Customer Reviews

Rise Above

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
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Oysterband is one of the most satisfyingly unique-sounding bands in the world, especially if you have any Irish/Celtic leaning in your music preferences. The song writing, drumming, guitar work, and especially the vocals are just outstanding. Oysterband music can range from full-out kickass rock 'n roll, to extremely beautiful, romantic, sometimes political, traditional Irish. This CD is not one of their edgier productions, but has some beautiful sound: plucked strings, great four-part vocal harmony, great guitar. Simply outstanding.

Older Oysterband CDs exhibit more Celtic/Irish sound and harmony, except for Shouting Side of Life, which is very raucous. They are all great, and I couldn't recommend them more stongly.

It's been over 3 years since the last Oysterband record, the fantastic HERE I STAND, and I was apprehensive -- that 1999 album was so good, how could the next be anything but a step down? As it turns out, the Oysters have created their finest work yet, full of fierce heart and powerful music, what is almost certain to be the best vocal album of 2003!

Joe Strummer died tragically young, Peter Garrett has retired from Midnight Oil, the Mekons have moved since RETREAT FROM MEMPHIS to a resigned low-level style of resistance, but the Oysterband has gathered its collective energy and holds the banner high -- the global justice movement is in the streets and the fight continues into the new millennium! Whether you are a veteran of the 1980s movements against Reagan and Thatcher (like the Oysters and me), or younger, perhaps just now joining the struggle against the WTO, or global warming, or Bush and Blair's preventive war doctrine, this is music to give you heart. The struggle is old, full of many victories and defeats, but it is not over -- there IS an alternative to global capital!

The Oysterband's music contains not a shred of postmodern irony -- it overbrims with sincerity, it is music straight from the soul. It is an ongoing manifesto against commodification, alienation and the dessication of the spirit. It makes you feel more alive, and the only thing better is to act on the inspiration, find some comrades and transform your ideals into action!

bought it for one song, then listened to the whole;e CD and fell in love with the band... loved those moments when you find a diamond in the rough...