Customer Reviews

Goodbye

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

every song on this CD is a keeper. Every sound on this CD is there for a reason. Every melody stabs you in the gut. The Czars have the best singer in music right now. Why these guys aren't already famous/rich/drug-addled playboys is beyond me. But i'm not very bright. Just do yourself a favor, and this brilliant band justice - and fork out the money for the CD. Then write and thank me.

I just discovered this band randomly through a website I do not remember the name of and Mojo magazine. Both reviews were very positive, with Mojo even commenting that it sounded like "Harry Nilsson produced by Brian Eno". That comparison gave me reason enough to download there new album and I was very happy with it as soon as I heard the first full track. The lead singer, John Grant is his name I believe, completely blew me away with his full sounding baritone and the backing music fit from his band fit him perfectly. The music is very relaxing, but never boring, with interesting electronic textures and harmonies coming in and out of the mix quite frequently. The only complaint I have with the record is that a couple of the songs seem to have too much instrumentation, with a guitar solo, no matter how amazing it is, just not fitting in. Overall a really solid record and one definitely worth purchasing.

Why The Czars are not signed on a major American Label and selling millions of CD's and sold out concerts is beyond me.. they are quite simply the best sounding band of the past 6 years, and this release is another example of how overlooked this Denver based band is. Do yourself a great big favor and buy this CD along with their other Bella Union output. You will not be disappointed if you like great singer songwriting. Wake up American Radio and Record Companies.. the CZARS should be the next big thing..

Run, quickly and get this CD. At least if you like good music, not just simple 4/4 toe-tappers. Got it at Rebel, Rebel in NYC. Owner said it was great and once again he was right. Starts out making you think that it's going to be sort of 'eclectic' but then turns into one of the best CD's this year. I've seen some comparisons made, but I feel they are more Beach Boys meet RadioHead. Talk about a win-win situation. Great production, not OVER-production.

Released sixteen months ago and reviewed but once. Very strange given that we have here a talented singer, interesting, if eclectic arrangements, together with well-written poetic lyrics. This is music for a dark, rainy afternoon. It is for contemplation, alone. Once again the influence of Nick Drake is apparent. In death this barely heard English troubadour has certainly had an enormous influence. If you enjoy the Pernice Brothers, Mercury Rev or the Lips give these fellows a spin. Standout track is #6, Little Pink House with vocal assistance from Julie Monley- the guitarist's sister. She is apparently a Denver Jazz singer. She has a beautifully sultry voice and is worth keeping an eye on.

This CD is a find! I was not familiar with the Czars until I recently heard leader John Grant's new solo CD. This is the last Czars disc, and I found it at CD Source in Dallas, Texas on a recent visit. (Great store) John Grant would sound good singing the phone book. He is a very talented songwriter though, and the arrangements are unique, but ultimately very satisfying. This is so smooth and polished. There is plenty of space here, as they dont get in a hurry on any song. A mellow affair overall, but very refreshing to listen to! What a voice!

I am a huge fan of catchy, quiet and melodic folk/pop. I first heard about these guys because I love the band Midlake and I have seen many comparisons of Midlake to The Czars. If you enjoy this album then I strongly recommend that you check out the following:
1) What's Next To The Moon by Mark Kozelek
2) Paper Dolls And Paper Plates by Fear Of Commitment
3) Kings Avenue by Joe Kile
4) 21 Singles by Jesus and Mary Chain
5) Ports Of Call by Kristin Mueller
6) The Trials of Van Occupanther by Midlake

Run, quickly and get this CD. At least if you like good music, not just simple 4/4 toe-tappers. Got it at Rebel, Rebel in NYC. Owner said it was great and once again he was right. Starts out making you think that it's going to be sort of 'eclectic' but then turns into one of the best CD's this year. I've seen some comparisons made, but I feel they are more Brian Wilson meet Thom Yorke. Talk about a win-win situation. Great production, not OVER-production.

What a pleasure to listen to a singer who can really sing! There are shades of many genres in this collection, and they blend together beautifully here. Musically you won't find a more polished and refined sound in the indie world. All the comments from 2004 below about this group being the next big thing, were not prescient, unfortunately. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't have been right. Most of these songs are on Youtube - give them a listen and decide for yourself. If you're like me - you'll be back here dropping this album into your shopping cart.

If The Czars did nothing else in their career except the song, "Paint The Moon," they would still deserve a place in history. Such a gorgeous, evocative, haunting piece of music, and Grant's vocal is flawless. Roy Orbison should have lived long enough to cover this song!