Keep Telling Myself It's Alright

Ashes Divide | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD
• ASIN: B001OIX8MY
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,031,709 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Let it grow on you. You won't regret it., April 17, 2008

By 

Ryan (Biloxi, Mississippi) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Keep Telling Myself It's Alright (Audio CD)

I haven't written a review in quite a long time. But I couldn't believe that this album has only 3 and a half stars to date. I had to set the record straight, at least in my opinion.

This album is really good. Genuinely, surprisingly good. However, this debut may take awhile to grow on you. At first listen, I was slightly disappointed. I felt that "The Stone" was, without a doubt, the best song on the album. And I was really hoping for something more.

Well, I found it. It took a few listens, but now I adore the album and I can never get it out of my head. And guess what? "The Stone" is definitely one of this album's highlights, but it's not the best, in my opinion. "Too Late" is just amazing. Emotional, catchy, great guitar work. Couldn't ask for more. And of course there's "Sword," one of the best album closers I've heard in a long time.

Now, to take on all those A PERFECT CIRCLE comparisons. Yes, a lot of these songs have a strong APC vibe. But what else should it have? After all, the APC vibe is really just Billy's vibe. APC was his project, not Maynard's. Maynard just sang over Billy's wonderful music.

And yes, Maynard's voice is absent. But why are so many people holding that against Billy like it's his fault? Maynard preferred to record another Tool album (the worst of their career, in my opinion) and the awful Puscifer CD. It's about time Billy got some spotlight and recognition for his hard work and amazing skill. These songs are truly great. And I would honestly say that this album blows EMOTIVE out of the water.

If you actually enjoyed A PERFECT CIRCLE for its music, not just Maynard's voice, then do yourself a favor and buy this album. Some part of you must want to since you're reading this.

5 stars. Deservingly so.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A different path instead of a circle..., May 6, 2008

By 

Paul D. Sandor (CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Keep Telling Myself It's Alright (Audio CD)

Billy Howerdell is a talented musician, composer and guitarist. Now you can add singer to that list. Ashes dIVIDE for all intents and purposes is Billy's solo project. Everything that made APC great is here: ethereal guitar, existential lyrics, moody yet great production and a feeling that music can be elevated into poetry/art. Still, I feel something is lacking in the final product. Of course, not having Maynard James Keenen (one of the most dynamic vocalists in rock) takes away some of this music's potential edge.

APC fans will appreciate Stripped Away and the first single The Stone. Other songs have a decidedly eighties feel to them. Billy's single note guitar runs resemble The Cure's signature sound. Ritual has a depressed mode (excuse me, Depeche Mode) vibe. This is not a bad thing. If you love The Cure and other alternative bands this is a record for you.

Still, the music doesn't stay with you like APC (or Tool) albums. I know it's not fair to compare AD to legendary bands. Howerdel is a victim of his own high standards. As a solo artist, the sum is less than its impressive parts. A classic eighties band New Order had an album entitled Substance. APC, The Cure, Tool and New Order are full course meals and their substance stays with you. AD is like a lite asian dish:leaving one hungry for something more an hour later...

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great effort from a very talented muisian!, July 7, 2008

By 

J. Jaffery (New Jersey) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Keep Telling Myself It's Alright (Audio CD)

I first heard this band just before going to an STP show that they were opening up for. When I first heard the CD prior to the show, I wasn't very impressed, dismissing them as an acceptable opening band.

After hearing them live, and listening to the CD a few more times, this album really grew on me. The songs really have some depth, both musically & lyrically, and each time I listen to them they just get better.

Anyone dismissing Billy Howerdel's first solo effort as weak follow-up to A Perfect Circle, or saying that it's not as edgy as that effort clearly hasn't listened to this album. Billy has done a great job on vocals within the context of the music, and it's unfair to dismiss his vocal abilities compared to Maynard's (VERY FEW people could compare to that in this genre of music). Take this for what it is without comparing it to anything else: a great rock album with some real substance.

I can't wait till ASHES dIVIDE starts working on their next one!