Customer Reviews

Hello, Control

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

 

 

I was surprised to see that this album had already received 2 reviews a day after it was released. This leads me to believe that the people who wrote them are most likely pretty big/loyal fans of Brandtson. Now, with that being said, I wonder how anyone, especially a loyal fan, can write an honest review after listening to this album, or any other album from a band they love, for only one day. For myself and many other people I know, it sometimes takes a good solid week, maybe even two, of listening to an album before one can really decide how they feel about it. My advice to you is not to give up on this album so soon; at least listen to it (don't just hear it, but listen to it) once, maybe 2 times through for a week and I'm pretty sure that as you do, you will find as I did that yeah, it's not the exactly the sound that we grew up with, but a new sound; a sound that the band has grown up to make; a sound that is fun, a sound that you can dance to, and (most importantly) a sound that won't let you forget that you're listening to Brandtson.

Wow, to understand where Brandtson is going, review Silverchair's career. I bought this yesterday, put it in the CD player with some other Brandtson fans around, and as the CD played we all looked at each other and scratched out heads. I said, "Maybe it will grow on us." But, no. I've listened to "Hello Control" five times now, and while it's catchy, it's also annoying and corny with no edge whatsoever. Pass on this one.

Sweet and Simple from me. It's nothing ground breaking, but is a very solid rock album. Brandtson could hold their own in the mainstream market with a little better production value.

First off, I was so happy to read the other positive reviews of "Hello Control." I've been a Brandtson fan for a while and I really like this album, but I should say that I also have a pretty broad taste in music so when bands take on "new" sounds, I'm usually pretty accepting.

Anyway, I think it's great that Brandtson chose to expand their talents and experiment with their sound a bit. Do you really want a repeat of the same CD in a different case with a different name? I don't. I also agree that this album isn't a complete 180 from their old stuff, you can still hear remnants of what made them so great in the first place--their integrity has not been lost.

It's obvious Brandtson had fun with this album because the joy that was put into it's production is infectious. From Earthquakes and Sharks to Nobody Dances Anymore (and it's hilarious video which I recommend checking out on youtube), to my personal favorite The Secret, you won't want to stop moving and grooving until it's over. To the "hardcore" and "loyal" fans, call this album your guilty pleasure if you must, but pleasurable it certainly is.

I am not what you would call a Brandtson fan. I listened to them a few times back in the day when I was bumping Jimmy Eat World - Clarity, or Built to Spill - Keep it Like a Secret, but was never a huge fan.

This album is a lot more interesting, however, it is not a coherent album. It is like they wrote it with itunes in mind. Thirteen singles does not equal an album.

I gave it three stars because it is interesting. I would have given it at least four had it been coherent.

I agree that those of you who want to write this one off definitely need to give "Hello, Control" some more time. Yes, their sound is a little different, but in my opinion, Brandtson has been changing their direction and sound with every album they have put out. Don't forget they also have a new bass player, so that automatically does (and should) bring something new to the table. I also think that for those of you who are true Brandtson fans, you will definitely still hear that signature sound that we love so much. Now if you are one of those "fans" who still think "Letterbox" is their greatest, that everything after that has never quite measured up, and continue to obnoxiously shout out "Nineveh" at every show they've played for the last 5 plus years, then there may be no hope for you, but otherwise, give this album a chance and if you don't love it then it is your loss!

There are a lot of Brandtson fans disappointed and believe that they have changed for worse. I think they have neither changed for the worse or the better. They were and are great in my book. It is a complete change in sound and they pulled it off. I thought their last release, Send us a Signal, was well done. But I also think this album is great. I love the new sound approach and the poppy, catchy rhythms. Check it out and give it a shot.

A common phrase often used goes a little something like this: "Change is inevitable." Ever heard that? To simplify exactly what I mean, music in it's fit and finish will redefine itself over the course of many years. Take this album for instance. It seems like ages ago, Brandtson waltzed into the indie scene with a pizazz that not too many other musicians are capable of. For whatever reason they so chose at the time, Brandtson fans all over this red-hot country banded together in support for this new music style. So fast forward to May of 2006. "Hello Control" makes it's debut. Granted not the usual Brandtson feel, however a refreshing one. Isn't the point of producing music to influence people with a sound that caters to certain individuals' musical tastes? Isn't the point of producing music to define your capabilities and broaden your spectrum? Yes, but more importantly, it is to do what you enjoy doing. Musicians often take a new approach to an old game. That's exactly what this album does for me. Although I have not completely listened to the entire album, I have taken pleasure in listening to the various selections on here. Maybe some would argue that they "sold out" or that they are no different than Chris Carraba. But are they really considered a true fan? The second guy sure seems to think so, but let me ask you this. When the Boston Red Sox were in a slump for nearly a century, did the true Sox fans just move on and start cheering for....oh let's say the New York Yankees? No. They didn't. I'll tell you what they did. They kept buying season tickets year after year to see their team that they loved be dominated early in the penant race. Why would they do that? What would possess them to keep spending money on a team they knew would just be demised? It's because they were FANS, and they believed. Shortly after, the Sox took home the championship. So I ask you to give back to Brandtson what they have given to you. Style, influence, memories, and damn good music. Let's not be too hasty to point the judgemental finger, but instead celebrate this new awakening. You can't get mad at someone for doing what they want. Besides, you can only sing so many songs of the same nature before you are labeled as repetitive. Nobody wishes to have the stigma of boring and unoriginal. So all of you so-called "fans", just like Jared below me stated, give it some time before dishing out the Negative Nancy, this stuff sucks, reviews. It'll sink in. You'll soon see what I mean. And thank you Brandtson, for another job well done...........Knibb High football rules.

*** BIG SIGH *** Ok, how should I start this off... I absolutely love Brandtson...I have since the beginning, and have stuck with them through their "changes"... Even with Send us a Signal, while it was a stretch, I felt was a decent album...
Unfortunately, this album is WAY OUT THERE... Like the review below, I thought maybe it would grow on me...But I've tried and tried and tried to like this album and simply can't do it...I'm sorry, I really am...I love this band and they have been a fave of mine for many years, but unfortunately I feel that Brandtson have officially jumped the shark on this one.
If you are into U.K. dancy goofy poppy stuff, then check this out...If you're a hardcore Brandtson fan looking for a taste of what you're used to from Brandtson, then you're not gonna find it here...
Goodbye Brandtson, I'll miss you :-( (tear)