So Far

Orange Peels | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 6, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Spin Art
• ASIN: B0000589FN
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #329,220 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Orange ya glad I didn't say "Very a-Peeling"?, August 15, 2001

By 

D. Hartley (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: So Far (Audio CD)

I promised myself I wouldn't use that dreaded reference that seems to get tossed out a bit too readily (and oh-so trendily) in music reviews these days, but let's go ahead and get it out of the way: The Orange Peels are (gulp) "Brian Wilson-esque". THERE, I SAID IT! (I couldn't help it!). How about a new one? The Orange Peels are also a bit "Roddy Frame-ish" (bet no one's used that one yet!). Yes, there's a bit of the early 80's Aztec Camera mixed in with the usual Beach Boys-Beatles-Bacharach-Rundgren touchstones that seem to inform most denizens of the new millenial "indie pop" genre. And when I say that this album "breezes" by, I mean it quite literally...11 songs in a scant 40-odd minutes (not that that's a bad thing, because there isn't one dud on the album--too many new bands are adding needless ho-hum "filler" to shore up up those 74 available minutes anyway). This one will fit nicely alongside your Wondermints, Pernice Brothers and Shins discs if you are so disposed.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Classic Guitar Pop, March 5, 2003

By 

Greg Cleary (Marquette, MI United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: So Far (Audio CD)

The song "Something Strange Happens" (from their debut album, "Square") alerted me to the Orange Peels, so I was ready for "So Far" when it came out. I was not disappointed.

"So Far" has a lusher, more atmospheric sound than the first album, with no shortage of catchy guitar hooks. The music is a Byrds-influenced style that is usually described as "power pop," although Allen Clapp's vocals push it in the direction of twee. This will make the album especially delightful to fans of bands like Belle and Sebastian, but may be a turnoff for those who are expecting pure power pop along the lines of Shoes or the Raspberries.

Personally, I think it's a great sound, reminiscent of early 70s AM radio. "Back in San Francisco" is a delight, right up there with "Something Strange Happens." The title song is more of a rocker, with pounding drums and a melody line that ascends in stages, like a fast car shifting gears. Some of the songs in the middle are somewhat obscure lyrically. I once heard that "Redwood City" is about a landlord, while "The Pattern on the Wall" may be about a friend's drug addiction. But I don't remember where I read this, so don't take it too seriously.

One thing that sets this album apart from most is that it has a strong sense of place, as the music seems to shine like the rain-soaked vegetation of northern California. A sense of place is common in folk music, but rare in pop music, so I always appreciate it when I find it. Contrary to what a previous reviewer wrote, I've found that many of these songs stick in my head long after the album has ended. If you like classic guitar pop that is polished but not too commercial, I recommend you give this album a try.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Priveleged to get a preview, February 8, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: So Far (Audio CD)

I had the recent priveledge to preview this album. Allen Clapp's musical talent is incredible. The music is upbeat and fun. It is a shame that the west coast is the only place that really gets to enjoy this band.