Customer Reviews

Starflyer 59 (Gold)

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm just baffled why some people discount Starflyer's first two CD's as "that shoegazer stuff." I own and enjoy all seven of Starflyer's full-length CD's, and they all have a charm of their own...but the second CD, Gold, is so much more than any other CD, by Starflyer or any other artist. It is the emotionally raw product of a near-nervous breakdown by then-control-freak Jason Martin, who played all instruments and produced himself (which he would never do again). Some songs, like "Housewife Love Song" and "Messed Up and Down" are harrowing walls of guitar noise; then some songs like the extraordinary "You're Mean" and "Do You Ever Feel That Way" are perfect pieces of melodic pop/rock; others like "Messed Up Over You" wail on with emotionally draining solos. But the best song on this album is the closer, "One Shot Juanita", a quiet and melancholy longing for lost love that is probably the saddest song I've ever heard.

Gold touches every emotion I have. Emotionally, it is brutally raw, bringing out all the feelings of inadequacy, fear, rejection. There is no resolution, no light at the end of the tunnel...just the sad longing. Some may call it needlessly depressing, but it is therapeutic for me. Jason is married now and surrounded by talented musicians and producers, and will certainly never be able to recreate these sorts of emotions again; so like Rivers Cuomo and Weezer's Blue Album, this is a masterpiece to be treasured because it is a once-in-a-lifetime album, the likes of which simply can't be duplicated.

I own about four hundred CD's. If I could only listen to one for the rest of my life, it would be Gold. The sheer emotional rawness just can't be topped.

i have other sf59 albums, but Gold is so very, very important to me. i sometimes take it with me places. it's that important. my fellow music obsessors must understand.

it's beautiful, beautiful. the moments when it bludgeons you with sheer choking granite noise are softened by jason's sleepy, floating voice, hovering over it, lightly touching but staying just above. and God, "dual overhead cam" was like a lover to me. i couldn't get enough of it. it will always be my favorite and possibly the best on the album. the time-bomb ticking of the guitars, the long, lazy soloing, and the buildup at the end with the shrieking feedback stretching one's nerves to the breaking point...and then it explodes, and continues to explode until it fades, leaving you exhauted and flying. "when you feel miserable" has the same soaring feeling. and i can't describe "indiana" in words.

if anybody out there wants some MUSIC, to LISTEN to, to make you feel, get Gold, get it, get it right away. i've never heard anything like it. i'm still not used to it.

This release by Starflyer 59 is one of the most amazing recordings that has been accomplished in music in a long time. I have almost everything that Starflyer has released but the "Gold" disc is in my opinion their best. The disc contains songs for the brokenhearted that takes you on a melodic journey of despair and hope. The atmosphere and fuzzy guitar work are similar to "My Bloody Valentine" but Starflyer creates real songs that the listener can relate to for those that have been heartbroke. I enjoy the theme of "Mess" on tracks four through seven as Jason talks of being messed up over a girl or in a relationship. My personal favorite is "Somewhere when your heart glowed the hope", it is truly a great song but really the cd is best listened to from start to finish. Starflyer 59 continues to be one step ahead of mainstream music and the "Gold" disc is another example. Buy this cd today and feel the music!

once, while walking through the underground walkway between Downtown Crossings subway station and Park Street station, (Boston, Mass) I had this tape in my walkman. As I walked that long, dim hallway, only partially hearing my own footsteps echoing on the concrete, I was suddenly blown away by the song "Indiana." I wanted to laugh hysterically, defy gravity, fall through the floor, and wake up into a deeper dream. Jason Martin will do this to you when you least expect it, even though you may not like the music the first few times around. I have had similar experiences with some of Starflyer's other songs, such as "The Zenith" from their first album.

Try it and realize the appropriateness of their name.

Yes, its true. When thinking of what album I would listen to for all eternity, it was a toss up between Boards of Canada, My Bloody Valentine, or this Earth-shattering album from Starflyer. While Boards of Canada is definitely not a light listen, and new worlds open with each exposure, music with no words definitely has its limits. And while My Bloody Valentine has some masterfully crafted songs, some of them do drone on a bit and can become annoying. This album by starflyer however is 100% noise-pop goodness. The distortion sounds just right, the wall of feedback comes in at all the correct moments, and the lyrics are just nonsense enough to stimulate the mind. While every track on this CD is 5-stars (no filler! now thats a new concept!) I have to say my absolute favorite is "Indiana" ... reminds me of past loves. I recommend the deluxe edition however, as you get a few extra tracks from the "Shes the Queen" EP. I cant state this enough, that whether a Christian or not (I am not) this album NEEDS to be in your collection. 6-stars.

Most of the songs on here have the same basic sound to them, sounding like variations on the one that preceded it or whatever. It isn't a big deal though because they are still great songs in their own way. The opening track, 'A Housewife Love Song', is easily the best on the album with feedback and guitar squeakings everywhere. It is followed by 'Dual Overhead Cam', which is more subtle and dark with a nice bassline complemented by feedback and things. This is definitely an album to get.

You just got dumped from your girlfriend, your life is a mess. It's time to put on Gold by Starflyer 59 and feel the pain. This album rates as my favorite by SF59, words simply can't describe how good this is. You will be blown away by "Dual Overhead Cam" and rocked to sleep by the melancholy goodness on each track. There's the beauty of "Indiana" and the very sad "One Shot Juanita." Jason Martin created this album with heart, and that's something you just can't buy. It's guitar droning and beautiful. Sad. Somber. Super. Masterpiece. What are you waiting for another Strokes album? Thanks SF59! Keep rocking!

Jason Martin is one of the most amazing, creative songwriter/guitarist I have EVER heard. Dual Overhead Cam is one of the best songs, in my opinion, ever written. It's offbeats and original sound is what makes Starflyer 59 stand out from most every other band out there. This is a CD you should buy, not because it's cool, but because it's a true work of art.

Jason Martin is one of the most amazing, creative songwriter/guitarist I have EVER heard. Dual Overhead Cam is one of the best songs, in my opinion, ever written. It's offbeats and original sound is what makes Starflyer 59 stand out from most every other band out there. This is a CD you should buy, not because it's cool, but because it's a true work of art.

You'll love their mellow music. It just feels good to listen to, after a rough day. His voice is so soothing.