Customer Reviews

Month of Sundays

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Since I live in Chicago I was able to pick this one up before it was officially released. And I am glad I did. Reminiscent of a time when strings, piano and horns were added to pop music without a second thought, this album has the feel of good 70's pop.

Month of Sundays takes its cues from a time when the album was an art form in itself. There is an instrumental theme, which shows up in different variations, that creates a thread like a forgotten memory or dream throughout the album. The songwriting is similar to Carole King and Brian Wilson. It is confessional and personal, yet universal. At times I am almost reminded of the Smiths, though the album does not sound like them at all. Wilco's "Summerteeth" album is a more current album which it could be compared to. And one song was even co-written by Wilco's bass player.

If you care for good songwriting like the above mentioned artists and like well-orchestrated pop, you can't go wrong with Chamber Strings' "Month of Sundays".

I heard this band live in studio on KCRW in Los Angeles, and I thought they were really cool. I love strings, especially real strings, so I immediately knew I would like this CD. They have a retro 70's pop sound with a big piano/strings feel. You feel like their concerts should really be performed in a symphony hall and not in a traditional rock concert setting. I often hear country flairs in this music as well. Wilco is probably a good comparison. Even Tahiti 80 if you mellow it out and take away the electronic influence.

This is not the most innovative music out there, but it has a home and is unique, especially for this era in music history. This is a great band, and for those of you missing mellow pop music, hop in your red flame decaled thunderbird and go for a road trip with your new Chamber Strings CD.

And that light is an album by Chamber Strings called "Month of Sundays". It contains eleven tracks of wonderful pop-rock drenched with lavish string arrangements that remind me of Motown/Cat Stevens/The Beatles. Order it here, because if you don't live near Chicago, you'll never find it.

Absolutely magnificent second album. Puts together the mellow influences of Burt Bacharach and Pet Sounds with the soulful sounds of the city--Curtis Mayfield, Al Green, etc. Strings, horns, piano, organ, and vocal harmonies come together to pack an emotional punch. And above all are the songs themselves--truly inspired. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.