Customer Reviews

St Jude

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

 

 

The Courteeners are a four man band from Manchester in the UK, and "St. Jude" is their debut CD. I'd heard a lot about them in magazines (mainly from their very cocky lead singer) going on about how great this CD was so I was eager to hear it.

Sonically, they remind me a bit of The Coral, or even The Smiths, especially on bouncy numbers like "No you didn't, no you don't", or the brilliant "If it wasn't for me" (fantastic riff and semi-shouted lyrics).

They have a retro sound which comes out especially on the beautiful ballads "Please don't" (lovely chiming melodic guitars, it sounds a bit like those doo wop songs from "Grease"), and the more melancholic "How come".

Other standouts are the brief frenetic rocker "Kings of the new road", "Not nineteen forever", the pensive acoustic ballad "Yesterday, today, and probably tomorrow". My absolute favourite song though is "Fallowfield hillbilly" with a jagged guitar riff, nice harmonies and stomping beats, and very pronounced British accents.

The bonus CD comprises demos, acoustic versions, as well as the amusing "An ex is an ex for a reason" (an acoustic ballad with quite witty lyrics) and the sunny "Kimberley" with very nice guitar work (both of which are not on the original CD).

The album cover features an arty shot of Audrey Hepburn, by the way. So do they live up to all the hype? A few jagged moments and ok songs aside, I think they almost do.

Saw them recently when they opened for Morrissey in Columbus OH. Very impressive. Bought CD without hesitation. Can't wait for more from these guys.

I picked up this CD immediately after hearing their set when they opened for a Morrissey show. These guys are great. To me, they sound most like an early Del Amitri. This CD is getting heavy play in my household. Not a weak song on the offering. If you like British guitar-based rock with no shortage of hooks, give it a go!

This gets better and better and better as time goes by. I have had it in constant rotation in my car for months. Very Smiths like, but heavier guitar. Extremely catchy sounds. Great voice and lyrics. You can turn it up LOUD.

I read the reviews and gave them a shot. I am a huge Oasis, Coldplay,Kooks, brit pop/rock fan in general so I had high hopes. Given the hype surrounding the Courteeners they are supposed to be the second coming of Oasis - I am here to say they are not even close.

The album isn't bad, but it is missing that magic that just hits you and draws you in. Considering the price to import the album, I would wait until you can download it from Amazon or it is available in the U.S. to give it a listen. I just don't think they are as good as the hype.

I saw The Courteeners open for Morrissey last Sunday. I can't remember the last time I enjoyed the opening band's set, but enjoy is probably too tame a word for the experience. I ordered this album upon coming home from the show.
St. Jude is captivating. Each time I listen to the album, I find there is a lyric or melody I hadn't noticed before. The sound is layered, melodic. Of course, the vocalist sings with a definite Mancunian accent. "Us" sounds like "oo-s". Charming. They remind me of James, without sounding just like James.
I don't get The Smiths references. I can see why Morrissey is impressed with these guys. Their lyrics are intelligent, with just the right amound of saltiness added for fun. I wondered at the explicit lyrics label when I got the cd. Of course, once I'd adjusted to the accent, I understood. Their sound, while clearly influenced by so many other bands, is all their own. There's a rustic touch to the actual music here that, being a Smiths/ Morrissey fan for most of my life (I'm 34), I can't equate with The Smiths.
Okay, so I'm not a professional music critic. I love this album and look forward to more from The Courteeners.

I've been listening to demos of this band and reading the hype and I must say that they live up to it all and more. the sound is a brilliant mix of rock/pop/indie, guitar/keyboards, fast/slow, old and new and everysong feels fresh and alive bursting with witty lyrics and catchy riffs. the accoustic versions on the bonus cd are well worth the price.

get this!!!