Customer Reviews

Got No Breeding

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

 

 

I've been a fan of this CD (and Jules Shear) since the album first came out in the late '70's. I was lucky enough to get a copy of the original CD release from Columbia a few years ago, and picked this one up in order to get the extra tracks added to the release. For some reason, the new mastering on this version is miles behind the original Columbia CD release. Muddy, throbbing, compressed...while I've been a fan of some of the other Wounded Bird reissues (fanetiks is really a nice package), I'd avoid this one unless you want the extra tracks (which are, IMHO, worth the money, but I was expecting to be able to retire the original Columbia CD).

This is one great album. Shear was absolutely at his best during the Polar Bear era. The philosophical undertones (Shadows Break,)the sense of futility (Lovers by Rote), the psychological observations (Following Every Finger) - to fully fathom the depth of the commentary requires repeated listening. This is like the best of beat poetry enveloped in catchy pop tunes. Love it!

This album was groundbreaking when it came out in that it captured the feeling (and Jules oozes with feeling) that was missing from the corporate rock and new wave that held hostage the airwaves. Quirky like new wave, catchy as pop, and technical as a band selling *way* more records than they did, Jules and the Polar Bears left their mark on me. Try this CD if you can get it, and it will grown on you too.

This is the ultimate album for anyone who is depressed and wants to listen to someone even more depressed. The songs resonate with the emotions of the darkness of true depression. And on Convict it has the best summary refrain, "The nice thing about true hopelessness is that you don't have to try again." This album is a true cult classic - not standard but worth having to help reinforce the blues.

great first album by superb song writer jules shear, showcasing his talents in a garage type band, with quirky rhythms and melodies. jules has a quite unique voice. great fun, kickass rock n roll

Hard hitting, great lyrics from Jules Shear and his strangely weird approach to life and its troubles. I first bought the album in 1978 and soon purchased another to just keep till I wore out the first. I have not yet tired of listening to it over the past 32 years....

This is an outstanding record. From the height of the new wave (I was a college student back in those days), comes this power pop blast. Lead singer/songwriter Jules Shear has a unique, but wonderful voice. The way he fills up space, one wonders if he ever breathes when he sings. It seems as though he can go on forever. His songs are tight, melodic and lyrically strong (he has some things to say), and the band is very good. Both this and the follow up, "Phoenetics", are very good. I give a slight edge to this one. One of my favorites of all time.