Customer Reviews

Stereo Girl

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Until I heard this CD, I subscribed to the policy of reviewer "emojen" of O.C. CA, which reads "If I had to take three things to a deserted island, they'd be a portable CD player and two copies of Clarity [Jimmy Eat World], in case one got scratched..."
Now, I'd bring the player, a copy of Stereo Girl, and a steering wheel to drum on.

Where can I start? This CD has gotten me through hundreds of traffic jams and thousands of streets with the greatest of ease and in the highest of spirits.

Let me start by saying I am a radio DJ and have heard countless artists and this is my favourite rock cd ever, and my second favorite artist of all time (second to Adiemus (note the contrast of styles!)). I mainly play instrumental music because I can't listen to trite melodies, depressing lyrics, and--most annoying--uncreative "background" instrumentation. I am not typically a rock fan because of depressing lyrics and feel. I don't typically like pop because of cheesy instrumentation. I never play punk because of repetitiveness and whiney guys.
So, why do I love this album so much?

NO ONE CAN JAM LIKE ELEMENT 101 JAMS ON THIS CD! They just don't know how to these days. (Gene Krupa's swing orchestra came pretty close at the end of his "Bonaparte's Retreat" recording.) The energy and positive vibes do not let down on this album. The drummer never stops mixing it up, he must have A.D.D. The guitar/bass rhythms are crushing and timeless. The numerous guitar solos are absolutely ridiculous (you can't fit this stuff to beats and meters, you have to feel this). These for guys could stand alone with the killer music they put out, but when draped with Crissie's sweet and instantly classic melodies, unpretentious voice, and positive lyrics... the finished product can not be beat.
My only complaint is on the production. The recording is sadly lacking in the quality these musicians deserve. However, as "a music fan" has written below, a full five years ago, every song rocks big time and you WILL hit repeat over and over and you will find delight in picking out the endless creativity and musicianship over the first few months of non-stop listening and will pound out drum flourishes on your steering column, hum along to rugged bass lines, and groove syncopation I've only heard matched in my African collection.

One last thing to note is that your average rock band wimps out at the end of the CD and makes some mushy piece of garbage sentimental track.. and trust me I listen to tons of slow emotional stuff, but rock band just shouldn't try--we don't want to hear it. I was afraid at first that Stereo Girl had such an ending piece. However, after some certainly decent finger-picking, an absolutely devastating finisher riff kicks in with fabulous cymbal work. This is amazing stuff.

So I am not a big rock or punk fan and am in no position to compare. However, if you appreciate real musicianship but, like me, need the occasional rock album to get the blood flowing, THIS IS THE ONE. And the occasional rock music will turn into non-stop Element 101.

PS: If you want more info, check for my reviews for Element 101's other albums and if you dig these guys, contact me for their long-out-of-print 1998 EP... it's strong as ever

Tooth&Nail records once again gives us a cd, we can just sit back, close our eyes, and soak in the tunes. I had the privelege of seeing e101 at Emo's in Austin, TX. Their live show doesn't hold back anything; the stage itself was sweating for pete's sake. Crissie is one of those lyricists that we could only DREAM to be in the same position as. I've had lyrics that have grabbed me, but not lyrics that have grabbed and SHAKEN me! Very strong! Sounding like a modern day Pearl Jam thrown in a blender with old school Bryan Adams (SUMMER OF '69!), and with a little White Diamonds perfume, e101 has already rocked your socks off, but you just don't know it yet. JERSEY REPRESENT!

There is NO way ANYBODY would be disappointed with this latest of e101's CD's. Anyone who is... has absolutely no clue to what it takes to successfully put across a new sound and make it work ...and I mean make it work WELL! This band and their female vocalist has done something unique in todays drab music offerings. MADE TALENT PAY OFF! Talent runs a plenty in this band and groups like Element 101 are paving the way for talent to make a comeback. Wow I now have hope for music in this next millenium because of what I heard on Stereo Girls 12 tracks. Great stuff..don't miss out BUY IT!

This band is on their way to reach the new high of great sounds. I'll be listening to this album alot and for a long time. Very provocative instrumental on this album too. Favorite songs are the first 12...get it??? and Get It !

This album has the energy of a punk record, and very intelligent lyrics as well. The drums are heavy, the bass and guitars are energetic, and the vocals are sweet and melodic. It's strange that Crissie's exuberant, vivacious voice works with such vociferous intrumental parts, but it does, and very well. This album has a very original sound. It is hard to detect any outside influence in this music. My advice: buy this cd, and find out that heavier isn't always better.

I talked to the bass player of this band,Sal, back in July, when my band played a festival that they played, and he said that the album would be ready later that year. It got pushed back, I guess, but it was well worth the wait. The songwriting is awesome, and the music is top-form. They've really evolved as a band, and have made a really great pop album.

I ordered this cd because I will be going to see them perform live at the Creepy Crawl in St Louis. I like what I have heard and am looking forward to seeing them perform now! The lyrics to these songs are great and a lot of the songs promote positive Christian ideas.

Listen to this album once and you find yourself hitting the repeat button on your cd player over and over again. Every song rocs...big time. what is the chance of hearing a group that you never heard before but get their album because someone said you gotta get it...THEN you are hooked as a fan. I don't know much about them but their sound is real and awesome. Everysong drives hard but unbelievably good. The music is headed for a superior sound in rock not achieved since zepplen and the ramones. Sounds like a weired combo but get this album and try to describe why they are so good. Hope they stick around and beat out more great sounds.

I had the pleasure of standing about a foot and a half away from these guys as they performed last night in Norfolk, VA. This was the first time I'd heard of these guys, and after sleeping on it for a night, I now consider myself a huge fan.

Wow, a poppy punk band with a girl as their lead singer! That alone made me take a listen to Element 101. And from what I've heard so far, it's pretty good. Some people may disagree with me on this, but the songs on this album remind me of Saves the Day (particularly in 'Stay What You Are') only with a female at the helm. The fact that they're Christian doesn't really factor in this for me...good music is good music. I haven't listened to every single track, but 'Standing at the Edge of Night' and 'A Faithful Fascination' are good tracks. I'll probably listen to this band when I'm sick of Jordan from NFG or Chris Conley from Saves the Day's somewhat whiny voices.