Make Up the Breakdown

Hot Hot Heat | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 8, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sub Pop
• ASIN: B00006L3PY
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (99 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,339 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Complete Anti-Depressive., July 11, 2004

By 

Bernard Chapin "Ora Et Labora!" (CHICAGO! USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Make Up the Breakdown (Audio CD)

This is one of the most energetic, joyful CDs that I've ever purchased. I was walking through a Tower Records in downtown Chicago and overheard "Bandages" and asked the guy at the counter about the band. He raved about them. I ended up buying it and loving it in its entirety after about 3 listens. Their sound is lively and their lyrics are interesting. I highly recommend it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Original and upbeat, April 14, 2005

By 

Nicholas Gordon (Lansing, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Make Up the Breakdown (Audio CD)

Though Hot Hot Heat are a rock band at their core, "Make Up The Breakdown" is one of the most upbeat records of the past few years, almost to the extent that it could be classified as pop. Singer/keyboardist Steve Hayes has a quirky voice, with finely enunciated chops and shrill cracks that make his vocals distinguishable from other bands, and the guitar riffs are quick and chipper.

In addition to the traditional guitars and drums, a large array of extras are thrown in; the result is that nearly every track here is danceable. "Talk To Me, Dance With Me" includes a cowbell and tambourines, while the album's first single, "Bandages," as well as "Aveda" feature organs in the background. "This Town" feels a bit folksy, and "No, Not Now" is reminiscent of early 80s New Wave. The album ends with "In Cairo," a slower song featuring a lot of piano.

Though the CD clocks in at just over half an hour, Hot Hot Heat manage to cover quite a few musical bases in that space. And though it might seem like all these styles would clash, the guitars and vocals tie everything together, leaving us with a great little rock album.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Cure Never Rocked This Hard, June 5, 2003

By 

Patricia (Vancouver, BC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Make Up the Breakdown (Audio CD)

Make Up the Breakdown by Victoria, British Columbia's own Hot Hot Heat is hands down, one of the best albums. Ever. This record could turn the rhythmless into dance hall superstars.

Devoted Heat fans had their first taste of the new flavour that new lead singer/keyboardist Steve Bays would bring to the table after the 2002 release of Knock Knock Knock, a 5-song EP on Sub Pop. Long departed was previous singer Matt Marnik. Enter: Steve Bays. The infectious mix of Steve's distinctive vocals with the accelerated sounds of the existing band, made Knock Knock Knock into a hit. With many eagerly awaiting a follow up, Hot Hot Heat released Make Up the Breakdown in 2002 carrying surefire hits like "Bandages" and "No, Not Now". With the strength of such songs, the Heat found themselves in many big name music rags (Rolling Stone, Spin), and in young girls hearts the world over!

Upon first listen, you are immediately pulled in by the beat of "Naked In the City Again". Are you nodding your head along with Paul Hawley's drumming? You should be. The head-bobbing continues throughout the album until "Bandages" gets you to stop dancing in your seat, and start dancing on the floor. "How could this album get any better?!", you ask yourself. The answer lies within "Aveda", "This Town" and "Talk To Me, Dance With Me". Hot damn, cowbells add so much to a song! If you aren't sweating with delight by this point, I seriously doubt your ability to get down. Somehow fittingly, the Heat end Make Up the Breakdown with "In Cairo", an eerily calming ending to a rather fast-paced album.

Compare Hot Hot Heat with The Cure, Elvis Costello, The Strokes, or any other rock/new wave ensemble you wish, but this album certainly proves that they are anything but comparable to another band. Catchy and sometimes melodic riffs by guitarist Dante DeCaro, excitingly erratic keyboarding by Steve Bays, electric and precise drumming by Paul Hawley, and smooth yet rockin' bass lines from Dustin Hawthorne set this band apart from "similar" bands that are so often thrown at them.

Get your hands on a copy of Make Up the Breakdown, your ears and dancing shoes will thank you.