Customer Reviews

Never Ending

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My first encounter with Luce was a poster in record store in 2002. I was literally arrested in my tracks strolling through the door, and backed up for a double take. After all, it's not often you see your name in the record store window.

Luce's first self-monikered album received numerous, well-earned kudos. In particular, "Good Day" got lots of adult-FM airplay, and was featured in "How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days." The entire album was a gem from start to end.

I caught up with Luce (performing with Feel) at the Boulder Theatre, and discussed with cousin Tom (all Luces are related) the challenge of topping that initial release, and the importance of not rushing a follow-up album just to do one. Tom did not need to be convinced. Never Ending is the result, Luce's long-awaited sophomore release.

The albums I love most tend to grow on me, as layer upon layer of nuance is revealed. So it is with Never Ending. Not as diverse in its eclecticism of styles as the first album, but much more coherent in overall sound and theme, Never Ending is about relationships.

Luce has always reminded me of the Beatles. In its harmonies, tasteful use of recording and sound effects, the shear joy in performance, and in nice little surprises, such as the unlisted song "Dancing in the Acid Rain" that unexpectedly begins several minutes after "Marie" ends, much like "Her Majesty" does on Abby Road. There is a stretch of Never Ending that flows as seamlessly as side one of Abby Road, with as much lyricism and musicianship. I find one song replacing another as my favorite. First "Buy a Dog." Then "With a Kiss". Next "Interlude One." Then the combination from "Worth the Wait" through "Never Ending." Like good scotch left to breath, the album gets better with each hearing.

If you haven't discovered Luce yet, you are in for a treat. If you already know Luce from its first release, I think you will agree this album was "Worth the Wait."

If you are new to Luce then welcome and be sure to check out ther debut self titled cd available here on amazon. If you know Luce then you know what a musical treat they are.

Luce has the ability to touch you deep down with their music. Touch you in those hidden places. I would say this album is honest and true. I find that I vary from from song to song as my favorite one.

As I have posted on the Luce message board, which everyone should check out :) , my current favorite songs from Never Ending are Amsterdam, Buy a Dog, Fortunately I, and Wanna Be (oh and that hidden track too).

Never Ending is the kinda of cd that lets you make it through that horrible traffic. Luce makes my day better when I listen to their creative, soothing and giving music.

Go to their website and find out more about LUCE!

This CD will not only bring the band more national attention, but should wake up the world to LUCE! Tom Luce is one of the best singer/songwriters to come along in years and his band as good as any on the planet, a combination that can't be beat!Never Ending is a sophomore release that won't let you down... from start to finish amazing!Each song sets a mood and at times takes you on a musical journey. Although you can make comparisons LUCE is all their own- Smart, Catchy, Clever Rock with Pop flavoring, hitting many colorful spectrums along the way, some personal favorites: Buy a Dog, the title track Never Ending, Outside of it all, Fortunately I,Amsterdam, Maria, and the brillant hidden track, Acid Rain. Buy this CD you will not be disappointed!

I think Luce is a great band and Tom is a great songwriter. However, I feel like this album is a little bland. The first album blew my mind, especially because I thought "Good Day" was just one of the great songs. But, this time around, I feel like a lot of the beats are the same, the lyrical content is a bit narrow, and there aren't a lot of stand-out songs. However, the melodies and music are better than most stuff being offered on the radio these days, so "Never Ending" is quite worth picking up. Check out "Buy a Dog" -- probably the best song on the album.

If you enjoyed their last album, you'll love this one because the music just gets better and better. Tom's lyrics are wise beyond his years and I can't say enough about his vocals. If you have the chance to see them live, you must go see them. They are just as good live as they are in the studio. Their music is so much better than everyone else you hear on the radio these days. You must buy this album!

No where near the first CD which I think is great. Sophmore slump here. If you lie the first then buyer beware, this is no where close to that CD

I already loved a couple songs on here, which are in heavy rotation on KFOG and KFOG's CD samplers. However, I much enjoyed going further into the disc, which has a lot of good tunes. This will be one to enjoy for a long time.

Easy listening, non-controversial. To me it seemed a little like David Grey and a little Counting Crows' Satellites album. I got it because the drummer Steve bowman, who played on CC 1st album "August and everything after" played with this band for its first two albums. It's simple, easily digestible, and equally forgettable. If you want to "track-it" get #2 Buy a dog. I played it through twice and that was it, until it occasionally reappears through shuffle.

Windows down, warm sunny day, this CD in your stereo, volume on max. Now you're ready to listen to Never Ending! I can't say enough about this CD. For over 2 weeks, ever since I got it, I have listened this CD from beginning to end every afternoon on my way home from work. Not many CDs have been that well played in my car stereo. (one other being The Shins, Wincing the Night away). Beautiful music, well played, great lyrics, just makes my long commute seem not long enough. Having love the first CD, I bought this CD without having heard a single song. But it's THAT good.

First heard Luce on their breakthrough track, Good Day, from their debut CD. That CD was terrific, but this one is substantially better. If you're familiar with Luce's music at all, go ahead and buy this CD. I bought it without having heard any of the tracks (and Amazon doesn't include any snippets for review -- somebody needs to fix that.) It's now one of my favorite CD's.

Several of the songs on this CD just stick in your head and play like a soundtrack during the day. IMO, the best tracks are Buy a Dog, The Sweetest Smile, Fortunately I, Wanna Be, Outside of it All, With a Kiss, and Acid Rain. All of them fantastic.

Now --some constructive criticism -- The opening track isn't the strongest. This CD could benefit by renumbering the tracks, like Vertical Horizon did when they re-released "Go". (Recommend listening to the CD starting on track 2 and coming back to track 1 later.) Also, as they did with the first CD, Luce buried one of the CD's best tracks, Acid Rain, as a hidden bonus track. Acid Rain could be a huge hit -- it shouldn't be hidden, making it hard to find for airplay, etc. (It isn't even available on iTunes. Who manages this band?)

Anyway, this is a five star CD. Try it, and then tell your friends. Definitely some of the best new music around.