Customer Reviews

Mommyheads

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

(note: when I say pop, I don't mean radio pop like Boyz II Men or whatever)

It's hard to review this in such a way that a reader will know what this disc sounds like because there aren't a lot of bands to compare the Mommyheads to. The Fountains of Wayne are similar, perhaps they even heard this CD and tried to make songs as good as these, but where the Fountains of Wayne songs can be a little annoying after repeated listens or if you're not in the mood for that flavor of pop, the Mommyheads is infinitely listenable and no matter what else I'm listening to at the time, if I put this disc in, I seem to be in the mood to listen to it.

Now to try to describe the music itself. The setup is guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums--and voice, of course. Adam Cohen sings, plays guitar and writes all (or most? it's been a while since I've read the liner notes) of the songs. His voice is incredible--one of the best tenors in pop music, just a couple notches down from Bono. His guitar playing is for the most part pretty restrained until the climax of the song where there is inevitably a really catchy guitar hook. The drumming is inventive and interesting. The bass playing, for most of most songs, is the most melodic instrument because the guitar is restrained and the organ/ synth is just playing chords.

Unlike some of the earlier Mommyhead albums, this is a really consistant album. That's not to say that I don't have favorites, it's just to say that all of the songs are really good.

Reading what I've written so far doesn't want to make me buy this album--like I've said, it's hard to describe. It just all works together really well. Even after not listening to this disc for almost a year (I was on a post-rock kick), as soon I put it in, it felt right.

Definitely a worthwhile buy at ... whatever the amazon new/used people are selling it for.

We all know that there are so many gems in music - real pieces of art - that simply disappears from lack of commercial success. I was so lucky to stumble over this album in the sales bin (typically!) a couple of years ago. Today Mommyheads is what you're most likely to find in my CD player at any given time. The music is described elsewhere here, but you must listen for yourself. I've never heard such a perfect blend of lyrics, melodies, moods, and production/sound. Now I expect that those who possess the master tapes re-release ALL Mommyheads albums. Along with the sadly missed Snips' "La Rocca".

This thought provoking and musically talented band provided us with a real gem.. We as a people should thank them! Do yourself and your friends a favor and buy mommyheads!!!!

During college, a friend of mine worked at the campus radio station. The walls of the studio were packed to the ceiling with a huge selection of CDs. Often, he would grab a few interesting looking CDs, take them home, and put them on his computer. The Mommyheads happened to be one of these CDs (he thought the name was hilarious), and for that I am eternally grateful.
Let's put it this way - My favorite CDs of all time are:
Pet Sounds, Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt. Peppers, XO (Elliott Smith), and The Mommyheads.
Every single song on this album is perfect. Adam Cohen (Elk) clearly knows how to craft solid pop music. The chord progressions & melodies are rather complex (some nice diminished chords), yet at the same time, they are poppy - very few artists can pull this off (Beach Boys, Cardigans, Michael Jackson, to name a few)
The production is brilliant, the instrumentation couldn't be better, the guitar solos are strong & melodic (as are the basslines), and the lyrics are heartbreaking. Plus we get a little Jon Brion cameo. That alone should tell you this album will be incredible (everything Mr. Brion touches is gold). Each song has a perfect beginning, middle, and end. There are no unnecessary parts on the entire album.
I HATE it when bands drag a song on and on with their boring-ass 'jams'. You won't find any of that here. If you're like me and love concise pop songs, catchy melodies, and flawless records with no filler, then this album is for you.
I would list my favorite tracks here, but honestly, they are all so good... there's no way I could do it.
I have recommended this album to loads of friends, and they all fell in Love with it. We all had to buy our copies online. The only person who didn't have to buy their copy was my friend from the radio station... Out of the thousands of CDs there, this is the only one he stole.

This album is fun, and I love it. Not as complex as their earlier work, but these songs stick in my head. Perfect pop music. Sure, it's out of print...but you can buy it for way cheap, so what are you waiting for?

Great light background music AND great for serious listening, too!

Why on earth was this Deleted!? I need a copy NOW! I just heard of them and am too LATE! Adam Cohen is on the right track! His father taught him VERY well!