Summershine

Vigilantes of Love | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 14, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Compass Records
• ASIN: B00005NC2L
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #214,951 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars bye bye Kenny, hello Pop!, September 16, 2001

By 

David Bennett (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Summershine (Audio CD)

I became reacquainted with VOL in 1998 when they released "To the Roof of the Sky." That album changed the way I viewed music. After that, I was a hardcore country-rock fan. If an album didn't have a mandolin or pedal steel player on it, then it wasn't a good album! So I was delighted with "Audible Sigh," which had excellent country-rock credibility (Emmylou Harris, Buddy and Julie Miller). Also, VOL had acquired Kenny Hutson, a multiple instrumentalist who played Mandolin, pedal steel, and dobro on 2 VOL albums.

But Kenny is not on this new album, and Bill and his band are belting out music reminiscent of the pop they grew up on. Frankly I love it. I must say musically I still love the country-rock style of VOL's older material. But this new CD is upbeat, encouraging, and has a "summer" feel to it. When I saw VOL in concert at Eddie's Attic in Atlanta, Bill revealed 2 important insights about "Summershine:" It would not be theological, and it would display the pop influence they picked up in the UK. Many of us were a bit worried, but now we worry no more. My only issue with "Summershine" is that Bill's voice and the vocal harmonies of the band come across stronger in a country-rock setting rather than a pop setting.

My favorites are, "Along For the Ride," "Happy Being Lonely, Lonely Being Happy," and "Green Summer Lawn." The last song, "Sailors" is hauntingly beautiful and reminds me of the mood of "To the Roof of the Sky." While there are no mandolins on this record, Bill has incorporated mellotron, piano, and beautifully played strings. This album will truly make your summer shine! However, during the cold, long fall and winter, I might still have to put in "To the Roof of the Sky," but rest assured, I will take "Summershine" out once spring hits.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Summershine a perfect evolution for VOL!, August 13, 2001

By 

Nick Purdy of PasteMusic.com (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Summershine (Audio CD)

Bill Mallonee once again shows why he's one of America's great songwriters - but this time with a Brit-pop flair that had long lain dormant. Songs like You Know That are what pop music is all about. This album definitely goes some new directions for the band but is still very much VOL. Fans of The Byrds will like the sound of a Rickenbacker used through much of the record - and fans of Blister Soul's Tempest will likely find some familiar vibes. This one's not to be missed.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It Won't Disapoint!, August 22, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Summershine (Audio CD)

It's Bill Mallonee meets mid-1960s American pop and the British Invasion! Bill's lyrics are at their best and the band is musically tight. After a half-dozen times in the CD player, S.O.S., You Know That, and She is Fading have fallen out as being among my favorites. If you are expecting Audible Sigh Number 2, or a return to the Blister Soul and Double Cure days, or the alt country rockin' sound a la Kenny Hutson ... you may be let down. Why only 4 stars? Well ... quite honestly, I still miss Kenny Hutson's presence in the band. But, give Summershine a listen anyway. I promise that it won't disappoint!