Customer Reviews

Save Me

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

 

 

Just like John Mayer on "Heavier Things", Pat Mcgee Band shows they have pure talent on Save Me. Personally, I thought "Shine" was incredible. "Save Me" holds its own, and you won't be disappointed. The good news is that some of the songs on this CD sound more radio friendly - so now maybe Pat Mcgee Band might actually get some exposure. Their label needs to help get their sound out there. T

This album has something for everyone, especially if you're a PMB fan. Don't buy this album expecting the same sound as on "Shine", because that's not what you'll get. However, it is a great CD that you'll be listening to over and over.

PS. You gotta hear this band live if you haven't already.

It has been said that in order for great bands to leave a lasting impression they must evolve. And "Save Me" is Pat McGee Band's next evolution. I have been a fan of the band since 97' as a young 16 year old at Irving Plaza. I had no idea who they were and like so many others I too fell in love with "Rebecca" now its time for the band to grow and see where it takes them. It has been my pleasure to watch Pat McGee change and grow. While the sound on this album is different than "Shine" or "Revel" it's still Pat. This cd is filled with memorable songs and it is a complete work of art in itself. Pat and the boys tried these songs out for a long time before the album came out and I remember being moved by "You and I" as well as rocking hard to "Annabel" and being haunted by the vibe of "Now". I am completely impressed with this album. And speaking as a long time fan, don't worry I'm not alienated and I'm not going anywhere. See you boys in NYC sometime soon! P.S. dear WB your sitting on a gold mine of talent. Take Pat McGee band for a spin, trust me you'll like the results.

Pat McGee is the real thing and is as great a guy is he is an artist.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Pat McGee on rootsrocklive.com about this very CD while it was being recorded. He feared the harder edge would alienate some longtime fans.

After hearing the CD, I can understand his fears. A wistful sax and graceful acoustic playing have given way to an energetic, electric sound. This CD moves McGee and company in the direction of Tonic, Vertical Horizon, Live and scores of other modern rock bands. The tinge of country in some of his earlier work is all but gone. However, McGee's signature melodic sensibility and well crafted lyrics are in top form.

Is every song my new favorite? No, but a few are. The opening notes of "You and I" are haunting and it only gets better from there. "Don't give up" is a great rocker. It's a great song to get you going a little faster on the treadmill...just the kind of song I need! It has the kind of uplifting lyrics we all need right now.

"Shady" hasn't quite rocked my boat. "Save Me" lacks a great ballad like "I know" or "Haven't seen you in a while." If you like a softer edge, purchase "Shine" either with this CD or before it. If you like anything from Dave Matthews to Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, you'll find something you'll like on that disc.

Still, if you like a straight ahead modern, melodic rock, you'll love this disc. There is more clang and less twang, but fans of Pat McGee, new and old, have nothing to complain about!

PMB is one of the most underated bands in the country. These guys write great music and give fantastic live performances. Their latest CD is their best one yet. Great music - great lyrics.

In the late 90's, the Pat McGee Band seemed to be on the precipice of something great. Their sound was a bit Allman Brothers, a bit Dave Matthews Band. Prominent in their songs were 3 part harmonies, acoustic guitars sprinkled with the occasional, tasteful, electric guitar, distinct bass lines, piano interludes, bongos, and saxophone. They truly deserved the title of "Band" as each instrument and personality in the group worked together, never in competition for the spotlight.

Well, to use Pat's words on the opening track of this album, the "Band", if they can be called that on this, have lost their beautiful ways. Gone are the piano, saxophone, and 3 part harmonies (two members have left the band by this album). What remains is Pat competing to sing over the rocking electric guitar. The songs are catchy, produced well, but will not stir one's emotions like Revel or From the Wood did. The beautiful subtly that Pat and his band mates found on their previous albums is completely lost in this radio friendly endeavor.

What this album does prove is that Pat McGee can rock and create solid, catchy, mainstream tunes. The tragedy of this album is that it left behind their core audience and through bad marketing never found the mainstream audience that this album deserves. Make no mistake, it sounds good. However, the Pat McGee Band once set themselves apart from the pack by creating something unique yet accessible. Revel is a great example of the promise that they showed. Shine came close to actualizing on that potential. Save Me completely misses the mark.

This band cannot catch a break. It seems that all the hype about WB wanting to push this band hasn't come true. It seems that someone at WB likes PMB, but they aren't getting the push they deserve.

I first saw PMB at the University of Minnesota Duluth as a student there. I happen to catch them about 1/2 way through there set. I was hooked the instant they played "Southern Cross." I think it is great how they stay close to their fans. Sammy Hagar is about the only artist I know other than the PMB that keeps it real for the fans at this level.

This album is certainly more "radio friendly." It is a bit of a departure from their roots. I personally have enjoyed the live bootlegs I have heard, as well as the stuff they throw together on stage the best. That's where the talent of former guitarist Al Walsh really solidified the band.

That aside, this is a very good album. I am recommending in addition to this album -- Def Leppard's "Slang" and Sister Hazel's "Fortress" because I feel these albums have a similar sound to them. If you like either of these albums, this one by the PMB should be in your collection.

I give this 4 out of 5 stars because I think seeing PMB live is the best way to hear them. I also feel "Shine" has a warmer feeling to it. I look forward to seeing them live April 23, 2004 in Minneapolis! --

Just wanted to update this to say: Pat McGee did not disappoint in concert! Great show -- an excellent live band.

I heard 5 songs off this CD on The Rock Boat last summer and pre-ordered it sight unseen. I got it a week ago and was not disappointed! It does more than grow on you - it pretty much takes you over. These guys are incredible. I have listened to their music for about 5 years and each CD is unique and better than the last. Do yourself a favor and hit their website - seeing them LIVE is the best. They are talented and a hell of alot of fun. These guys will play anything, anywhere, anytime. They are at their rockin' best at about 5 a.m. on the ROCK BOAT!

This CD was a gift for my birthday and it grows on you quick. It has not come out of my CD player. This album is right there in the same class with Train, John Mayer, Jason Mraz and others. If you like good roots rock music you will love this disc.

My friends ask me what Pat Mcgees music is like. I don't know if I know anyone to compare them to. Some people have compared them to Dave Mathews, but I just don't see that. Pat music has more character, more feeling. Save Me is a blend of good acoustic rock and rock and roll with a backbone. There isn't one song on this cd that I don't like. Each song is unique gets you singing it the next day while you're not thinking of it. like now!!!

I have been waiting for the new Pat McGee Band CD for two years. There live concerts make the CD sound tame. Pat played many concerts in the four years since releasing a new CD, alot of times he was trying out the new songs and getting a good grip on them before going into the studio. His vocals have matured along with his songwriting skills. Pat's voice is amazing on the CD but pails in comparsion to his live stuff. At a recent concert in Boston, he sang to a sold out crowd without a microphone for half a song, without any accompanyment, and his voice was perfect. How many performers can you say that for, these days??