Customer Reviews

Smell The Mitten

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

 

 

The Hot Toddies are a really fun band to listen to. As far as musicmanship goes, my first impression of the band was that the girls aren't wonderful musician; However they are wonderful singers, and savy songwriters (especially lyrically) and I think they're great. They play to their strengths and don't try to be something they're not. The reason I gave the album 3 stars is because I'm not crazy about the way the album sounds. It sounds as if it was recorded in someone's basement, and not in a good way. Being a home recording enthusiast myself, and having recorded material MUCH, MUCH worse than this, it normally doesn't bug me...but I just really wish this album had a better quality to it. Some of the instruments have very little tone...and on songs like "Wet Dream", where the vocals are so wonderful, it's such a shame that they're sort of lost in the mix. Songs with such lush vocals deserve better treatment than what was given here...that being said, I am really looking forward to the new album and I trust that they'll take what they've done here and build upon it to create something really special.

This is a really amazing album. The vocals sound 60s-style, the music is energetic (almost punk) indie rock, and there's surreal lyrics that remind me of stuff They Might Be Giants would write... The description sounds eclectic yet it all comes together perfectly and is accessible on the first listen. There's not a bad song on the whole album, and several really, really good songs, especially Photosynthesis and Wet Dream. Best album I've bought yet from Amazon MP3.

This is a very, very good record...a solid 4 1/2 star. I rounded down to four stars because I think it falls short of being an all-time classic.

On the surface it's a sweet, bouncy, pop confection...underneath, it has a bit of a subversive vibe to it. The juxtaposition of the delightful pop melodies and sweet harmonies with the cleverly crafted and sometimes slightly naughty lyrics is very charming. If either the music was edgier, or the lyrics were tamer, the contrast wouldn't be as notable, and the overall effect would be diminished. As it is, the Hot Toddies have produced a thoroughly engaging pop (near) masterpiece.

The album cover and title perfectly encapsulate the contrasts that lie within. Smell the mitten...brilliant!

I first heard the Hot Toddies live at a free show in the loft of my favorite music store here in Portland Oregon, Music Millenium. Their light-catchy, plainly spiffy lyrics will bring any Californian home through their light melodies and memory-inducing lyrics. Not just Californians can enjoy the Hot Toddies' Smell the Mitten, the great lyrics, catchy guitar and affects, singing, bass and everything else are totally mellow and fun for anyone. Songs on this album such as "Wet Dream" make the album not just fun, but insightful and original. Smell the Mitten is a fantastic album for in the car, especially on a sunny day. You can't not sing along to this album and get it stuck in your head and be glad it's there. [: I'm gonna go listen to it right now...