Customer Reviews

Opening Time

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Opening Time"--how fitting a title for a band that has gained recognition for contributing music to top comedy movies in the last two years ("Me, Myself and Irene", "There's Something About Mary", "Say It Isn't So" and "Gun Shy")but still goes unplayed on many mainstream radio stations in the US. This cd opens the mind of the listener through Chris Trapper's sometimes raw-yet-poetic use of words and voice. "Opening Time" is an ironic look at a relationship going south when the future is looking bright. If you know the history of the band, this could mirror the relationship they have had with their former label...things looking good for them as a band and the relationship with the label crumbling beneath. "Last Night's Dream" showcases Chris' sexy voice with only Dan McLoughlin's brilliance as a pianist to accompany him. Ryan McMillan's percussions are not lost on any of the tracks, especially on "Meltaway" and "Who We Are". Listen at the end of the cd--as they did with "Meet Me At The Fair", the guys have added a hidden track on the end of the last song "Miracle". A remixed version of "One Summer Day" will send shockwaves through their fans who know the song and make new fans of the ones who are not. This cd is the Push Star's key to opening up the door that leads to the recognition they so richly deserve!

There is something extremely satisfying about music that can address themes that have been done to death (heartbreak, love lost and found, crushes, good times bad times...you know I had my share) and still sound warm and fresh. Following up their major label debut "After The Party", The Push Stars have gone back to their DIY roots (which ironically made them part of a major label bidding war) to produce an excellent follow-up. More akin to their debut "Meet Me At The Fair", "Opening Time" combines great pop hooks, catchy choruses, and Chris Trapper's sublime voice. A few tracks fall short ("Millionaire", "Fading Away") but 90 percent of this disc is superb, whether it's the fantastic title track, the simple but catchy-as-hell verse-chorus-verse of "Meltaway", the sure fun of "Frathouse Joe", or the beauty of the piano ballad "Last Night's Dream". Other highlights include the anthemic "Who We Are" and "Over You" (possibly Trapper's best written song to date). Fans of the band's previous work will find much to love here. Newcomers who also like bands like Toad The Wet Sprocket, the Lemonheads, the Refreshments, Paul Westerberg, Goo Goo Dolls etc. should make this their next purchase. You won't be sorry.

I honestly listen to this CD among others all day at work, and find it easy to relate to. I love that the lyrics are not exagerated for "Shock Value". They don't sound like everyone else, that is truely refreshing. With their music and this CD in particular, I find that you must listen to the words all the way to the end or you'll miss the point. It's often not Just a Catchy tune!

Some of my favorite tracks are as follows:

"Meltaway" is the kind of song that takes you to a private place in your mind when you may have met someone special that changed your life forever, even though it is a very up beat dancable song!! In fact you can't help but start dancing...it's so energizing!

"Waiting, Watching, Wishing" may soon be the anthem for many young American's stuck in a small town! All of us can relate to this one in one way or another! The Pushstars harness the energy of youth and the need to break out! Maybe if these guys were around 15 yrs or so ago they'd have been featured in some of the "Brat Pack" films! A Youth Power Anthem!!!

"Last nights dream"... I must agree with a previous reviewer, that despite the familiar themes...the Pushstars tackle "Pain, Sorrow, Love Loss, and Emotional Agony" in a very simplistic way... A broken down voice & the all feeling Piano! One listen and you'll feel the pain...

These guys are refreshing! The majority of their music envigorates you to get up and dance! It is very energizing, and fun! You will not be dissapointed! Give them a try, and once you realize what you've tapped into, you'll be hooked! I personally have all 4 CD's, and love their honesty and bare bones approach to music!

This album is packed with many good songs. Just as Norah Jones' voice is one of my most favorite voice for female singers, Chris Trapper's voice is one of my most favorite voice for male singers. "Melt Away" has very beautiful upbeat melody and I'm closely related to the lyrics, so this song always pulls my heart away when I listen to it.....Greenlake Starbucks brista girl...Wendy.

This has to be my favorite of the Push Stars albums. "Opening Time" opens with a song of the same name, and just takes you on an incredible musical journey until the last track, my personal favorite, "Miracle". Trapper's brilliant songwriting, and the band's sweet, jingly pop melodies make it a pleasure to listen to. If you haven't checked out the Push Stars yet, check out this album first!

This Push Stars fan waited months for this latest release, and weeks later, am still playing it over and over, letting the songs take turns as personal favorites. (Today's top three are Over You, Frathouse Joe, and Miracle.) This album has everything I've come to love about Push Stars' music--the fresh, direct sound, the poetry in the songwriting, and Chris Trapper's voice--this time with another engaging string of stories that ring oh-so-true set to all kinds of rhythms. There really is a treat for every listener on Opening Time: a hint of country, some 60s rock, a bossa nova(!), the most beautiful lullaby for the romantics--and a special something at the end for the long-time followers.

If you are going to buy an Album from the "Push Stars", this is the one. It is kinda like the sound of their first 2 albums and the EP rolled up into one but with a much more mature sound.

Liam

This Cd is quite a find. The music and lyrics go together beautifully. And don't miss the "hidden track" not listed. It is an awesome upbeat remix of "One Summer Day" from their After the Party cd. It is one of my favorite songs. This cd and After the Party both have flat out good music on them.

This was their first album I ever heard and it made me a fan for life. The lyrics are simple but clever. Music is as catchy as ever. They have not released an album I don't like. Push Stars push on forever!

I honestly listen to this CD among others all day at work, and find it easy to relate to. I love that the lyrics are not exagerated for "Shock Value". They don't sound like everyone else, that is truely refreshing. With their music and this CD in particular, I find that you must listen to the words all the way to the end or you'll miss the point. It's often not Just a Catchy tune!

Some of my favorite tracks are as follows:

"Meltaway" is the kind of song that takes you to a private place in your mind when you may have met someone special that changed your life forever, even though it is a very up beat dancable song!! In fact you can't help but start dancing...it's so energizing!

"Waiting, Watching, Wishing" may soon be the anthem for many young American's stuck in a small town! All of us can relate to this one in one way or another! The Pushstars harness the energy of youth and the need to break out! Maybe if these guys were around 15 yrs or so ago they'd have been featured in some of the "Brat Pack" films! A Youth Power Anthem!!!

"Last nights dream"... I must agree with a previous reviewer, that despite the familiar themes...the Pushstars tackle "Pain, Sorrow, Love Loss, and Emotional Agony" in a very simplistic way... A broken down voice & the all feeling Piano! One listen and you'll feel the pain...

These guys are refreshing! The majority of their music envigorates you to get up and dance! It is very energizing, and fun! You will not be dissapointed! Give them a try, and once you realize what you've tapped into, you'll be hooked! I personally have all 4 CD's, and love their honesty and bare bones approach to music!