Customer Reviews

Strange Underworld of the Tall Poppies

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

 

 

I first heard these guys last year, tipped by a friend who had heard a song on college radio. I was completely blown away! If you like orchestral, melodic pop with a rock edge, it can't be done any better than this. Even On A Sunday Afternoon is a perfect starter, infectious hook, just try not to sing along. Sugar Mountain Babies is a gorgeous lullaby. Banana Sandwich has a more rock edge, great song. And so it goes. David Scott(main Pearlie) is a songwriter par excellance, lyrically and musically sharp. I am glad someone turned me on to these guys, give this a listen...it will brighten your day!

"The Strange Underworld of the Tall Poppies" is my first disc by Pearlfishers; and what a lovely introduction to this amazing band! Their music is melodic, peppy & original. Of my two very favorites, "Cherry Sky" sounds like a renegade Penny Lane-era Beatles' track, "Wake up, wake up, an imaginary landslide, Wake up, wake up, underneath the cherry sky, try to find the way home, try to find the inside." "Banana Sandwich" has a jubilant melody with a driving electric lead guitar, "When I go, I'll be on my own." "They Met Too Late" offers lovely harmonies with a laid-back tempo about two people attracted to each other who will never be together, "I'm not religious, but I'm asking God to hold your hand and guide you through it all." "Everyday Storms" is another magical track with tinkling xylophones and a churning melody that mirrors changing weather. The opening track "Even on a Sunday Afternoon" is a great pop gem with an original melody & lyric, "There must be something going wrong in this garden, all the flowers are black and the leaves are upside down." Pearlfishers is an absolute gem! Bravo!

The Strange Underworld Of the tall poppies was released in the Spring of 1997. It was the second album with the Pearlfishers monicker BUT was the first with their current sound. This C.D. has the most retro- sixties influence of all their albums. The production is clean and simple with a more predominant guitar influence than on subsequent albums. Here are some album highlights:

Even on a Sunday Afternoon has a definite Byrds sound-- even in the jangly, Rickenbacker-esque guitar,

Cherry Sky is a tribute to The Beatles Penny lane-- even in the Mccartney- style, fluid bass line. Sugar Mountain Babies has the mood, tempo and instrumentation (acoustic guitar and small string ensemble) of Dan Fogelberg's song, Longer.

They Met Too Late hearkens back to mid-seventies Hall And Oates.

In the Darkest Hour reminds me of the Beatles, Here, There and Everywhere.

Waiting on the Flood and Jelly Shoes are my personal favorites on the C.D..The latter has a warm melody set against strained, interpersonal relationships expressed in the song lyrics. This C.D. easily deserves a five- star rating!

Here is a little background:

The Pearlfishers, from Glasgow, are an alternative pop band with retro influences from the late sixties and early seventies. They are perhaps THE MOST MELODIC BAND IN THE WORLD! Their intelligent lyrics express well the vicissitudes of contremporary life. These, combined with strong melodic hooks, interesting chord progressions and tempo changes result in ultimate "ear candy." Their musical influences have been favorably compared to Brian Wilson, Paul McCartney, Todd Rundgren, and Burt bacharach. David Scott, the chief "pearlie" (composer, vocalist, arranger, producer,and multi-instrumentalist-whew!) has an uncanny sense of melody which comes along only once in awhile. Their music generally remains warm, sunny and infectious even in the midst of their occasional, "dark" lyrics. And in spite of their musical influences, the pearfishers maintain their distinctive sound!

This is more way more than just brilliant pop -- this is a golden bolt of musical nectar that you must own and cherish.

And yet, it's kinda deceptive. David Scott's vocals are borderline dodgy but mysteriously seductive, while the killer hooks often hit when least expected after having lurked behind a soft-rock facade.

But there's nothing deceptive about the quality of this juggernaut of toonage. One gem follows the next, with ringing guitars coaxing romantic, wistful melodies...bliss.