Hindu Love Gods

Hindu Love Gods, Rhino | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 26, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rhino Encore
• ASIN: B001CUXZS6
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #278,734 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun blues covers from Zevon & R.E.M., August 8, 2003

By 

Kenneth French (Montclair, NJ) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hindu Love Gods (Audio CD)

This was recorded during the sessions for Warren Zevon's Sentimental Hygiene album, on which Messrs. Buck, Berry, and Mills guested for eight tracks. This wasn't meant for release, though Zevon's label at the time put it out anyway. For such off the cuff material, it sure sounds like the four Love Gods were having a ball. "Walkin' Blues" and "Raspberry Beret" are the high points.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The late Warren Zevon fronts REM minus Michael Stipe, March 1, 2009

By 

WTDK "If at first the idea is not absurd, the... (My Little Blue Window, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Hindu Love Gods (Audio CD)

A terrific album out of print for far too long (and in print again for a limited time). the one-off Hindu Love Gods "supergroup" featured Warren Zevon fronted the band REM for a recording made during the time the trio of Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Bill Berry played on Zevon's album "Sentimental Hygiene" (also available again as a limited edition CD from Rhino).

This appears to be the same mastering as the previous version available in the late 80's, early 90's. That's a good thing because usually when these things are reissued they are remastered as a compressed, loud mess that sounds little like the original issue of the album. The band and Zevon cover a variety of blues tunes but the outstanding track here is the cover of Prince's "Rasberry Beret" given a straight forward bluesy reading in complete contrast to Prince's original version from "Around the World in A Day".

The booklet is the full booklet and everything here looks like the original issue except for the Rhino logo on the back of the booklet and the CD case. It's definitely worthwhile for fans of Zevon and even fans of REM will probably enjoy these blues unadorned versions of the songs.

I would have loved to hear any outtakes that weren't included on the album. It's a pity that the quartet didn't try some original material as part of this but what we do have is extremely good to excellent.

Highly recommended but probably an acquired taste for most fans.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hindu Love Gods Play at Your Party, June 24, 2009

By 

Timothy P. Young (Rawlins, WY, USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hindu Love Gods (Audio CD)

I first bought this at the height of my initial Zevon fandom--1990. At the time, I didn't like it much at all. I thought it was rushed, sloppy, and ultimately forgettable, with the exception of their fun cover of 'Raspberry Beret.' What a difference a couple of decades makes!

When asked the question, "What do you get when you combine 3/4 of REM with Warren Zevon?" The answer is, rightly, Warren's great 1987 album 'Sentimental Hygeine.' When asked the question "What do you get when you combine 3/4 of REM with Warren Zevon, unused studio time, no specific songs to work on, and some booze for those still drinking?" The answer is 'Hindu Love Gods,' a damn fine example of a bar band-esque jam.

Yes it's disposable, but the sheer joy and energy of these takes makes it more than worth your time. At some points I was reminded of Alex Chilton's EPs...done quickly, but with so much native talent that the result rises above the mediocre mess it could have been.

Peter Buck and Zevon trade licks back and forth, Mike Mills provides rock solid bass work, and Bill Berry's drumming is perfect...never too busy, and keeping these tracks firmly rooted in the songs at hand. Highlights include the aforementioned 'Raspberry Beret', 'Crosscut Saw', and 'Vigilante Man.' Oh, and Zevon sounds like he's having more fun than he's had since the 70s. (RIP, Warren!)

This isn't essential for any Zevon fan, or REM fan, but it is too damn much fun to ignore. Grab a beer or other favorite adult beverage and turn it up at your next party!