Customer Reviews

Hello It's Wonderful

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

wonderful smith's debut cd is an absolute delight, and is a rare album that is easy to listen to from start to finish. it's a delicate mix that ranges from playful funk (gunner car) to rockin' pop (get it done) to pseudo-alt-country (my little house) to downright dark (make her cry), and everything in between. the range of their sound is a credit to the band's creativity and diverse influences.

i think the album can best be described as a true band effort. while many bands follow the guitar-driven, single vocal formula, wonderful smith is a LOT more, and something you don't hear everyday. every member of the band lends their talent to each song, and it shows. vocals are tight and delivered by both female and male leads...there is an abundance of really impressive basslines that don't just contribute to, but drive songs...drumlines are elegant and simple, but not boring...and instruments/sounds are diverse and plentiful (keys, various bass and strings, electric and acoustic guitar, etc).

it's hard to make a comparison, but their sound lands somewhere between the beatles, elvis costello, beautiful south, juliana hatfield, ben folds, and weezer. the album is indie rock, but has plenty pop that can easily make them a commercial hit. every part of this band delivers and the sound is tight and, well...wonderful.

I heard that Steve Albini really enjoyed working with this band when they recorded with him at his studios in Chicago. And I found out that they may be young, but they've got some amazing experience and have been around for a decent time working on their chops.

The one thing that stands out with this record is that everything stands out because it's all unique! Wonderful Smith can't be pigeon-holed musically, that's for sure. From the fun songs like Gunner Car to the awesome Hard Alcohol with it's memorable first line, "Hard Alcohol tastes better when you feel it in the morning." While it may seem no big deal when you read it, it's the vocal delivery by Holly that makes it all worth listening too. Shared lead vocals between Holly and Nick, and a solid foundation of bass and drums by Ben and Marshall, makes "Hello, It's Wonderful" a great debut album by a Chicago band. Here's to more!

My Little House is a dynamite song. The whole album is very solid. Both vocalists really bring it and the musicianship is top notch. It's got some real pretty moments, as well as some real boogie tunes. You would be doing yourself a real favor checking this band out.

This album is a must have if you are seeking diversity in your music collection. The variety of the songs is what makes the cd something you can listen to over and over and over again. My favorite part of the group is the vocal style of Holly Senchak, the dynamite chick who rocks out but also effectively plays with more subtle levels in her voice. Favorite songs: Lydia, So Much Sin, Hard Alcohol, Favorite Day...heck I love them all! If you can catch Wonderful Smith live, it's worth it as they are sure to knock your socks off just as this cd does! Three cheers for Wonderful Smith!!

Be warned: This CD is so catchy and diverse that if you are not listening to it you will be humming it to yourself on a regular basis.

Great album. I got hooked on this from my Katie Todd station on Pandora. My gateway drug was 'So Much Sin', a couple of other tracks found their way to my ears and I figured it was worth a purchase and wow.. this album is so autobiographical, depressing, and sometimes hopeful, but always relatable. It's not for everyone, but for me, it's heaven.

I was nervous when I found out that this CD was going to ship from the UK. However, it was delivered within a week of my purchase and it was in great condition. I am very satisfied with this purchase.