Customer Reviews

Says Pop

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

 

 

This great CD is sort of a Neil Young Meets the Beatles meets Dave Matthews meets Steely Dan meets Bob Dylan meets Wilco meets...

Often such derivative or referential music can be awful, and usually it is derived from one or two artists. This one reflects a wide range of references, and the songs on this CD are sometimes even better than songs from the artist they are referring to. These guys have a great time, and it shows. One of the most enjoyable CDs I've listened to in a long time.

Superb.

Roman Candle's debut is a joyful assortment of finely crafted pop tunes. If FM Radio didn't suck, this is the sort of music you would be hearing on it right now. Finely crafted lyrics mated to delightful melodies delivered by a tight power pop five-some in a surprisingly slick production. Like nearly all the discs on this list, this one is really good from start to finish.

Why didn't you ever hear of these guys? Roman Candle hails from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and signed with an independent label. No payola, no Clearchannel -- and no radio play.

Roman Candle   Says Pop (2002)

Bonus:  I discovered Roman Candle through BBC 2's Bob Harris Check him out.

Roman candle blends smart lyrics smooth melodies and hip hop beats perfectly. It is an album for those seeking refuge from mainstream slop.

WOW is the first thought that comes to mind when first listening to this band. I've never heard this type of music before but it very fresh and refreshing. This band has talent and i'm sure we'll see them someday soon on a major lable. Can't wait for The Wee Hours Review to come out!

At first listen I couldn't quite get a grasp on this album. But then I couldn't stop listening to it. It's one of the few albums I own where the songs can stand alone in quality and also come together as a whole album worthy of listening to all the way through. With a style I can't quite compare to anyone else, one of the joys of listening is the sense of discovery you get with each new track. Some songs like "You Don't Belong to This World" will have you singing along, some will have you just listening in appreciation. I highly recommend this album to anyone interested in good music.

no questions about it... album of the year!

One of the best albums of 2002 and a real heart-breaker that it didn't garner more critical acclaim. Roman Candle is nearly a family affair with the Matheny brothers on vocals, guitar and drums and Skip Matheny's wife Timshel on keys. Timshel's brother Keegan DeWitt has frequently made appearances live on guitar and is a stellar musician in his own right. I encourage you to pick up their entire catalog, it's all excellent.

easily my favorite cd of the year. some of the best songwriting and melody craftmanship since the british invasion. the album was produced by two brothers in their basement, and the feel of the songs are really unique. if you like old fashioned rock and roll with a bit of soul, you'll love this.

This CD is great! Roman Candle is such a unique band and I have watched these guys grow up in my own home town, Wilkesboro, NC.
Keep up the great work Skip and Logan!

this album is outstanding.the most amazing thing this year. brings together The flaming lips and coldplay perfectly.unbelievible.thts all i needed to say.