Customer Reviews

Take Back the Universe and Give Me Yesterday

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

As a fan of Creeper Lagoon's earlier independet releases, I have to say that I think they've done a nice job of balancing their signature sound with some more radio-friendly stuff. Overall, I have to say that I found the production to be tastefully done.

Yeah, I've heard the rumblings that Creeper Lagoon has gone the way of "corporate rock" by signing with Dreamworks. But they've got solid tunes on the album to please older fans while attracting new ones. The songs are well written and imaginative, the performances are great, so get over it. Besides, I would rather hear a Creeper Lagoon song on the radio than the current overproduced, manufactured bile that passes for music.

Creeper Lagoon has made a conscious effort to spread out their music across the States, via grassroots publicity, Internet, and now, with their first major label release, they have altered their style in hopes of gaining a wider appeal.

This is not a bad thing. This country is in desperate need of a change in pop rock- the staleness of Eve 6, Three Doors Down, Tonic, Limp Bizkit, etc, is deadening our senses and ruining an entire generation of youth into thinking that this is ALL there is. Creeper is making an effort to change that.

The result is a guitar focused, melody laden album that is fresh, cheerful, riff-laden, individualistic while still aiming for a broad audience. They have ditched the moodier, darker sounds of the last album, focusing more on the "Empty Ships" and "Dear Deadly" area, which were their two best radio-friendly works. Ian is the featured vocalist, with Sharkey Laguna doing more back-up.

"Wrecking Ball" is a great first single, with a catchy chorus and rythmical acoustic opening before it tears in a screaming guitar melodies. Laguna still features his high fill-ins and his studio work displays his knack for mixing in techno elements in suttle layers of headphone rock.

At it's best, "Take Back.." is an ambitious, superb summer album that makes you hope for rock that is pop, but still maintains an air of individuality and passion, creating riffs that aren't rip-offs of Green Day/Blink 182. At it's weaker points, I'm often reminded of Nada Surf with more tools, which really doesn't sound like a bad thing. Creeper has modified their sound, but I see it as a move to bring back guitar rock, and they have done this without compromising their personality. A must for any dual guitar lover who likes to sit on their porch in May at sunset with a cold beverage, chilling out with their friends.

Rock on.

Creeper Lagoon's second full-length album confirms their ability to live up to, if not surpass, the hype surrounding their role as San Francisco's leading indie rock superstars. This, their major label debut, lacks some of the unique charm of the (mostly) excellent I Become Small And Go, but doesn't suffer for the added polish. Despite the upgraded production that major label bucks have financed, they still sound like a cross between Pavement and Echo & The Bunnymen, chaotic off-kilter rock with a healthy dose of moody melodicism. There are a few outstanding straightforward rockers, most notably "Sunfair" and "Wrecking Ball," all kept from veering into a dull mainstream alternative-rock sound by vocalist Dave Kostiner's plaintive vocals and above-par guitar riffs. The album is brought down a bit by it's obvious bid for mainstream "alternative" radio airplay; a few tunes are just too clean-sounding for their own good, and the fact that this didn't perform better commercially confirms either that the record-buying sheep aren't that easily fooled, or that, more likely, radio stations suck even more than I'd been led to believe.

1/3 Guided By Voices + 1/3 Bob Mould + 1/6 U2 + 1/6 Fig Dish = Creeper Lagoon. Plain and simple, this is one of the greatest CDs ever created. If I were stranded on an island and could somehow only get my hands on one CD, this would be a strong contender for that CD. Not only is it one of the best CDs ever, it also contains "Wrecking Ball", one of the greatest songs ever written. If you have any love of indie pop rock, then I can promise you that you will fall in love with this CD from the first listen, and you will always be able to put it in without getting bored. GREAT!

Like it or not, this album is full of melodies and harmonies that are PERFECT. I listen to this album constantly through the months of march-june. the music is perfect for barbecues or simple afternoon read-times. I saw Creeper Lagoon play in January 1997 when the opened for FAR's "Water & Solutions" tour..........they were mesmerizing. Honestly, you'd be a fool to pass these Mofo's up.

Creeper Lagoon displays a unique style with great song writing. "Wrecking Ball" and "Chance of a Lifetime" are both incredible songs and set the tone for the rest of this album. Throughout the album there is extremely unique and wonderful guitar work that is unlike any other rock album I have heard. The tempo of the album is great with the two opening tracks being upbeat and then crusing into the great instrumental only song "She Loves Me Not". Get this album you'll love it. If I had to compare them to someone I would have to say they are a cross between Guster, Nirvana, and Train. They're great... get it a listen.

Creeper Lagoon picks up the rock mantle abdicated by groups like Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam. Their first full length album is a strong and inspired effort that deserves to reach a wide audience. They easily move from songs like the guitar-heavy "Chance of a Lifetime" to softer tunes like "Under the Tracks." For my money, the standout is "Wrecking Ball" -- which is one of those unusual songs that is both moving and compelling at the same time.

The band also has a reputation for putting on great live performances. They recently appeared at the South by Southwest concert series in Texas and reportedly played a blistering set.

If you are tired and frustrated of Limp Bizkit and other clone-like bands garnering all of the headlines and airplay, then consider purchasing this album. This is the type of unpretentious, straight-ahead music -- marked by with good lyrics and memorable tunes -- that we need more of.

I really like this record. Seems like a great combo of the live show and previously recorded stuff. Dreamy, yet rocks. Favorite songs are Here We Are, Under the Tracks, Cellophane, Wrecking Ball, Naked Days... phew... you see? I hope everyone enjoys this one!!

I've always had a couple random songs by these guys on my computer (Wrecking Ball, Under the Tracks) and loved them. I decided to finally pick this disc up recently and am very glad I did. If you are into Indie Rock that doesn't feel too Indie, then you will enjoy this disc. The songs are catchy, but don't ever cross the line into cheesy radio-type rock crap. The vocals are solid and the musicianship tight. If you're into some good chill stuff I would give this disc a spin.

This is my #1 choice for driving music, most especially on sunny days. It's upbeat, it puts you in a great mood, and there's enough variety to listen to the album through without getting repetitive. I adore tracks 09 and 12, and all the others are awesome too!