Customer Reviews

Good Dog Bad Dog

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have owned and loved the original independent recording of GOOD DOG BAD DOG for some time now, and I was excited when Over the Rhine signed with Virgin's Back Porch label and chose to release this remastered version. This record is haunting and beautiful, moody and often stark. The largely acoustic instrumentation creates a soft, peaceful feel, and Karin Bergquist's passionate vocals frame every song well. Songs like "All I Need Is Everything" and "Go Down Easy" would fit nicely on many radio formats, while songs like "Latter Days" and "Happy To Be So" are perfect for listening alone. The previously unreleased track "It's Never Quite What It Seems" is achingly beautiful as well. Be sure to buy two copies of GOOD DOG BAD DOG: one for yourself and one to share, because you'll find yourself telling all your friends.

"Good Dog Bad Dog" is my favorite album. Hands down, no contest. Karin's sweet vocals, the stunning lyrics, and transporting music have made the album (1996 original release) number one in my cd player for the past three years. As a member of the band's active online community (the "listees"), I have observed that GDBD, of all the band's releases, has been judged to serve as the best introduction to the band for new listeners. GDBD represents all that is good about the band- intelligent lyrics, Karin's voice, Ric Hordinski's fantastic guitars (since departed from the band)....... In other words, this re-release is a great album, from a great band, and this is a great opportunity for everyone to hear a band at its best. You'll find yourself humming "Poughkeepsie" all day long and you'll have to hunt down the earlier version just to hear two tunes not included in this version (but "It's Never Quite What It Seems" more than justify the purchase of the re-release.) Buy this album and then see the band live. You will never turn back.

A few years ago, I set out on a quest. You see, I was stricken with an obsessive need to find other albums that could give me the same feeling as "August and Everything After" by the Counting Crows. I did a lot of research and one day, while perusing allmusic.com, I saw the oddly named group Over the Rhine listed as a "similar artist."

With my curiosity piqued by the odd name (sounded fairly "arty" and maybe a little "mopey" - EXACTLY what I was looking for!), I went home and downloaded the song "Later Days."

As someone else has written on here, I was floored.

Holy cow. This woman has, no kidding, the voice of an angel.

I was hoping to find something that could aspire to imitate the mood of August and Everything After, but what I found was, if possible, even better.

This is the absolute perfect album for "bumming out" on a dreary rainy day, or for listening to by candlelight of an evening.

They say that Over the Rhine's music makes happy people sad, and sad people happy. Well, I'd have to agree with that, but there is so, so much more to it than that.

I cannot recommend this album highly enough. If this is your first Over the Rhine album, it will not be your last (although, for my money, this one is still their best with Films for Radio coming in second).

Buy it. You'll see.

Rare is the CD that comes along and grabs the listener and pulls him in from the very first hearing, but this is one of those CD's. I cannot get enough of this recording. Two members of the group are currently touring with Cowboy Junkies, and Margo Timmins told the crowd, "if you listen to Over the Rhine you will fall in love with them immediately." I respect Margo; she knows what she is talking about. Karin Bergquist, OTR's lead vocalist, has a beautiful, ethereal voice that still, at times can sound bluesy or jazzy. There is not a weak track on this CD. The opening song, "Latter Days," has a beautiful melody line and wonderful piano. I find myself humming it frequently. "All I Need is Everything," the second cut, is even stronger. Karin's phrasing makes it a standout--and the CD just continues to do its magic with each successive track: "Happy to be So," "Poughkeepsie" and "It's Never Quite What it Seems" are other personal favorites. If you do not know Over the Rhine, this CD will be a powerful introduction to an immensely talented group. Their sound is far superior to most of what occupies current radio station playlists. I only hope they continue to make their music and write thought provoking lyrics. The only thing better than this CD will be the opportunity to hear them perform these songs in concert. Don't overlook Over the Rhine.

I first heard of Over the Rhine while watching an episode of "Mysterious Ways". There has been a cry from people to know about Over the Rhine. Well this is a great CD to begin with. The first track, "Latter Days," is the most beautiful song I've ever heard. Karin Bergquist has the most beautiful voice of any female artist. And then there's the lyrics. I've never really liked poetry, but that's what music really is. Just set to a melody. And somehow, when set to a melody the poetry is transformed. If this album doesn't elicit a visceral emotional response, I just don't know what will. This CD is not something you can just play in the background. It draws you in and once it's got you, you're down for the count, so to speak. Obviously, I'm not good at reviews, but Over the Rhine is great at making music.

Good Dog Bad Dog came as a complete and wonderful surprise to me. I had never heard of Over the Rhine until a beautiful woman sang "Latter Days" for me. I could not get it out of my head. When I bought the disc I feared it would be one of those cases where the music can never recapture the magic, or perhaps be a classic case of "one hit fool's gold." I was wrong, and I was wrong. Song after song it weaves a spell--and it does it time and time and time again. It's a good thing it's not vinyl or it would be worn out by now. This is the disc that invariably ends up in my player at the end of a tiring and pensive day.

We all have our own peculiar tastes. All I can say is that, for me, Good Dog Bad Dog has been my best disc purchase in the last five years. If you are reading this review you probably can't come to it as a total surprise as did I, but you can still try it for yourself. Please do. You will not regret it.

"Good Dog Bad Dog: The Home Recordings" is the band's 4th album, and the emphasis is on "home recordings". As Linford explains in the liner notes, due to circumstances beyond the band's control (read: label imploded), a batch of songs had been started for the next album but sat unfinished. The band finally touched them up, and self-released them in 1996. (The album was re-released in 2000 by BackPorch/Virgin with one extra track, "It's Never Quite What It Seems".)

Contrary to most, if not all other reviews here, I don't find "The Home Recordings" to be one of OTR's best. Instead, I find the album sparse, stark, almost downbeat. For sure there are some really good tracks, in particular the 1-2-3 punch of "Later Days", "All I Ever Need" and "Etcetera Whatever", all of which remain a concert staple these days. After that, though, most of the tunes are just Karen on vocals accompanied by either piano or accoustic guitar. Call it "OTR Unplugged". If that is what you prefer, then this is OTR's best record. I personally like the fuller sound of the whole band.

"Good Dog Bad Dog: The Home Recordings" is not at all a bad album, as much as it is a "mood" album and not for everybody's taste. For the casual OTR fan (if there is such a thing!), stick with one of the more accessible albums such as "Films for Radio", "Eve" or "Amateur Shortwave Radio" (the oft-overlooked but brilliant collection of live songs).

Not to oversimplify, but this is just a little gem of really good music--well written, played and sung. Difficult to categorize but deeply melodic,great lyrics, excellent musicianship, careful production,,,just a very thoughtful piece. The instumentals were a surprise and a delight, but every tune on here is a keeper. This was my first encounter with OTR, bought on the recommendation of a friend, and I've asked for the rest of their music for Christmas gifts. No matter your musical taste, I think this will please your ears.

I first heard this album in bits and pieces, and then I got it as a gift, and I have never fallen in love with a music group so quickly. Over the Rhine is just an amazing group, and their music is just as incredible. Their sound is similar to several groups out there (I've heard Cowboy Junkies, Sarah McLachlan, and Tori Amos), but I like OtR better than any of those groups. Their lyrics are very unique, and some of the songs are just so amazing that you have to close your eyes when you listen to them. As a whole, Good Dog Bad Dog is my favorite recording that I've heard, although I definitely recommend Amateur Shortwave Radio as well. Do not miss out on this wonderful musical experience. Some people never leave home without their Visa, I never leave home without my Good Dog Bad Dog CD!

Everything good can and has been said already of this gorgeous offering. I don't think I own another CD I love as much or have played as often for as many years as I have this one. Every feeling, every emotion, every physical, spiritual or sensual experience finds a fresh perspective carried on Karin's achingly earnest vocals.
Plumb the depths and heights of the elegant melodies and startlingly ingenuous lyrics for yourself, but be warned: lock this baby up when you're not playing it. I've purchased this disc THREE TIMES and every time it seems to mysteriously disappear, never to be seen again. I'll buy it again -- and gladly -- but for pete's sake, get your own copy and leave mine alone!