Customer Reviews

Happy Ending

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The sound of Dogstar surprised me. I don't know why, but I had pictured that this cd was going to be either real grungy or real alternative. Maybe because of the screen star power behind the group (Keanu Reeves) made me think this was going to sound more like Aleka's Attic ( the band River Phoenix was in).Nothing could be farther from the truth. Dogstar's sound is almost comprable to the light, alt-rock pop of the Gin Blossoms. It has that same airy feel, with the same hidden song writing cleverness. Their cover of Superstar is a prime example. But what you really get is a cd that's easy to listen to, without being easy listening. Songs like Halo, Cornerstone, and A Dreamtime are all catchy, possible radio targets. Its not until you get to the 7th track Stagger, where the band seems to up the tempo(Stagger also happens to be one of the standout tracks)into a more punk,funk genre. None of this cd is bad. If anything, Dogstar seems to play it a bit safe with release. You can tell there's a lot more that the band is capable of, and I look forward to hearing it in future releases.

I heard about Dogstar in an interview i read about Keanu Reeves. Being as he's my favorite actor, i decided to check it out. When I found it, it was a limited edition CD, so I got it right away. Since then, I've been a Dogstar freak. i love the Cd, especially Cornerstore and Superstar. I went on Napster after that, and now I have 8 songs from Dogstar that aren't on "Happy Ending". Anyhoo, if you want good music to listen to that won't bore you or tick you off, buy this CD. You won't regret it.

This one came as quite a suprise. I didn't quite know where Keanu Reeves was going when I heard that he turned down the role for Speed 2 to focus more on his music. Whether that be his reason or not,(thank god he wasn't in speed 2, it was awful) his music is something great. Instead of using his fame as an actor to sell the record, he keeps things simple and plays his cards right by staying on bass and doing some back-ups. Everyone in the trio gets their spot in this project without any of them trying to outshine each other. This is one of the most consistently good albums I have picked up in the last year. It's very palatable and sounds good anywhere you play it. It is also something to play at your house when you have friends over. People will be asking "who is this? It's great!" There are songs of love, loss, and break-ups, but it is also a very up-lifting album that slaps you in the face and says "Hey, Man! Get over it!! It's gonna be okay." The opening track "Halo" is by far, one of the best on the album but I'm not gonna go through a track by track, run down of the album because the whole thing plays great as a whole. Cynical jerks may snicker over the cover of "Superstar" but that's their problem. It's a great cover of a timeless song. Please pick this one up as soon as you can. It will never leave your collection. Ever.

Happy Ending reflects the emergence of maturity and a sense of cohesion between band members. A lack of pretense found in the lyrics upholds an easy flow that allows the music to pulse and the insightfulness to pour. The lead off Halo rolls easily. Radio darling Cornerstone and Superstar anchor the middle tracks. Brett Dombrose's smooth voice carries Washington, a gorgeous idea. The last three songs truly accentuate the kind of music Dogstar is capable of creating should they decide to really let it go. The hypnotic guitar playing and sexy theme of Alarming will truly blow you away.

I got into listening to Dogstar four years ago and let me tell you, while they were great in the beginning, their music has definitely improved over time! The sound and the lyrics just grab you and make you fight to hold on. The remake of the famous Carpentar's song, "Superstar" is certainly a job well done! This is a very mature and talented band, not just another side-effect of Keanu as most people might think. Check it out! You'll love it!

Dogstar actually has talent, so don't hate them because they're beautiful! Look beyond the poster boy image and the fact the Keanu Reeves is part of the band. They can play music! Songs are catchy and it's a fun CD to stick in your car. It's not heavy alternative rock, but it's not bubblegum, either. Give them a try, you will be pleasantly surprised as I was.

As an avid fan of R&B and Jazz, I was pleasantly surprised by Dogstar's solid musicianship. These guys are very good! Brett Domrose's soulful lyrics are backed by the strong rhythmic stylings of Robert Mailhoue & Keanu Reeves, and combined they produce a musical offering which is powerful in it's simplicity.

I'll be honest - I heard all the jokes and snide comments about 'vanity bands' and I wasn't sure what to expect. However, this band's quality speaks for itself. I was not disappointed. The work stands up great as a whole but I found 'Cornerstore' to be an exceptional ballad and I caught myself humming Halo after the first listening. The fact that their cover of 'Superstar' is excellent has been mentioned more than once so I'll just add my accolades to the others.

There's a reason why the Dogstar shines brightest in the night sky.

dogstar's first american release is great! it's exactly the sound i was expecting to hear from a seasoned band. i've been a fan since '98 when i saw me and will (i am the first to admit i'm a keanu junkie...), and i searched long and hard for our little visionary and bought quattro formaggi after that. being a hardcore dogstar fan, i was hoping for the calibur of those albums, but set my sights low. i had seen other bands do it - the "blink182" disease. their first major release is what the label wants it to be. this is not! searing guitars, great bass lines (mad props to keanu for living beyond critical expectations and showing them all HE CAN PLAY THAT BASS like its an extension of his arm). "washington" is, in my opinion, the greatest track on the cd. it is the "our little visionary" track on happy ending. BUY THIS CD if you like bands like the marvelous three, third eye blind, shades apart, and dovetail joint. or just listen to it and get any doubt that keanu reeves is just another hollywood actor in a band (the johnny depp complex).

The band, Dogstar, has an amazingly great sound. The lead singer could use some enunciation classes to provide listeners an opportunity to sing along. But all in all, the music and lyrics are catchy and will have you mumbling along to the cd in no time. Fave songs off the cd: the remake of the classic Superstar and Washington.

Despite the obvious first attraction to this band featuring actor Keanu Reeves as the bass player, musically this group has it together. Strong lyrics support catchy riffs and soulful grooves from guitarist and vocalist Bret Domrose. The band has been together since the early 90's and little has been said of their talents. I was pleasantly surprised with the balance of the songs on this CD and would recommend it as a nice addition to any Rock lover's CD collection. It will be on frequent listening display in my CD player.