Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Phantom Planet is Better than Before, September 10, 2008
This rock band has two prior releases: a self-titled release in 2004 and The Guest in 2002, both bringing you alternative power pop rock that sounded like most of the bands in that genre and time. Now they bring you Raise the Dead. It's in the same vein of rock as they have done with their prior releases. They rock with their certain style of pop-post punk infused songs like "Dropped" (a la The Jam) and "You Can Be My Ship" that adds horns. So if you take the Jam mixed with the Clash, then add some songs that change style slightly you have this record, which is why I was more fond of this release, than their others
The title track Raise the Dead has a nice intro of acoustic guitars giving a more moody vibe with the percussions, then comes together in a big way with Alex Greenwald singing with full force. Then you have "Quarantine" a more mellow type of a song and "Leader" which is a favorite on the album, due to it's more deep, thought provoking lyrics. So if you weren't a fan in the past, they were okay, you might want to check this release out because they do put out way more substantial tracks.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Phantom Planet Is NOT (and never was) Missing, April 21, 2008
Phantom Planet's latest effort, "Raise The Dead," with it's bold title and even bolder sound, has captivated me from the first listen. It's refreshing to see bands like Phantom who are not afraid to step out from their style and try something new (and yes, succeed!). No, it's not "California." The laid back smooth style found in PP's earlier days is pushed aside for a more brazen "in your face" sound.
Imagine mixing in a blender the bold new sound and chaotic guitar riffs of their 2004 self titled album with the catchy hooks of "The Guest." Add a pinch Alex Greenwald's effortlessly beautiful (sometimes even slurred) vocals, and what do you have? A concoction fit for true music lovers.
Of course, like most albums, the first half proves to be a much stronger line-up than the second half. However, I don't think you'll have any troubles listening through the entire album without hitting skip.
With that being said, this album may not be for the 14 year old O.C. fans who bought "The Guest," listens to track one and slides the disc right back next to Backstreet Boys "Never Gone." For everyone else, give it a shot! I think you'll be surprised when you find your voice quivering and cracking as you strain to sing along.
Highlights: Raise The Dead, Dropped, Leader, Do The Panic, Geronimo
4.5 stars out of 5
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A garage rock classic, May 21, 2008
Having heard nothing of these guys other than "California", I picked up this album based on the great review it got in Entertainment Weekly (where it garnered a B+). As a fan of indy old school garage rock in particular, I was very pleased by this constantly moving album. Yes, the retro stylings will feel familiar, but don't toss this album into the generic "garage rock" genre just yet. This album brings a lot of soul to the table, and Phantom Planet's brilliance can not be ignored.
By constantly moving, I mean that the pace and tone changes are subtle enough to keep you listening from beginning to end. Raise the Dead (the track and the album) starts off slow but builds to a crescendo.
Track 2 remakes the old American Breed Lyric of "bend me shape me any way you want me" and turns it into "Tell me that you want me, tell me that you need me, tell me 'cuz I want to know". As with most of this album, they take a genre old enough to need dusting, yet take it in a new and fresh direction.
Track 3 takes you down to the dark side of the album's psyche, which constantly seems to want to come out. While the catchy tune uses a chorus with kids and SOUNDS cheerful, the lyrics are all about what happens when one joins a cult. I'd read there was some inspiration by the Manson band on this album and have to assume this song is the homage.
Do the Panic (track 4) is the most radio friendly tune on this album. Again mixing the concept of darkness and light, the song presents a lighthearted approach to Armageddon. Heavy stuff, but handled with finesse by these amazing rockers. Shucks, the video even features them all coming back to life after getting the chop in some cabin in the woods...
The guitar riffs on "Lost at Sea" at first reminded me of "taking care of business", but the song departs from there and gets addictive by the end. Demon Daughters has a psychedelic sound, but the breaks keep you from tripping. Much like the first track on the album, Geronimo starts slow but builds to a rocking crescendo like you've never felt.
The last three tracks off this album are so catchy that you'll want to hit "repeat" and listen to it all over again. Confess sounds somehow familiar, but breaks its own territory. Leave yourself for Somebody Else isn't quite the standout of the three, but it reminds me so much of the Hives and Franz Ferdinand that I can't help but love the tune. Finally, the album ends with a song that reminds me of the Beatles. I Don't Mind is the final piece of addiction here. This song feels so familiar, and part of me doesn't want to figure out why. This tune is haunting, beautiful, and yet invites this sense of nostalgia I can't place a finger on.
Overall, I recommend this spectacular album to fans of the following bands: Brian Jonestown Massacre, the Hives, The Rolling Stones, Franz Ferdinand, the Beatles, the Out Crowd, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and the Strokes.
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