Solid Guild

The Joggers | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 9, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Vagrant Startime
• ASIN: B0000C3I6Y
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #355,648 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive energy and sound, February 8, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Solid Guild (Audio CD)

I bought this album at their show in Denver. They are a very impressive band to see live with an incredible amount of energy and a unique rock sound. They push it to where they almost sound as if they are about to fall into a cacophonous mess, but then they pull it all back together with even more intensity at the last second. This calculated ebb and flow of energy makes then a unique sound among so many new rock bands in the indie rock resurgence. I highly recommend you check out this album and by all means, catch them live!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars one of the best of 2003, December 1, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Solid Guild (Audio CD)

With their debut album, Solid Guild, Portland,OR-based the Joggers have done a remarkable job of expanding the possibilities of a traditional pop-rock quartet. Boasting a sound influenced by bands such as the Fall, Polvo, and -- most of all -- Pavement, the Joggers represent not an amalgam, but an evolution of their predecessors.

On "Loosen Up," the first of many precious stones on Solid Guild, the Joggers stretch and take us on a warm-up run prior to commencing the 11-song race that makes up the rest of the disc. "Loosen Up" is not only the slowest song on the album, but a sort of three-minute Philosophy of the Joggers as Ben Whitesides sings, "What makes us think that we're smart when we don't even know how it will end/ What makes us think that we're old when we don't even know when it began." And indeed, anyone looking for a soundtrack to contemplate the darker sides of human existence should not choose Solid Guild, which is more of a NOW That's What I Call Music! 23 for college radio station DJs.

Following "Loosen Up," the race begins with "Hot Autism," where Whitesides and Murphy Kasiewicz earn their stripes as true indie guitar heroes. Keeping up with the dynamic duo are the consistent drumming of Jake Morris and bass playing of Darrell Bourque. Another contender for best song would have to be "Neon Undercarriage," whose poppy, yet innovative melody starts with the bass and drum alternating leads before the guitars kick in and the four stroll along, complete with all four members contributing on vocals. "Blurred Digits," the second-to-last track on the album, is perhaps the best demonstration of Whitesides and Kasiewicz's slanted and enchanted guitar playing. Starting out from a fade-up, the song slowly builds until halfway through the song, at which point the guitars race ahead of the pack until Morris' symbols slowly bring them back to a steadier pace.

Besides the innovative guitar tunings that would make Sonic Youth beam with pride, tracks like "Back To The Future," "Little Kings," and "Same To You" feature claps, cow bells, and barbershop-quartet-style vocals that distinguish the Joggers from other bands. All told, Solid Guild leaves us with the impression of a band trying to utilize the experimental guitar work and vocal styles of Pavement, Polvo, and the Fall while adding the occasional acoustic anomaly, all of which keeps the songs fun and light hearted. Packed with melodic songs that are catchy, yet unpredictable, the disc and its creators stand out as one of the finest to emerge in 2003.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars listen to these guys, September 18, 2003

By 

chris (Prescott Valley, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Solid Guild (Audio CD)

i was lucky enought to go and see these guys in concert, and, let me tell you that this had changed my life. the joggers' backround melodies and rough, beautifully, sometimes hectic drumming had turned me into a fan for life. the band is all around nice couple of guys who just bring the music to you on a silver platter. if you find yourself listening to music like the french kicks and hot hot heat then buy this cd. this cd turned into an instant favorite of mine the first time i put it into my cd player. for the first time in my life i found a flawless cd, this solid guild has not one bad song on it, i could not believe it! well, all i have to say is do not contimplate about buying this, this is a sure-bet, i guarantee this cd will not let you down.