Customer Reviews

Godspeed the Shazam

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

On their 2nd album, The Shazam--led by songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Hans Rotenberry--lay stake to their claim as the foremost power-pop combo currently performing. Not satisfied to merely adopt the conventions of power-pop form, The Shazam dive deep into the style's rich history and make its best elements their own. From devastating full-charged rock ("Sunshine Tonight"), goofy fun (""ChipperCherryDayLilly" and "City Smasher"), to the songwriters' tour-de-force ("With You" and "Super Tuesday"), The Shazam demonstrate a full command of the elements which make power-pop the most exciting rock genre available. Where other bands tend to write from a one-dimensional perspective, Rotenberry embraces all that is pop and shamelessly makes it his own, taking cues from Cheap Trick, The Move, Brian Wilson and others from pop's elite. Not to be missed.

This cd is a step up from their self-titled debut(and that was pretty good). Much more guitars on this one and thats a good thing. Reminds me of the Who in parts, maybe some Cheap Trick too. While loud and proud this disc never loses touch with the melodies, and choruses. It lags a bit in the end, but the first eight songs are to die for. A must buy.

This is one of the top five releases of the last decade. If you like early Cheap Trick, especially Heaven Tonight, you will love this. All twelve tracks rock! Super Tuesday, Calling Sydney, RU Receiving, etc, etc. I do not exaggerate. This is one of those special records. Even the great Shazam will have a hard time beating this one. This is modern power pop at its absolute finest.

The best post-modern powerpop album I've found. Echoes of Cheap Trick, ELO, DB's and others, but the Shazam don't merely ape these forebears - they pay homage to them with well-crafted songs. The lyrics may be a bit sloppy in places, but even this looseness is endearing. I can't stop playing it.

Unlike so many over rated power-pop bands, the shazam are not just the sum of their influences (Big Star, Move, Cheap Trick ,Beach Boys) but have a distinct sound of their own. The Production by brad jones is brilliant (This is how guitars should sound !), The melodies are wonderful with great twists and turns, But what makes "Godspeed The Shazam" so great it's that it so fun to listen to, Repeats button are made for this album.

With the release of "Godspeed the Shazam", this power-trio from America, proves that the boys can create an album with the same energy present in their live shows. On songs like "Super Tuesday" and "Sunshine Tonight", the lads give a welcome slap in the face to the over-produced, emotionless drivel flooding the American pop scene today. The album mixes hard rocking numbers well with clever ballads which insures it will become a part of your regular listening rotation. If you are not listening to The Shazam, you should be. The Shazam prove that rock-n-roll should be above all, fun!

Quite simply, an outstanding second CD (IMHO) from this band out of Tennessee. They've deservedly had strong reviews in the UK music press for this release. Much has been made of influences such as legendary bands such as The Move and Cheap Trick, but the songs on this stand up by themselves, although you can hear elements of those influences in some. Excellent "power pop" and I challenge anyone to give this a try... and then *not* keep playing it over and over! It really grows on you! Hans Rotenberry proves that he is a skilled songwriter, and he is ably supported by fine musicians. I honestly recommend this CD. Terrific band, wonderful album, BUY IT!

On their 2nd album, The Shazam--led by songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Hans Rotenberry--lay stake to their claim as the foremost power-pop combo currently performing. Not satisfied to merely adopt the conventions of power-pop form, The Shazam dive deep into the style's rich history and make its best elements their own. From devastating full-charged rock ("Sunshine Tonight"), goofy fun (""ChipperCherryDayLilly" and "City Smasher"), to the songwriters' tour-de-force ("With You" and "Super Tuesday"), The Shazam demonstrate a full command of the elements which make power-pop the most exciting rock genre available. Where other bands tend to write from a one-dimensional perspective, Rotenberry embraces all that is pop and shamelessly makes it his own, taking cues from Cheap Trick, The Move, Brian Wilson and others from pop's elite. Not to be missed.

Great rocking power pop from Nashville, Tenn, almost every song on this highly acclaimed CD sounds similar to Cheap Trick, i.e. Sunshine Tonight, Super Tuesday, RU Receiving. Listen and hear why Little Steven is such a big fan of these guys. It gets better with every spin. I also recommend Tomorrow The World released in 2003 which is very good.

Possibly the finest power pop album released in the last twenty years. If you love the Raspberries, Badfinger, Cheap Trick...don't put off buying this disc. Pure unadulterated musical pleasure!