Customer Reviews

Roomsound

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this record not really knowing who Califone/Red Red Meat/Tim Rutili were. I am very happy that I stumbled upon this album. It is one of those records that makes you want to hear everything that the artist has put out in the past (and now the previous Red Red Meat and Califone outings are on my list of future purchases).

This record is haunting and addictive. Haunting because certain guitar parts or vocals are constantly echoing through my head ("bellyfull of swans" and the violin part of "FISHERMAN'S WIFE"). Addictive because I cannot stop listening to it.

Califone pulls off a major feat. They evoke the emotion and grit of the Blues without simply aping the Blues.

Standout tracks are "BOTTLES AND BONES (shade & sympathy)," "FISHERMAN'S WIFE," "WADE IN THE WATER," and "SLOW RT. HAND." In order to get the full effect of these songs, however, they need to be heard in context. The album definitely has a distinct sound and needs to be played in its entirety to be completely enjoyed. It is best listened to with headphones. Subtle but complex percussion is used throughout the album to great effect. At points, the guitar playing reminds me a little of John Parish's work with PJ Harvey.

This is an enhanced CD with avi's of the band playing in a bathroom.

I would definitely recommend this to any fan of adventurous music that attempts to deconstruct traditional song structures. The album's forward-looking sound is all the more remarkable because the instrumentation is fairly simple (guitar, bass, drums, organ, percussion and some synthesizers). I am looking forward to delving into the Califone and Red Red Meat back catalog. I am so happy that I found this band.

This is the first time I am writing a review, despite being a fairly hardcore amazon junkie. I guess it says something about these guys, or else I'm just bored. I don't know any of the other music these guys are responsible for, but this is a great cd, if nothing else then for the sheer originality of it. There's something edgy about the music that keeps it from ever getting even close to "wilco-melodic," but there are some great melodies here, all subtle and disjointed, and the vocals, like the guitars and assorted noises, just make perfect sense after a few listens(listen to track number two on repeat about 14 times and you'll see what I mean). The precussion creates a very hollow atmospheric effect that feels like tom waits at times. This cd feels like it has a sense of purpose. Go ahead, try it.

There is a reason why so many people have discovered Califone's Roomsound release (#1 Alternative Rock CD and #9 overall Amazon sales)! It's because of the mix and fusion of musicians coupled with the songwriting. From when I saw them, the interplay between Tim Rutili, Ben Massarella and Eric Johnson was flawless when they were in my hometown.

The music makes you want to see its' creation. I envision walking into a dimly lit tavern where band leader Rutili sits back in a corner, with smoke wafting toward the ceiling. Nothing is on the table but a stiff shot of whiskey and paper to write down a combination of random thoughts and visions.

The entire CD is an experience that envelops one and should not be dissected. If it must, like my early morning trips, my favorite cuts include Trout silk, Bottles and Bones and fisherman's wife. Percussion blends with banjo. Guitar throbs pushed on by a thumping bass. Picture that bar setting and then Rutili emerging as an early Dave Matthewsish type prescence with a well, let's say it, a Tim Rutili gift for writing and assembling a great cadre of musicians. Make sure to slow down and enjoy the whole experience!

This is one of the best new albums I have bought in a long time. Sometimes I am utterly amazed that there are fantastic bands like this one who are not better known. If you're a fan of Uncle Tupelo and it's spin offs, or even Crosby Stills Nash & Young, you should give Califone a spin-- you won't be disappointed.

Two albums that I've been listening to through the past six months that have had particular lasting value include Jim White's "No Such Place" and this one, Califone's "Roomsound." Both seem to touch a deep chord with the myth of the vast open American country, the roads and the mountains and the cornfields, and the unique people that popular the nooks and crannies of this nation. These are people that wear an archetypal mask, and one might say they are joined with their story so well one can't tell if what you see is a mask, or their true face.

In this music, the context is the story of America, its dark and beautiful modern dream.

I came across Califone quite by mistake, but it was one of the best mistakes I've made this year. It's hard to describe the sound of Califone, but it's definitely incredible. It's laid back, takes its time. Great music for cross-country driving, as I discovered last weekend.

It's hard to choose a favorite track from this album, as they are all excellent. I would pick "Bottles and Bones," "Porno Starlet vs. Rodeo Clowns," and "Slow RT. Hand" as the best on the album, but that is subject to change as I listen to it more.

I have listened to it five times now since I bought it last week, and it isn't getting old yet. I don't think it ever will get old, because everytime I listen, I hear something new.

Buy this album! You won't be sorry! And don't forget to check out their newest, Sometimes Good Weather Follows Bad People, which is a compilation of two EPs.

I LOVE this CD. I am not quite as academic as other reviewers, perhaps, but this one is the coolest! I am "older" and this one makes me feel... high..but not...ethereal and yet...boy, this one is great to put on and just hang out in your chair with. I feel so relaxed I really need to listen to the words which is usually my first priority but just can't do anything but sit back and enjoy..........

I've followed this shambling Chicago indie country-blues outfit from Red Red Meat's Jimmywine Majestic through sidewinding projects like Loftus, oRSo, sin Ropas, and the earlier Califone ep's.

There are fewer folk involved in this one (pretty much Rutili-driven, I think), and it doesn't wander off the path into thorny thickets of tape loopery as these things sometimes have in the past - what we have here is probably as focused and confident a set of fuzzed-out folk-blues as they'll ever care to release.

Think Lou Reed and John Cale playing a not entirely acoustic set with the Glimmer Twins through Ike Turner's busted amp at Sun Studios.

Highlights: bottles and bones, slow rt hand.

I've followed this shambling Chicago indie country-blues outfit from Red Red Meat's Jimmywine Majestic through sidewinding projects like Loftus, oRSo, sin Ropas, and the earlier Califone ep's.

There are fewer folk involved in this one (pretty much Rutili-driven, I think), and it doesn't lose itself in thorny thickets of tape loopery as these things sometimes have in the past - what we have here is a focused, confident set of fuzzed-out folk-blues.

Think Lou Reed and John Cale playing a not entirely acoustic set with the Glimmer Twins through Ike Turner's busted amp at Sun Studios.

Highlights: bottles and bones, slow rt hand.

There are days when I think that this album is as close to perfect as any I own. The songs are smart, original, and well rendered. The instrumentation is an understated and erie blend of acoustic roots music, early electronica, and blues-inflected guitar work. The melodies are interesting, and stay with you, even when the words don't. The textures are delicious and hold up to repeated listening. The best thing about the album, though, is that there is nothing quite like it out there, at least that I have heard. These guys found a sound that is beautiful and creepy, edgy and slinky. I've had it in fairly heavy rotation for a year now. If you ever get a chance to see them live, do it.