Seeing Things

Shades Apart

Product Details

• Audio Cassette (March 4, 1997)
• Original Release Date: March 4, 1997
• Label: Revelation
• ASIN: B000000TD1
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #954,659 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

From the Artist
"I remember hearing `Spirits in the Material World` and `99 Red Balloons` on the radio and the lyrics really struck me," recalls drummer and co-lyricist Ed. "They captured the mystery in everyday life, and a sense of wonder for where it all leads". Shades Apart follow in that vein, penning relevant lyrics of their own. The lead-off track "Cathode" embodies a Generation X (not the band but the twentysomething populous) sentiment of alienation and disorientation in the information age: "A cathode ray/ Who designed the circuitry/ We washed away a thousand ancient mysteries/ And still confused inside". "Fearless" is a song of Orwellian defiance, charging "You're so content destroying everyone/ It's like there's no one who will talk back to you/ I'm here to undermine your power trip/ It seems like years since you've been thinking clearly" --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Description
Revelation: 57

In some parallel universe, if Molly Ringwald had been cast in the Mad Max movies, Shades Apart would be the perfect soundtrack. Raised in a decade defined by John Hughes movies, bubblegum pop and escalating nuclear arms, the members of Shades Apart shared a passion for bands from the first wave of punk's invasion (energetic lads like the Jam, the Police, Generation X, and the Clash). Shades Apart's new record, Seeing Things, taps these sources to deliver a modern fusion of pop, punk and new wave. The single from their previous record, a uranium-fueled cover of the synth classic "Tainted Love", received loads of commercial radio airplay last year and eventually turned up on MTV. Not bad for three suburban-bred New Jersey-ites who started playing for something to do during summer vacations.

Shades Apart released their debut album in December 1988 on Wishingwell Records, a chiefly straight-edge hardcore label based in California. Two EPs followed: Dude Danger on Sunspot Records and Neon on Skene Records, which caught the ear of Descendents leader Bill Stevenson. Shades Apart jumped at the chance to work with their proto-punk icon, and Mr. Stevenson (along with bandmate Stephen Egerton) became the producer of their next LP. 1995's Save It was the product of that union. The band found a new home on Revelation Records and toured North America several times in the next year, converting legions of new fans and garnering critical praise along the way.

Seeing Things is the newest release, again brought to us by the production team of Stevenson/Egerton and again on Revelation Records. Whereas Save It was a 200 beat-per-minute articulation of pent-up anger and frustration, Seeing Things is not quite so fast and furious. The band maintains an overriding power and genuine emotion, but there's also a more melodic edge, reminiscent of writers like Joe Jackson or Squeeze. "We heard a difference between today's songwriting and the songs we grew up listening to," explains vocalist/guitarist Mark. "We wanted to write stuff of that caliber, but rev up the energy level".

Loaded with poppy, introspective hits for the proverbial Thinking Man (and Woman), Seeing Things is no lite fare. It's a record of personal searching and realization in the postmodern era, with a snappy beat you can dance to. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Shades Apart Album!, March 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Alienation Index Survey (Audio CD)

These guys have matured into something really special with this album... I haven't much cared for their previous efforts, but this one has made me a fan. I've been into punk rock music for about 13 years and so I know what's good and what's not... this IS! Cathode, Fearless, and Behind the Wheel are the best tunes... I've been listening to it in my car for a month straight

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shades Apart really whips the llama's ***, January 24, 1999

By	Steve Olk [e-mail] (Detroit MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alienation Index Survey (Audio CD)

i hate must punk, but shades apart really opened my eyes. This album is indredible, and the single "fearless" has become my new favorite song. Listen to this.

4.0 out of 5 stars Best Shades Apart album - and one of best in punk rock, May 4, 2003

By	KG (Cincinnati, OH United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alienation Index Survey (Audio CD)

Punk rock bands are abundant. But really great high energy, melodic punk bands are a bit more of an anomaly. Shades Apart are part of this rarer group, and "Seeing Things", their last release on independent label Relevation Records, may just be their finest (half) hour. While later albums "Eyewitness" and "Sonic Boom" find the band reaching for commercial viability and therefore lacking an 'edge', "Seeing Things" finds the band as its raw, melodic best. Each track is loud, fast, filled with excellent solos and catchy, hooky, and memorable choruses (think Elvis Costello backed by the Ramones). At 11 songs just over 35 minutes, Shades Apart's "Seeing Things" is a independent punk gem, best savored when played at high volumes on sunny days. Highly recommended to anyone who wishes to expand their punk pallet beyond Blink 182 and Sum 41.