Customer Reviews

The Only Thing I Ever Wanted

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

 

 

The Only Thing I Ever Wanted is slightly less whimsical and innocent, both lyrically and musically, than Psapp's first record Tiger, My Friend. But it's still Psapp, which means it's pretty whimsical and innocent and has lots of keyboards and cats.

The exceedingly British female vox, eclectic percussion and random noisemakers (including what seems to be a rubber duckie on Tricycle) that are Psapp's staple are all still on display, never fear. But where the last album was highlighted by cheerful numbers like "About Fun," this one has a somewhat more somber, mature, and at times almost world-weary air to it. Make Up is a simple piano-and-vocal ballad that is as thought-provoking as anything the band has ever done, but it's not exactly a happy song. King of You is sultry and downright cynical. This Way is a real downer (and also my least favorite track on this record).

But it's not just the words (and certainly not The Words, a cut which jumps with joy, albeit with a knowing smile: "Oh, I can't abandon this foolish notion, it's too much fun") that determine the mood in this album. The mixes are emotionally chillier this time around. But that doesn't make them worse: the change is quite by design, and works splendidly.

All told, The Only Thing I Ever Wanted is just as good as its predecessor, though I am slightly more predisposed to Tiger My Friend. If you liked Tiger, get this. If you didn't hear of Tiger, you should also get this, immediately after getting Tiger. This is no sophomore slump. Psapp is still in the game, and the music world is better for it.

Album highlights: Hi, King of You, The Words, Needle and Thread, Eating Spiders, and Tricycle, particularly Tricycle, which I adore.

I, like, it would appear, most people, stumbled upon this band by accident. I went to see an acoustic guitarist in concert, and Psapp was opening. Since I arrived late (I'd never heard of the opener and didn't expect them to be too good,) I wandered into a wall of loud clunking sounds that made me want to dance more than anyththing Ive ever heard. So I bought the album and found not only these great, unique, and totally jamming dance numbers--played with squeaky toys and cans in concert--but some amazingly pretty and tuneful sons as well. I havent heard their first album, so I cant really speak to that, but this one, I assure you, is just great. Its always a good sign when so many people--just look through other reviews--like so many different tracks (My favorites are Tricycle, Needle and Thread, and hi). This should certainly not be tossed aside as simply a gimmick band. When the slight novelty factor of this band wears off, youre left with a really amazingly tuneful, well-written, and elegant album. A must-buy, in my opinion.

Different, Refreshing. Happy. Fun.
Check it out. I love this CD. I paly it loud. I use it as backround music. It is fantastic

I came upon Psapp's music through Dancing with the Stars. While I hate to admit watching the show, I was glad that I was recording the season with the 'Cheetah Girl' for my daughter. I was blown away by the professional dance routine to this song and the song itself. After losing that particular DVR device, I began to hunt in earnest for the band and album. It took awhile, but finally I found Psapp and "The Only Thing I Ever Wanted" with "Hi".

I have enjoyed the whole album as thoroughly as I have my first introduction to the band. While all the songs aren't in quite the same vein as 'Hi', they are all quite different than the pop music playing on the radio these days. Psapp seems to be a very original band, both musically and lyrically. They are a refreshing change of pace that really gets you moving.

Falling right along the path of playful toytronica [and sometimes credited with its first use], this experimental leftfield duo from London managed to reach the UK Top 75 as well as US Billboard 200 Albums. With sound derived directly from toy instruments (guitars, flutes, and even a chicken named Brunhilda), and vocals by Galia Durant, the band delivers a humorous take on a sometimes an all too serious genre. Enter a live performance with hand-made flying cats, and you've got a hit! Favorite memorable first track : Hi.

I, like many others, was hypnotized by 'Cosy in the Rocket', a portion of which is used in the ABC drama 'Grey's Anatomy'. I purchased Psapp's first US release, Tiger My Friend, in May 2005 and have listened to it often. I'm not a heavy music consumer but I didn't hesitate to purchase these CDs (support independent labels!) I preordered this album mere days before it was due to be released; I received it only one day after the release. I am listening to it for the second time. I'm not sure if it will grow on me like Tiger did, yet - time will tell. I can say that listening to the last track, 'Upstairs', is best experienced in a quieter room with immersive headphones - the sound effects of creaking floors above are uncannily real. I guess this album doesn't seem quite as experimental and unique to me, but that's okay.

Right now if I'm going to smoke out I have to have this album playing. It's like Seasame Street On Mushrooms. A must have in any collection.