Customer Reviews

Tally of the Yes Men

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

 

 

As a debut, Tally of Yes Men is beyond impressive and proves Goldspot to be a band of great promise and depth. The record has received significant airplay on tastemaker station KCRW on the basis of its beautiful melodies and addictive hooks. But there is much more to this record than that. Produced by Beach Boys engineer Jeff Peters, Tally employs a dynamic used by Brian Wilson himself: underneath all the ear candy lies bittersweet, existential sentiments, sometimes regretful, sometimes hopeful, usually distressed, always introspective. There is a strong emotional quality to these songs that makes Tally of the Yes Men an ALBUM in the true sense of the word. For fans of the Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, and the Beatles. Pure joy.

Goldspot came to celebrate 89.7-WTMD's fund drive with a free concert in Baltimore for listeners. This is the band to see and own now. I can't believe the energy, the reaction, the astounding music. Goldspot is rock and roll at its best, catchy lyrics, complex and thoughtful arrangements, stories to tell and the depth to perform them live as they do on ther record. Reaction by the audience was as intense and focused as the band was.

Rewind and Friday are the two tracks you should sample to see Goldspot at its best. With driving force tempered with passion and compassion, these tunes relate to us with special overtones of being light, but personally complex.

If you are lucky enough, see Goldspot NOW.

This CD and band have to be one of the most underrated of 2005. Fortunately NPR and other public radio is pushing Goldspot. When everyone was going gaga (me included) over Brighteyes, The Decemberists, and The New Pornographers, Goldspot delivered an album that is just as good. Melodic, truthful, depressing, beautiful are all words to describe Tally of the Yes Men. However, no words enough will serve to describe this CD.

I first heard this music on a PBS radio show that was highlighting the best unheard music from 2005. The person bringing this music selects the music for the TV show The OC and plans to use one of these songs on the show (I can't remember which one). The guy that started the band is of Indian descent and growing up was mainly exposed to ethnic Indian music and only later heard popular US music, I think this may account for the unique sound. I really like it.

This is the first review I've ever done for Amazon, if that says anything about how much I liked this album. I guess I should first give some idea as to where I'm coming from music-wise. Basically I used to listen mainly to classical with a handful of single vocalists, until this year when I started discovering bands (with a decided preference for Britpop). This led me to the indie scene, particularly that on the radio station KCRW where I first heard LA-based Goldspot online. They did a live studio session which was also Podcast, and I figured I'd give them a listen. I thought they were good, and a week or two later listened again...and then a third time. By then I realized I was hooked and absolutely loved their music.

Lead singer Siddhartha (Sid) Khosla is of Indian descent, and has cited his parent's old Bollywood playback tracks as a great influence. Mohd. Rafi, The Smiths, Roy Orbison, The Cure, The Police and Dvorak all played a role. Goldspot refined their music for a couple of years before releasing "Tally of the Yes Men", and it seems the time was well spent - to me, it sounds more like a greatest hits album than a debut! This is one of those albums that you can actually listen the whole way through as there are *no* obvious fillers, and most could be released as a single. The music itself is just plain good and extremely catchy pop. While the songwriting is well done lyric-wise, the inherent sense of musicality is probably Goldspot's greatest strength.

The album starts with the excellent "Rewind" (featuring a great example of building up melody) and doesn't disappoint from there. "Cusp", "Friday" and "The Guard" are also excellent and it's to the credit of "Time Bomb" that I don't skip it to get to my personal favorite track, "It's Getting Old". That particular song defines catchiness and defies you to follow Sid's appeal to "sit it out". :-) While the remaining songs are somewhat less single-worthy, they're all eminently listenable. Those who like more mellow acoustic songs will enjoy "So Fast", while "The Assistant" is yet another catchy tune. I've used that word a lot, but it's the best I can come up with. I'll be shocked if people aren't routinely singing and dancing along at their gigs by the end of the year, if they aren't already.

I hesitate to write this as I don't want to give preconceptions - but I haven't enjoyed an album more since "Hopes and Fears" by Keane, and I think Goldspot have the potential to reach their level of stardom. It's not surprising to me that Goldspot's had some UK influence (Sid spent some time in London) despite them being a US band. But even if you don't like Keane or other Britpop, I'd still encourage you to listen as they have their own unique style. Hopefully Amazon will have some audio clips (and the album cover) up soon, but if not you can hear clips on their official website and full tracks on their MySpace page. Needless to say I can't recommend this album enough. Basically this is your chance to follow a band from the start while they're still "unknown" - so take advantage! I can't promise everyone will love them as much - or at all, but at least check them out.

Goldspot is without a doubt the find of 2006. With powerful melodies riddled with Indian undertones, nuanced lyrics and an unparalleled energy, this band is destined for great things. I bought the album, "Tally of the Yes Men" after hearing a song of theirs on "The OC" (Timebomb). Siddhartha's talent is undeniable. His soothing, unique voice is topped only by his artistry as a songwriter.

I highly recommend this album to anyone, regardless of their musical tastes because they will find something that appeals to them. Whether it be the catchy "Friday" or the melancholy "In the Post", this album covers the gammut of emotions. My personal favorite is "Rewind", a song that has secured a place in my top ten tracks of all-time.

This album certainly ranks up there with the best debut albums, and you should definitely purchase it. I expect great things from Goldspot in the future and can't wait for the next album.

I don't know why I'm so drawn to these guys. Ever since my friend turned on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic to find these guys playing one of their spotless songs, he has been hooked to them. And ever since I've been exposed to Goldspot, I've been hooked too. It's hard not to. I'm so drawn to the smooth, melodious beats...a playful strumming of the guitar, idle tapping of the drums, and a voice that glides across the air like the words off his tongue...

This group is so amazing. I can't believe I didn't pay attention earlier. Every song on this album: Original and WELL-DONE. (The meaningful, unimposing lyrics are just a plus.)

I can't remember how I heard of these guys. But I've been slowly buying all of the tracks on iTunes. I can't help myself.

I want to say that there's an inherent softness to the music, or something not quite cool about the little Indian elements, or maybe that they're not quite masculine enough.

But those concerns are just flat-out off. This album is flat-out awesome.

You simply aren't prepared for the combination of depth, finesse, and satisfying hooks so consistently present in the songs.

Check out some of their tracks on their myspace page. Then buy the album.

You've still got a shot at staying ahead of the curve... If this album doesn't let them break into the mainstream, the next one will. And if you buy it at that point, well, you just won't be cool. ;-)

Just saw them play at the Troubadour. I have heard them before on KCRW, but their live show was even better! Anyone who is looking for new music, this one is worthy to pick up. I guarantee you will listen to the disc over and over and over. Stand out tracks are "Time Bomb" and "Rewind", but the whole album is great!

The item arrived exactly as described by vendor in the time indicated. Would by from the vendor again and again! Great CD!