Customer Reviews

Stolen Wishes

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

 

 

OK, being as objective as possible, I know that PRESENT TENSE/TONGUE TWISTER is the better album/albums, but this one is very, very nearly as good. Overall, the songs on the earlier albums were a tiny big stronger, a bit fresher, and a little more energetic. That being said, my favorite Shoes song, "Torn in Two," with some of the coolest harmonies on record, is on this one. And that alone gives this album a special place in my heart.

Again, being as objective as possible, I know that there are better bands than the Shoes. But over the years, I have to admit that I have probably listened to the three albums mentioned here as much as any others that I own. And that ought to tell you something. Music that you enjoy having as part of the texture of your life.

Although the Shoes have been releasing catchy power pop music for the past three decades, they've managed (unfortunately for listeners) to escape mainstream acceptance. Being praised by critics and shunned by the public is not unusual for this genre of music. The overall character of Stolen Wishes is innocence - streetwise posturing and tough-guy attitude are completely absent. Lyrically, the CD is heavy on puppy love (perhaps adolescent infatuation is an outdate moray). They're every bit as melodic as the Beatles (I Don't Know Why), and they do some soaring Hollies 3-part vocal harmonies (I'll Follow You, Love Does). Byrds' jangling rhythm guitars? Sure, they've also got that pretty much down pat (I Knew You'd Be Mine, Never Had It Better). Stolen Wishes is filled with pristine melodic ballads (I Don't Know Why) and rockers heavy on bass guitars and drums (Want You Bad, I Can't Go Wrong). It would be easy for fans of Dwight Twilley, the Kennedys and the Raspberries to appreciate Stolen Wishes. If I had to choose one band which sounds most similar to the Shoes, it would have to be the Records. Contagious stuff.

One of my favorite CDs. One you'll play over and over and over once you get it. Not a bad cut on the album. If you like Cheap Trick, Material Issue (their 1st album was produced by Shoes' Jeff Murphy), the Byrds, the Beach Boys or a host of other power pop bands, then this CD is worth seeking out!

You can hear the Byrds influence in the sharp harmonies.

Now down to a trio and having reactivated their Black Vinyl imprint, the newly DIY Shoes returned to music with "Stolen Wishes" in 1989. Other than a Shoes Best CD (and a Europe only release, "Propeller"), it was their first USA release since being dropped by Elektra post "Boomerang." It carries their tradition of buzzing guitars and killer harmonies, along with an impeccable knack for catchy hooks and choruses.

Time did seem to have tempered them a bit, however. While there are some really incredible songs here, especially "Torn In Two" and "Love Is Like a Bullet," there seems to be a little of the youthful spark missing from "Stolen Wishes." Adding keyboards also diluted the band's sound, even if only a slight bit. If there weren't two brilliant and one exceptional album in front of "Stolen Wishes," this would have been seen for what it was; a great power-pop album in the tradition of The Raspberries and Badfinger with almost Byrds-ian harmonies. Roughly translated, an album that most bands would have killed to make. Trust me, it's worth owning. And if you're reading this, you probably are already aware of Shoes' reputation. So go ahead and add it to the collection.