Customer Reviews

Love Seed Mama Jump

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been a fan of theirs for a few years now, and this is their best CD yet! They are about to explode on the scene, so be sure to pick this up now! Visit their web site...

The self-titled national debut from Love Seed Mama Jump is breath of fresh air from the typically dark and homogenous world of alternative rock. Maybe that's an oversimplification, becuase the Delaware band's music can not be neatly defined in any one category. More edgy than Hootie (thank God) and less jam-band than Dave Matthews, more poppy than Blues Traveler, but more rootsy than the Gin Blossoms, and above all, far less serious, depressed, or angry than the likes of Creed, Staind, Fuel, or Limp Bizkit (take your pick), the band, unfortunately, will likely have trouble finding it's niche in the boring world of corporate radio.

The album is a culmination of nearly a decade of honing their acrobatic and electric live act, and fine tuning their songwriting skills. As a result, old-school Love Seed fans can hear the growth in the music, and new listeners can hear a sampling of the different styles they've touched on during their regionally successful career. The first track (and single), "My Superstar" sounds like it was intentionally produced to sound radio-friendly. Although it starts out with a rootsy, groovy beat, the track, soon turns into pure pop, somewhat remeniscient of Smash Mouth or Sugar Ray. On the plus side, the chorus has a great hook and showcases two of the band's strengths - great harmony vocals and extremely catchy melodies. Also, Love Seed finally benefits from an arrangement and production quality that matches the bands energy. Even the guitars, not necessarily featured in the song, sound great and add some edge to an otherwise poppy track. The second song, "Flying Solo" is by far the best selection on the album and of LSMJ's career. The song begins with a catchy drum beat and riffy guitars which work into an aggressive onslaught of a chorus, with guitars that should played at eardrum crushing volume and have a classic rock meets grunge vibe. The song is also a departure from the majority of Love Seed's older material, with an element of angst that is not normally present in their power pop arrangements.

Like Hootie and the Beatles before them, LSMJ started out as a cover band, and the record label has had them include two covers on this collection - "Country Roads" and Van Morrison's "Domino". "Country Roads", long a LSMJ live staple, bristles with energy in their rock and roll version of the A.M. classic, and includes an acoustic interlude with harmonies that would make the Eagles or John Denver himself proud. "Domino", sounding almost older school than the original, is a funked up version that is catchy to say the least, but seems a little out of place on this record.

"Love Lies Here" is one of the tracks on the album that instantly sound like a Love Seed song (previous self-release recordings have not always been able to capture their live sound to good effect). This is a simple pop song, with a great rootsy vibe in the verses, and a typically catchy chorus, that may stick with you longer than you expect. "Being There" has a little bit of Barenaked Ladies in it, with a quirky sounding intro, a laid back groove, and catchy lyrics. "Bored", an old Love Seed standby, has updated it's sound giving it more of a punk pop feel. Although it could easily have some appeal to certain demographics (think the Stridex set), it is not one of the highlights of the records, even though it is, yes, catchy. "Life" begins with some acoustic guitar, and almost has a Ziggy Stardust-era Bowie feel. This song is a departure from the majority of the disc, but does provide a nice change of pace. The Beach Boys inspired "Blink" has another addicting chorus that will have you singing even if you don't want to. "Turn Back" is another song that has effectively captured the Love Seed sound. The song instantly sounds like a single, but it's chorus fails to deliver the goods of a big hit, although it does keep the feet tapping and rump shaking with some great percussion by drummer Paul Voshell and percussionist David James. "Supernaturally Sober" is another song that instantly gets your Seed going with a classic vibe, while Pauper is an extremely pretty song with some twangy guitars and an almost REM feel. The only thing missing is that killer guitar solo that is featured in the live (and earlier studio) version.

Overall, the disc is a huge step forward for the band for several reasons: 1) Guitars. Will Stack (who wrote or co-wrote many (#) of the tracks) and Brian Gore can finally be heard on a Love Seed studio recording. Their hyped up sound is featured on several songs, most notably "My Superstar" and "Flying Solo", thanks to some great hooks and production / recording quality that their self-released discs lacked. 2) Vocals. Singer Rick Arst has never sounded better, and bassist Pete Wiedmann's backups have always been the forte of the band. 3) Drums. Paul Voshell is rarely featured prominently, but his beats keep this disc going throughout. The backbeat of "Flying Solo" propels the song to it's climax, and even mellower songs like "Being There" have great grooves thanks to Voshell's funky beats and Wiedmann's fluid bass. Strangely, percussionist David James stays in the background for the most part, although he adds some zip to "Country Roads" and several other tracks. 4) Songs and melodies. Love Seed makes it sound easy on this disc, with every song being catchier than the last.

The disc is a quick listen, with all twelve tracks being typically brief ("Being There" the longest at 3:42). All in all, I have to say I am pleasantly surprised at the quality and consistency of the songs. It's a great disc which does mix tempos and show some growth in the complexity of the music, while still bringing the noise when it needs to.

Four stars for the Seed: Delaware boys bringing old-school rock and roll to a town near you.

I have followed this band now for over 2 years, have traveled many miles just to see them perform, and will continue to do so. Believe me when I tell you......THIS IS A MUST-HAVE CD !!! Not only for Love Seed fans, but for ALL music lovers alike. It brings together all that Love Seed has become over the last 10 years as well as placing them into unchartered territory like never before. If you were not already a fan, you WILL be after hearing this CD. Love Seed is going to be around for many years to come. They have an identity that cannot be put into simple words. Allow thier music to speak for them. Their stage-presence is the greatest I have ever seen in a live band. This CD is the result of both hard work and dedication not only to themselves, but to ALL of thier fans. THANK YOU GUYS AND BEST OF LUCK TO YOU !!!

I bought this CD last week, and I'll have to say that Love Seed has done it again! I love the new originals, and I personally think the remake of "Pauper" is quite good (it's still one of my favorite Love Seed songs - even in this new version). I would love to hear "Flying Solo" on the radio. I think it would be a definite hit. Love Seed's sound has definitely matured since "Drunk at the Stone Balloon." In all, it works for them, and I think the rest of the country is ready for them. It's about time.

Love Seed Mama Jump has done it!! A national release with plenty for old fans and lots for new fans! I especially love all the new originals! Keep an eye on this band - they should be huge!

An awesome National debut. Every song is not only worth listening to, but worth learning the words to, and singing along as you drive or bop around the room. Groovy, rockin', feel-good tunes. Love 'em all.

At first, I thought "Superstar" sounded a bit underproduced, but after a few more listens I've forgotten all about that and just appreciate the song for the killer chorus that stays in your head long after the cd's ended. I guess it could be fleshed out a little more (especially if it's gonna be released to radio stations), but that's just being picky, I think. Overall, a great song.

"Supernatually Sober," too, is just awesome. You'll love it, trust me. The other songs, too, are all terrific. And it's not like you're hearing the same song again and again, either. The energy & quality of the music is consistent, but there's a good bit of variety to keep things interesting. A great cd to play straight thru, one enjoyable groove after another.

I've seen Seed live when we used to live in Philly, and continue to be a fan down here in Georgia. I wish the boys the best, and hope they'll be hitting the Big Time soon. They sure deserve it!

I saw Love Seed Mama Jump play their first big gig...at my fraternity house at the University of Delaware. I was hooked from the beginning, and ten years later, they still play to packed houses and rowdy fans. My favorites on this release are "My Superstar", "Love Lies Here", and "Pauper", which was given a new sound for this album. Hopefully soon they'll be playing a track or two on a local station up here in Boston. I recommend this cd for any Love Seed Mama Jump fan or anyone who is looking for a good upbeat pop rock sound.

Love Seed fans old and new will not be disappointed in their first major label release. This CD has everything - slow songs, fast songs, new songs, old songs, and cover songs...and they're all good. This is one of those rare non-greatest hits CD's that you can listen to from beginning to end and like every song. Do yourself a favor and buy it.

It's refreshing to see some hometown boys take their music to the masses. I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm tired of listening to bands backed by hype and from all the usual places. Love Seed Mama Jump offers true original music and some interesting twists on old favorites. Buy this CD now and tell all your friends you had it first!

If you love music that has a kickin' beat, and wicked cool lyrics, you gotta get LSMJ! I have listened to these fellas for at least 4 years, and this album has some of the original originals as well as some new originals! These guys have a ton of talent and are going to be a quality addition to anyone's music stash.