Customer Reviews

Nightlife

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

 

 

Simply stated, this is a great record! There is hot rock action to be found here from the throbbing pulse of the opening track to the tuba(?) that ends the Lp. This record has the feel of dusk on a Saturday. I know that sounds weird, but it has that feeling of awe and excitement that you get at dusk on Saturday. The feeling that something grand, (glam?), may happen and even if it doesn't, hey, at least you're still out. Ok, the music. Put punk, glam, roxy, bowie, new wave, stones, D.O.S. into a blender and you have a start. Those are familier influences to alot of bands, but Cobra Verde manages to mold all of that into something totally original and unexpected. Perhaps it's that Lake Erie water. Buy it, (and see them live too)!

"Nightlife" is a good record that could have been great. Losing former guitarist Doug Gillard to Guided By Voices didn't help, and while the packaging is gorgeous, the song lineup and mixing sounds in places like it was done on somebody's lunch break from work. At times the band slavishly imitates Bowie, at other times strives for Cabaret-style kitsch that doesn't quite come off. Ditching four or five songs would have made for a stronger and more consistent release. Still, there are moments of greatness, as in "$2 Souvenir", "Crashing in a Plane" and "Don't Burden Me With Dreams". They're reeling from a hit with a champagne bottle, but may be teetering on the verge of something great. If you like intelligent R&R, this release is a decent one to buy, and better than most of their previous efforts.