Customer Reviews

So Long

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I'm shallow. But I'm mature enough to admit as much, confessing that what originally drew me to this CD was the cover. It's very eye-catching, highly provocative, and - let's just say it - smoking hot. So much so that I bought the CD with absolutely no idea what it would sound like. I was curious as to what kind of band would be daring enough to go with this cover art. Also, as I may have noted earlier, I'm shallow. This kind of nonsense appeals to me.

In my own defense, the back cover is equally interesting, a mock-up of a well used cassette case and tape. Nice touch, calling to mind some of the classic rock sounds of the late 80s and early 90s ... at least that's what it did for me. The last cassette I ever bought must certainly have been some kind of big-hair band.

I blew about $100 on CDs when I bought this one, including new stuff from Angels & Airwaves, Seether, and AFI. At the same time, I picked up a used copy of an R.E.M. "Best Of" compilation, but ended up putting back the new Queensryche CD of cover songs to keep it under $100. I'm telling you all of this so you have an idea of where I'm coming from.

I love this CD. AMG (All Media Guide) describes Stereoside as a "hard rocking Ocala, FL, post-grunge ensemble" ... that works for me. This isn't heavy metal, but it does have a slight flavor of some of that classic 80s hair metal with a far more modern sound. If you like Nickleback at all, or possibly Daughtry, then you will certainly like this. Mostly, Stereoside reminds me a lot of Hinder with the crunching guitars, heavy drums, and gravelly, slightly southern-rock flavored vocals from lead singer Jeff Shields. The lyrics are pretty simple and straight ahead ... nothing here for the flannel crowd. The vocals are clear and easy on the ears with no trace of any mumbling or angst.

My favorite cuts (after only a few plays): Too High - the lead-off track which grabbed me right up front; Sinner - a rock solid, all-around tune, my pick for a single; Wasted - almost a ballad, but still rocks; On and On - the closet thing to a true ballad on the disk. A couple of clunkers as well (Tattoo, It's Not My Day) but nothing that spoils the overall appeal of the disk.

The CD looks like eye-candy, sure ... but the music is a crunchy treat for the ears

First off, this HAS to be the sexiest and hottest album cover ever. Wow. And I admit, that's what attracted me to this CD. I had never heard of Stereoside before, and bought this album on a whim. And I'm glad I did, because this is one of the best hard rock CD's I've heard in a long time. The perfect album for those who are sick of predictable power-chord "nu metal" where the singers just yell the same word over and over again. Here, singer Jeff Shields demonstrates his actual singing *talent*. I would even rate him on the same level (or at least pretty close) to Scott Weiland in terms of vocal ability. And the rest of the band ain't too shabby with their instruments either. This is hard rock & roll with a focus on melody and song structure, an album that you'll find yourself playing quite often. Anyone who likes The Cult or Velvet Revolver will most likely enjoy this.

The back cover has a photo of a cassette tape version of this album (anyone remember those?), which could suggest a nod to 80's hard rock/metal. And I can hear a little bit of an 80's influence here, in the sense that the album isn't afraid to have a little bit of fun while rocking. But this isn't a "hair metal" album by any means. I'll stress again that this is a VERY modern-sounding rock & roll album. Would make some excellent driving music for a long trip on the highway.

This well produced album has it all, catchy riffs, clear vocals, killer breakdowns, and the 2:1 heavy to ballad song ratio. Its a good album if you are a fan of Hinder, 3 Doors Down, or Alter Bridge. It will not appeal to metal or heavy rock fans though.

Stereoside is, if anything, a safe bet for a great hard rock album.

This album really knocked my pants off. Stereoside's 1st effort was a bit generic, but this one the band has clearly evolved for the better. It has a more "southern hard rock feel". It reminds me of Shinedown's 1st effort before they developed a generic sound. If your tired of the repitition of bands like Nickleback, this album is your fix.

It does have a retro feel and that IMO is a good thing. If your a fan of radiohead and coldplay type stuff..don't bother applying yourself here. It's hard american style rock and roll. And it's about as good as it gets.

This caght me by suprise. I bought a cd from Amazon and this one popped up after. Got to say it was the cover that caught my eye. So I did some research and I bought a copy of this cd. When i got it I didn't know what to think until I put it in and pushed play. I was floored that a new band could put out music like this. I mean look at what we have today. This cd takes me to a place I've not been in a long time and I think you will agree. Its one of those that you can put in and let play all the way through. Right down to the very last song "Own Our Way". It touches me deeply. It's like this band could read my mind. I hope they make it

Great!! IF you love Shinedown, Theory of a Dead Man or Hinder, this is the band for you. Great songs and a driving beat and an awesome tribute to rock done via "On Our Way". GET IT!!!

I wasn't expecting much, just heard the song "So Long" and thought I would check the album out. Much to my surprise, I had to have the full album. "So Long" and "Sinner" are great, but I am addicted to "On Our Way", a nice lyrical tribute to the music we all grew up with.

Some real quality here. Good songwriting and impressive musicianship. I've been around long enough for the new wave of British heavy metal, hair metal and grunge, and thought these guys, despite the challenging and fad-driven times we live in, encompassed everything that is good about metal: terrific vocals that are powerful but melodic, great chorus hooks and massive shivery riffs in songs that transport the listener. First song made me tingle when it hit the chorus - which is a written-in-stone reaction to great heavy rock. Hasn't been off the stereo for a week. Would love to see them live. And the US still produces the very best in heavy music. So come to London, Stereoside, and I'll throw the horns!

5 stars goes to Appetite for Destruction, Highway to Hell, Blackout in the Red Room, so four means I'm majorly impressed.

Rock and Roll

Great southern style rock band. Their first album was better than this one, but I'll still play this on repeat.

This album is awesome !
Its pure raw Rock'N'Roll, but with a polished sound. The front man sounds great, and his voice matches the music and the style perfectly !
I cannot believe that these guys are not a household name ? 10/10