooks the ocean. Imagine Dick Dale if he dropped acid and played prog-rock. Imagine an instrumental Nirvana if they grew up in Haight Ashbury instead of Seattle. Then you're vaguely in the ballpark.

This album must be heard to be believed. Reverb and chorus drenched surf prog-rock is a succinct overview of the style, but there are influences from alternative and classical as well. The "cover" of Brahm's 3rd Symphony, 3rd movement is mesmerizing. Pumping basslines appear on "Pulping Line". Arpeggiated chords mirror the ebb and flow of tides on "Blue Xoam". Feedback roars on "With No Definite Purpose...."

Not everyone's cup of tea - it's strange, bar none and at times, a tad bit repetitive (in a way vaguely reminiscent of gregorian chanting or qawwali and other spiritual music) - but highest recommendation to anyone with an open mind. If you're a musician or in production, buy this now.

Most of the ideas these guys use still haven't been absorbed into the mainstream. Their later albums are substantially less interesting.

there is no excuse for anyone who likes the sound of guitar not to own and cherish this ablum. i HATE guitar players and the crap that comes out of their guitars most of the time. i am IN AWE of the sounds that flows from Jim's bright red strat. this is purely amazing work. one of the BEST ALBUMS I've EVER HEARD. it hurts to listen to this sometimes... it's just that good. amazing drumming bass and guitar. the tones in this album rock you to sleep then tear your eyes out. DYNAMIC. thank you for such a wonderful album, mermen. THANK YOU!!!!

This is surfer music of the classic kind. I am the type of music listener that will allow a recording to grow on me. I will listen to a particular album (provided that it is not too monotoneous) a few times to acquire a feel for what the artist is trying to do.

The music herein is very difficult of discription. Mermen have put together some of the most beautifully melodic music I own. My record collection contains classical, jazz, pop, funk, soul, rock, folk, electronica, country, celtic, ska, progressive, blues, rockabilly, latin, chant, international, hip hop, reggae, opera, new age, and dance music. I enjoy most types of music if it is played and written well. Mermen are excellent musicians who write music that one must hear to really appreciate.

Words will not do justice to the experence of Mermen. The music is just that, an experience. If you allow yourself the opportunity to let this music grow on you, it will do so like a wild vine. You can feel within the music the waves of the ocean and the ride therein. Surf with it, feel the power of the crest behind you, you will be thrust forward with natures energy. Allow Mermen to crash upon the whitewater of your soul.

If you like new experiences, this is one experience you must venture to.

The Beach Boys hold nothing to these guys, they're sound is amazing, even if they didn't surf I wouldn't care, the guitar work is among the best I've ever heard. Get the Road Rash 3D soundtrack for the best song ever by the Mermen, Sponge Cookie.

No voice needed - the notes sing. "Scalp Salad" is one of those songs that makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck - something that doesn't happen often. "Between I and Thou" almost seems like an aural epitaph - it moves me every time I listen - put it on in the dark and be transported to wherever your mind takes you. All the songs play a part in making the whole of GLE more than the parts.