Customer Reviews

Shine

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When I listened to a couple sample tracks from a live show of Pat McGee Band's work in .mp3, Girl From Athens being the first song, I wasn't completely blown away, he sounded interesting, but it wasn't like I was blown away. And that was probably because when you listen to a new artist, you're attention span isn't very long -- they have to make that impression then and there to persuade you. But as time grew, the songs became more meaningful and as I look at my collection of Pat McGee Band CDs (after buying his past 3 cds), I really looked forward to their new album, even though there are many complaints of the band's songs sounding so similar. However, with Shine, i think they've really tried to get past that, not to mention the incredible mixing job and the guest artists. I just got this CD in the mail from the company (I just had to get my signed copy from the band) and haven't stopped listening to it --- if you need new music and you like Barenaked Ladies, Matchbox 20, Train, Vertical Horizon and the like, buy this album now! You'll thank me for it!

Something to start off with -- Shine is a great album. It offers fourteen good and solid songs to listen to, and that's rare enough in an album these days, and a music culture awash in Backstreet Boys and Christina Aguilera. I'm not sure where the Amazon reviewer got "bar-band hell", because these guys are way better than any band I've ever heard in a bar, but maybe I just don't go to the right bars. However, seeing as this is the third album from PMB and they have a grassroots and loyal following, I'd say they're doing something right. This band's time has come, and Rebecca (Are You Alright?) is gaining huge airplay on the eastern seaboard. Jump on now, and we won't tell anyone. Definitely worth listening to, if you care enough to hear and understand the lyrics.

Well, after reading the above reviews, the description of the album has been covered. As for the quality and legitimacy of the music & lyrics as so harshly criticized by Mr. Josephes, let's put it this way...I just saw them here in Boston and took my friend whose favorite band is Slayer. Not to mention his other favorites such as dying fetus, iced earth and meshuggah. He is an amazing guitar player, and despite his loyalty to metal and severe criticism of guitar players and musicians, he was so impressed with the Pat Mcgee Band and could stop raving about the show. If a band rooted in the spirits of Dave Matthews can move a fan of Slayer so much, I belive that says enough about the quality of the lyrics and music Mr. Josephes described as "musical mush is overproduced and anonymous to the point of annoyance."

I discovered the Pat Mcgee Band through a friend of mine and have loved them since the first time i heard them. The first concert i went to was when they were pushing "Shine". This album shows the true talent of all of the band members, from the tight harmonies to the clean guitar sounds. For a direct comparison i would put them up against The Dave Matthews Band. Although i would have to say that i like Pat's voice much better. His voice is smooth and meshes well with the harmonies of the other band mates. If you have a chance to see them when they come to your town please don't pass up the chance to hear this truly gifted band. You will walk away feeling fulfilled. Although the band has gone through a few changes, they still know how to leave you wanting more. Shine is the type of CD that you can listen to over and over and it never gets old. It has a variety of different types of songs from slow and heart filled to upbeat and entrancing. This album pulls you to their strengths and keeps you listening.

A solid studio album, from the one of the best live bands around. The latest version of "Rebecca" sounds great. "Hero" is awesome, and the guitar work on "Haven't Seen for Awhile" is better than ever. Pat really shows some vocal range on the title cut, and the sultry Dire Straits-ish instrumental at the end of "I Know" is superb. Check "Shine" out, then go see these guys live, for a real treat.

This CD is "ALWAYS" in my rotation. It is a catchy, straight forward album, filled with great harmonies, guitar hooks and tight percussion. There is nothing complex about this album but I can't seem to stop listening to it. For a lack of a better description The Pat Mcgee Band is like, James Taylor meets Dave Matthews. I saw them live with Vertical Horizon and Sister Hazel and these guys had the whole audience whispering, "Where did these guys come from?" and "Where can I buy their album?" This album is worth every penny. The only reason this gets 4 stars is that I reserve 5 for the classics masterpieces.

The Pat McGee Band is going to win lots of fans with their major label debut on Giant/WB. Every track on this CD is richly textured with the feel-good sound of this six-piece band out of Richmond, Virginia. I have been a fan of the band for over a year now but I think this album is accessible to anyone and will be enjoyed by many, many people. They already have a devoted fan following that follows them all over the country in the tradition of Phish and the Grateful Dead and I'm sure that's only going to grow as they get bigger. Standouts on this CD are the beautiful title track Shine, Anybody, Runaway, Lost and -- gosh, there's too many to mention. They're all fantastic. Most of the beats are driving and bring to mind some of the band's concert jams but there are some lovely ballads as well. Two of the songs on this CD (Haven't Seen for a While and Rebecca) have been on the previous CDs of the band but are reworked and updated for this album and have a really modern, clean sound. If you like this CD you'll also love General Admission, which was recorded live, and Revel, which was the first CD of the entire band and has some more intimate songs on it. Shine really speaks for itself but it's also hard to say enough about it! : ) My email address posted here is at spinrecords but it's not in ANY WAY affiliated with the Pat McGee Band, their label, etc. Take a chance on some new music if you aren't familiar with these guys. You'll soon be driving to their shows in your area and beyond. ; )

Pat McGee and crew put together one of the greatest cd's that I have ever heard. There is not one song that I don't like in the entire cd. Soft slower songs like the title song Shine or I know, and a great collection of up tempo songs like Hero, or Runaway. It is one of the greatest albums ever.

If you read the amazon.com review, you would be lead to believe this cd has little to offer. Does it have some lyrics we could live without? Yes.

Even so, these guys don't dissapoint. I love the songs "Lost" and "I Know". These guys have captured that laid back southern rock sound very well. The reviewer mentions Hootie and the Blowfish. Amazon.com, shut up-a-you-face! Darius has a lot of talent, but these guys blow them away. They remind me more of a Crosby, Stills, and Nash. They have great harmonies and a sound that is both rooted in tradition and unique.

I play guitar and write songs for fun. These guys could improve some of the weird lyrics. The faster songs sound a little too country for my taste. Even so, if you want a great cd to put for a relaxing drive in the summer...This is it!

I have been a big Pat McGee Band fan for years now, and have been waiting for this album since they signed the contract last spring. While I admit I haven't been able to listen to it repeatedly (hey -- it just came out yesterday), I'd have to say that, compared to what the group is capable of, this is disappointing. With Shine, PMB mimics the trap most bands fall into with a major label debut -- specifically, their throaty, somewhat-rough-yet-endearing sound is lost to much more engineered, slick recordings. (Think Big Head Todd when they went from Midnight Radio to Sister Sweetly...) The sound turns out somewhat generic -- new fans will probably love it, but old fans will miss the individuality of the previous albums. Regardless, PMB's sound is still much better than most out there, so still check out the album. (And the guys put on a GREAT live show -- impromptu and crazy and with all the soul that is missing on "Shine" -- so keep an eye out for the tour.) As for me, I'll take "General Admission" anyday.