Customer Reviews

Point of Views

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5uu's is an experimental progressive group led by Dave Kerman. The style is similar to the `Rock in Opposition' bands from Europe. `Rock in Opposition' was a movement which began in the 1970s in opposition to the Music Industry. The original movement didn't last long, but its legacy lives on in groups like 5uu's.

"Point of Views", released on May 14th, 1996, is an interesting compilation of most of the early recordings from the 5uu's. This CD has 20 tracks, the first 8 are their first LP "Bel Marduk & Tiamat" (minus the track "Global Friction"), which was originally recorded in 1984 on U:r Records. Tracks 9 and 10 are from their 7 inch single "Bar Code" from 1985, originally on Rotary Totem Records. Tracks 11-19 are from their LP "Elements" (with The Motor Totemist Guild) which was recorded in 1986 and released on ReR Megacorp. The final track is "Carousel of Progress" recorded in 1987 and was originally available from "ReR Quarterly Vol. 3, #3".

Overall it is a somewhat inconsistent collection, but that is not surprising considering the evolution of the band during that time. Only Dave Kerman (accordion, drums, keyboards, guitar, piano, percussion), Jon Beck (guitar, bass guitar), and Curt Wilson (vocals) appear on all the tracks. Sanjay Kumar, who would become (in my opinion) the most important member of the group aside from Dave Kerman, joins the group starting with the tracks from "Elements". Highlights from this entire collection include "Sporting", "Hot & Cold Frog", "Acknowledgements", and "Causes of Merit".

If you are looking for catchy tunes and melodic pop music, you have come to the wrong place. What you will find instead, is music which challenges the listener, and in which you will hear something new each time you listen.

This album includes the first two albums of 5uu's "Bel Marduk and Tiamat" and "Elements" plus the 7" single "Barcode". This is a showcase of the excellent talents of band leader Dave Kerman, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, and other top notch musicians, The RIO (Rock In Opposition) inspired music is absolutely breathtaking! Kerman manages to take elements from the RIO scene, jazz scene, and folk scene, and many others musical styles and combine it into an incredible powerful music. An incredible blend of power, atonality and ROCK, that leaves no one who likes adventurous music cold! Absolutelty top recommended!. Curt Wilson's vocals on "The Futility of Oneness" really touches the heart! Not for the faint hearted! This is NOT "elevator music", but music for those who really likes music!

Twenty track compilation of 5uu's early recordings. Basically, a good / decent 'progressive / experimental' CD to pop into your home entertainment center whenever you're in a 'certain frame of mind'. Tunes I liked best were the awesome "Ancient Internationalism", "Sporting", "Misery Loves Company" and the rather odd sounding "Ignominies". I'm just now finding about the numerous discs that 5uu's has out there and available. Definitely not fo the mainstream at heart.

Everything seems so keen, and well thought out and produced. For one who can first accept them, and the fact that they do not play to standered timeing then you will be in for a ride. Plus this CD and the 5uu's is great to listen to while triping ;)