Customer Reviews

Morningwood

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Morningwood's albums mixes a retro punk/new wave sound with the attitude of a garage band. Lead singer Chantal Claret has a voice that recalls the Go-Gos, Joan Jett, and Pat Benatar, though the music itself is more grunge than the clean, no-frills sound of the eighties (except for maybe "Televisor"). The band's name puts them squarely into the raunch school of music. The biggest flaw with this album is the lyrics, which aren't humorously inane enough to be punk nor meaningful enough to be good rock; they are lusty, lewd, gritty, but never deep. The guitar and percussion-driven music itself is great, especially with repeat listening.

"Nu Rock" is a fine opening track, with its aggressive, high-energy punk beat. "Televisor" shows more musical range; it may not be the catchiest song on the album, but it suggests how far this band can go. "Nth Degree" is perhaps the most pop of the tracks. It has a catchy tune and a strong dance beat, and Claret's spelling out of Morningwood's name at the end is oddly addicting, much like a commercial jingle. "Jettsetter," one of the best songs on the CD, gives us a sexy Claret whose voice shifts from baby-face crooning to the gritty delivery of hard rock, and back again. The opening guitar solo of "Body 21" sets the stage for Claret's sweet-baby vocals that are punctuated by an explosive chorus.

With Chantal Claret's charismatic vocals and the rest of the band's willingness to explode behind the strength of her voice, "Morningwood" is a treat. -- Debbie Lee Wesselmann

I have the import version, and it sounds like the version of Jetsetter here has been edited. Shame. Here's my review anyway:

Morningwood has a fun, lewd sense of humor. That's obvious from their name. That fun, lewd sense of humor is also central to their musical identity. This is one group that doesn't believe punk rock has to be angry or dour. (Okay, punk-influenced if you want to get all technical about it.) Morningwood is aggressive and trashy, but this New York City-based group also has infectious melodies and a bit of glam, all of which is well-served by crisp, expert production from Gil Norton (who previously worked with Echo & the Bunnymen, The Pixies, and the Foo Fighters).

Comparisons to the Divinyls, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and the Pretenders have been made, but you can also cite other bands like Concrete Blonde, Bikini Kill, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs--and that's just sticking to groups fronted by women. Fact is, this is a band that goes from sounding like Romeo Void on "Take Off Your Clothes" to the Pixies on "Body 21" to L7 on "Nu Rock." In other words, they've got a lot of different sounds to offer. In addition to the aforementioned, standout tracks include the fairly straight-ahead "Televisor," the very new wave "Nth Degree" (which spells out their name in the chorus), and the very bawdy, very naughty, and possibly disturbing "Babysitter."

You never know what radio decisionmakers will do. But if Morningwood gets the airplay, they should have a hit on their hands.

Even though Morningwood's self-titled CD will likely not end up on my Best Albums of 2006 list, it's a CD that I will definitely keep playing. Because these songs are well constructed and because of Chantal's very charismatic vocals and lyrics, there's no reason to feel guilty while listening. Those who want the energy hardly ever ebbing will be happy.

Lead singer Chantal Claret is the rockingest woman on the planet. Vocal chameleon that she is, C.C. can belt out rockers, sizzle with sultry delivery, then melt you with her sweetness. Listen to her on "Jetsetter" -- the way she switches from sweet Cardigans/Cranberries style to hard-driving Peaches is so deeeelicious.

Bandmate/co-composer Pedro Yanowitz plays a mean bass and writes very good songs that channel the likes of the Pretenders, Ladytron, Steve Miller Band, 1000 Homo DJs, the Smiths, Cheap Trick, and Violent Femmes. Morningwood is the first album I've heard in a long time that's a joy to listen to all the way through. One long, happy ride - spice of life.

There are hopping partying tunes (Nth Degree) and revealing lyrics (Body 21). Be sure to listen to the last track (Ride the Lights) all the way through. There's a quirky surprise at the end. You'll also hear Morningwood use songs from great 80s bands as their jumping off point, like Adam and the Ants' "Ant Invasion" ("Body 21") and the Pretenders' "Brass in Pocket" (Easy).

The guitars sound really good -- high energy, arena-ready, with super fun effects that add lots of personality (Televisor). Strangely, there is no guitarist (or drummer) credited on the CD.

And . . .
Favorite insleeve picture: Chantal kissing the tongue of a man in a dog mask. Yep, like their music, twisted and whimsical.

Awesome. This cd is just AWESOME. You can really have fun with it. Every song on there is fun to dance to, or just hang out with friends."Take off Your Clothes" is a great song that you can really have some fun with. The only thing better than listening to the cd is seeing them live, which you should do whenever you get a chance.

This is a band that I would simply call fun. It's a little bit pop, a little bit punk, and a little bit sleaze. I've heard them compared to The Pixies, but I have no idea what those people are talking about. Closer comparisons would be Divinyls, Elastica, but mostly Yeah Yeah Yeahs to my ears. They have that kind of energy and sound anyway. I suspect a future album of theirs might be better, but this debut will still make all the blood rush to the right places. I saw them recently, and the crowd was bouncing around just as much as the singers boobs were. She fronted the band really well, and fun was had by all.

This band kicks ass, plain and simple. It's just something you have to hear. I've written more professional reviews than this, but I'm too lazy this time. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on this one.

One of the most exciting bands I have heard in a long time. I was however disappointed that my cd was censored. I am 47 years old and do not appreciate having to listen to a bleep in the middle of a song! It is distracting and if I had been given a choice I would not have purchased this version.

One of the best bands to come on the scene this year. I've been waiting on the album release for what seems like forever. It totally rocks and will no doubt end up in my top 10 for the year. But, the censored "Jetsetter" track totally kills the listening experience of that song. Hence the 4 stars instead of the 5 it could have received.

A band that rocks and doesn't take themselves too seriously.... I can't wait to see them live, I've heard it's an amazing "anything-can-happen" show. Jetsetter is my favorite song, but all of them have a unique character. I don't really mind the censored version of the song... it has a classic bleep....very cool.....besides, we all know what rhymes with "stuck".

Good job Morningwood