Customer Reviews

Pelo

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

 

 

I am the world's biggest "Aluminum Group" fan. So, the first time through this CD I must say that I was upset. With a few notable exceptions I didn't recognize it as an "Aluminum Group" release. Since then, "Pelo" has grown on me. Yet, I still yearn for the delicious Navin harmonies. No offense to the various collaborators but nobody can outdo the Navin brothers together. I appreciate new directions that's why I give this album 5 stars. Still, I long for the days when the arrangements were simple and the voices lush.

I would give Pedals, Plano, and Wonder Boy + at least five stars. This album, on the other hand, was quite a let-down. Almost half the tracks are instrumentals, and boring if not downright dreary ones, which remind me of Fawn-era Sea & Cake or Sam Prekop on a very uninspired day. There is nothing here of the poppy beauty of "Chocolates," "A Boy in Love," "Impress Me," or the experimentalism of "Rrose Selavy's Valise." The instrumentation has gone almost completely electronic, from the drums to the keyboards, and while the shift to mostly electronica worked for Tortoise and Stereolab (oh, did it ever), here it sounds like the Navins are just jumping on the Chicago sound bandwagon. In doing so they have sacrificed what made them a fantastic band, with a fantastic, unique sound. I am all for a band's development and modification of their sound over time, and was delighted with the differences between Plano and Pedals, but, with the possible exception of "Pussycat," and "Satellite" (fine songs that prevented me from giving this album 1 star) the direction this band is going is... aargh! Nicht gut! Do yourself a favor and order Plano, Pedals, and Wonder Boy + immediately; hold off on this.

I picked up this baby in a used record store and gave it a listen and I enjoyed it. Although I think it's a little spare on the lyrics, which is often fine since the songs are really chilled out and soothing. I've been told older Alumnium sounds different but I have little interest in a deviation from this style and would recomment this album to anybody that wants something to chill too.

Great new album by the Aluminum Group. The bands songcraft is getting better and better. With "If You've Got A Lover" and "Worring Kind" the Nevins manage to take traditional song writing, and apply beats usually used by modern African-American R&B groups. They have not tried to remake Pedels, but have traded in Smile-era Beach Boys grandur for Brian Eno experimentation. The result is music that's strikingly fresh.

But the instrumental excursions are percarious. They are stacked at the end of Pelo. Just when the Nevins need a few more great songs to tighten the screws, the album grows diffuse. This is a small dose of the studio games that absolutely SUNK the High Llamas.

Any fan knows that the Aluminum Group can write 50 great songs in thier sleep. Now they need to keep expanding their frame of reference, but with a producer that will keep their impulses in check.

Just as Radiohead is willing to rework its approach to music, Aluminum Group is undeterred from exploring alternative musical concepts.
Working with Tortoise has opened up the possibilities.
I, for one, am looking forward to future releases.

This is about a 45 degree change from their former efforts. Don't be put off by the instrumental thrust. This is best enjoyed in a bathtub with low lights, or in a quiet place with headphones to get the full effect. I'll agree, it's not for everyone, but artists regularly depart from established formats in order to grow. "Satellite" and "Worrying Kind" are anchors from the past, whereas "Sermon to the Frogs" and "Goodbye Goldfish" will titillate avant loungers for the new millenium. Take the leap!

Congratulations to the Navin Brothers for creating such beautiful music to start this new century. Their bold collabortation with John Herndon (Isotope 217) and John McEntire (Tortoise) proves that electronic soundscapes, well-written lyrics, and beautiful vocals can meld together in a cozy menage a trois. I'm very proud of Johnny and Frankie for pushing the envelope with their insightful lyrics and moody instrumental compositons. "If you've got a lover, you've got a life" is a pop tune that has intellect as well as a good beat. I also admire their use of female vocalists such as the talented Sally Timms (Mekons) sultry warnings on "Goodbye Goldfish, Hi Piranha", and the beautiful voice of Amy Warren on "Cannot Make You Out." But my favorite cut is saved for the end, "Sermon to the Frogs" where John Navin's depth of longing and desire is heard in every note he sings.

Amazing new album by the Navin brothers...A new producer, John Herndon (of Tortoise, etc. fame) helps to bring out a jazzy, mellower side of the Aluminum Group...Contrary to what you may read, the instrumentals are excellent - superbly propelled by Doug McCombs six string bass work...The album works well as a whole - instrumentals surround an amazing grouping of new vocal material (e.g. worrying kind, satellite, cannot make you out - by far, some of their best work)...includes an appropo homage to Tom of Finland...the Navins are part of the Chicago music scene...to the critics - Get used to it! - to everyone else, buy this amazing disc!!!

Pelo(ps) was a son of Tantalus. Daddy served sonny to the Olympians as food, but a good-hearted Hermes decided to restore sonny to life. Had Hermes tasted Pelo, after a gastric lavage he'd quickly flush the leftover lest some fellow gods decide to make the miracle... A major disappointment after a couple of pearls.

On their fourth CD Pelo The Aluminum Group land halfway between the sharp chamber pop of their charming Plano and the hollow overreaching of its follow-up Pedals. Gay brothers John and Frank Navin guide their collective through these ten supple, ambisexual songs, never as playful as their think they're being (except on the pseudo-instrumentals "Pussycat" and "Pussy Reprise") nor as pretentious as a few of the titles would imply. The brothers have deep voices that borderline pomposity, which compounds their moonier ideas (like "Tom of Finland [An Homage]"!) and adds poignancy to their hyper-romanticism. "If You've Got a Lover, You've Got a Life" is a highlight, if not also a statement of intent, and they're best when they're fast and funny, as on that track and "Satellite". On the slow ones, however, they're not only ponderous, they're dim-witted.