Customer Reviews

Strangelet

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

 

 

I've been a fan since the GLB days of "Fuzzy" but I wasn't too impressed with the so-so "nineteeneighties" covers album. But if it bought Grant some more time to work on this stellar album then all is forgiven.

The intimate, quiet songs are the ones I think Grant does best, but there are some good "rock" songs on this album too. I've read a lot of T. Rex/Mark Bolan comparisons for songs like "Johnny Guitar" and "Raise The Spirit" and they're apt. But even so, they have Grant's own distinctive dream-like sound, which is unlike any other artist recording today.

The arrangements on every song on this album are excellent, and a lot fuller and more textured than on "Virginia Creeper" (no knock on that album by the way). "Fountain Of Youth," "Dream In Color," "Killing A Dead Man" and "Same Blue Devils" all sound like they're simple songs, but have a lot more going on upon closer listen. "Hidden Hand" sounds like it could be early 70s John Lennon to my ear.

Each of Grant's solo albums have had a slightly different flavor to them, and this one would be great for a Saturday night with a few close friends. He's still growing and maturing and these songs are beautiful, personal songs that you feel lucky to get to hear. Pick this up as soon as possible - it's excellent!

This is Grant-Lee's best work since the sad demise of the Buffalo. "Mobilize" had some great songs, but having a real drummer makes "Strangelet" stronger and more band-sounding for a basically solo-created CD.
His recent 80's album was worth one listen. Yes, Grant has the best voice in rock, but that doesn't mean he sings "Love My Way" better than Richard (nicotine foghorn) Butler. I'm not sure he'll ever rock or really unleash his voice like on "Mighty Joe Moon", but a few songs early on are louder and almost rock out. So far, the first 3 cuts are very strong. Then 3 separate songs have a T. Rex/Bryan Ferry glam-dream-pop feeling. 1 or 2 songs sound like "Virginia Creeper" out-takes. Anyway, this CD can appeal to fans from all stages of his career. As much as Coldplay made me hate falsetto voices, Grant is THE master of falsetto, and several octaves below too. Sell your copy of "Ladies Love Oracle", this is the real thing.

Grant Lee's continued excellence, in songwriting as well as in performance, keeps moving him closer to wearing the mantle of America's best singer/songwriter. Although not in possession of a great voice, he is a very powerful interpretive singer. As a result, he always pulls you into his songs. Lyrically, he is always creative and poetic. Musically, he is always fresh and surprising. This is another great CD in an ever-increasing catalog of signifcant work from Grant. Although you can hear the influences of T. Rex (Marc Bolan), Bowie, The Beatles, Neil Young, and even a little bit of "X" all over this CD, it still stands up as a unique piece, truly Grant's own. My personal favorites are "Runaway", "Soft Asylum", "Fountain of Youth", "Chain Lightning", "Johnny Guitar", "Hidden Hand", and "Killing A Dead Man". This wonderful CD is a creative blend of 70's Glam Rock, Country Blues, present day Americana, 70's Southern California Stoner Rock, and present day L.A. Folk/Rock. As I mentioned earlier, the picture painted here is uniquely Grant's. Bravo on raising the bar for all singer/songwriters.

Purely amazing Vocals and lyrics. Always amazing to listen to. Each album is different from the last and all are a must.

"Strangelet" hasn't grabbed me as well as past albums. Much of the set is slow & soft -- which is not always a bad thing -- but here has yet to engage me. My favorite track is "Raise the Spirit" with its electric dirge and the chorus "Come on, come on." "Chain Lightning," "Same Blue Devils" & "Return to Love" were enjoyable. The rest of the CD is pleasant. I plan to get his new set "Little Moon" and hope it returns to form. Enjoy!

This is an extraordinary cd. It flows so smoothly. It may not be his best but he is in fine form here.The musicianship is extraordinary. Very good to hear when you need a pick me up. All songs stand on their own.

I really like this album but can't help but hear T.Rex (Marc Bolan) in several of the songs. Awesome disc.

Especially for Grant-Lee Phillips. No song really stood out to me, sorry. There was just no equivalent to "See America" or "Spring Released" or "Mona Lisa."

My least favorite of his solo albums yet, but with that said, it was still pretty darn good.