Customer Reviews

This Euphoria

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

David Garza had been kicking around the indie scene since the very early 1990s before finally signing to a major label and putting out "This Euphoria," including stints in Dah-veed (the preferred pronunciation of his first name) and the wonderfully named Twang Twang Shock-a-Boom. None of his earlier releases provides much of an indication that something like "This Euphoria" was in store. Perhaps he was missing some aspect of major-label production, or perhaps everything just clicked when he was making it, but "This Euphoria" easily outpaces anything he had done before. That isn't to say that what had come before was of no value-"This Euphoria" easily outpaces most of what was released in the late 90's as well.

It is really quite rare to encounter an album that veers so wildly in style from track to track, and uses so many disparate musical elements, and still coheres as well as this one does. Individual tracks each present their own attractions: "Discoball World" an introductory techno beat and radio-friendly melody; "This Euphoria" an easy psychedelia, in which the comparisons to Jeff Buckley come closest to being accurate (they rarely apply elsewhere, and actually when you hear that an artist is influenced by or reminiscent of Jeff Buckley this is usually just a fancy way of saying that he can hit the high notes), "Slave" an irresistible reggae-ish beat and playful lyrics; "Baptiste" an organic, evolving song structure that provides the album's single most satisfying number. Every song is worth hearing, and the range of talents Garza reveals on this album is truly stunning. It is sad, if predictable, that late-90's format radio couldn't find a place for him; his songs belonged in heavy rotation where everyone could become completely sick of them. Hopefully, this will someday happen with some less wonderful effort than this one.

The only real drawback to "This Euphoria" is the expectations it produces-nothing else in Garza's discography, including his latest (as of this writing), "Overdub," matches it. For a generous dose of pop perfection, I give this album the highest rating.

While Discoball World is by far the best track on this album, it is by no means the only one worthy of replaying over and over and over again. The beauty of this cd lies not only in the wide range of types of sound (a rarity these days) but also in the moving rhythms and unbelievably insightful lyrics. This music is good poetry. The real thing.

It completely baffles the mind that David Garza is not a mega star by now. With his songwriting talents and the quality of his output, more people deserve to listen to him. I caught him this weekend at a local club here in El Paso, TX.. only $8.00 cover. Man, what a bargain. I've paid much much more to listen to awful music from much less talented musicians. What a show... at the end, he even treated us to a short acoustic set on the door outside the club! how cool is that... we all just formed a circle around him, like at summer camp. It was an intimate show...not alot of people showed up, but those of us who did really enjoyed it. And, you can tell he enjoyed it himself... it is good to see artists this passionate about what they do. Do yourself a favor... if you don't have this CD or have not even heard of it, go out and buy it. You will not regret it... every song is a gem (and they sound even better live!). It is, in my opinion, one of the best rock albums of the late 90's. If he comes to your town, go listen to him. Hmmm...come to think of it, maybe it's best he is not a megastar. I doubt one of todays alt-rock megastars could put on a show like he did.

What would David Garza fans prefer? For him to remain, in our eyes, underrated and underappreciated, or for the pop world to sink its glitter claws into him and make him the NEXT big thing? Sigh. I just re-bought this cd after losing it to a friend who "borrowed" it a year or so ago and suddenly remember why it rarely left my cd player. The tracks are at once catchy, cutting, and tender. If you are unfamiliar with this native Texan, I HIGHLY recommend this cd. Listen to it on the left side of your radio.

I had never heard of David Garza until 2 years ago, when I received one of those free sampler cds from a music club, and "Kinder" was featured. From the very first time I heard that song, I knew I had to hear more from him, so I ordered the cd. I have to say, that it is one of the best buys I have ever made. I love it so much, from beginning to end. How come I have never heard him on the radio here in Canada? His sound is so refreshing, the music, the lyrics, just couldn't be any better. The radios really need to play more stuff like this instead of Backstreet Boys and their wannabe clones. David Garza is an amazing talent, and deserves more radio exposure. Buy this cd...I promise you won't be disappointed.

I'm ashamed to admit that I'm not one of the lucky few who have been aware of Garza's music for years. But as a longtime power-pop addict, I can reliably recommend "this euphoria." I've had it for less than 24 hours and am already compelled to review it. If you dig the irresistable hook-pop of artists like Matthew Sweet (especially on "Girlfriend" and "100% Fun") and Semisonic, you MUST own this CD. The melodies are clear, the production is an endless fascination, and the vocals are so perfect they hurt.

The unmistakable influences of T. Rex and ELO pervade "this euphoria," both in the mixing style and in the musical style. And even though it's only pop music, I found the lyrics groovy and sometimes even touching, especially on tracks like the closer, "Flower." The rhythms and styles on this CD range from the swirling discotheque tribute of the current single, "Discoball World" to the reggae rawk of the oughtta-be-a-single, "Slave."

So click on David and buy literally the best CD I've heard in years. If you don't dig it, I'll eat a bug.

I love the range of styles and sounds on this record. "Glow in the Dark" rocks like Led Zeppelin on a runaway train, while on "Lost" and "Flower," Garza reveals a lovely, sweet voice. I've owned this CD since it was released, and I think it sounds as fresh today as ever.

From Pop riffs to a gritty raw edge this CD covers it all. A talented guitarist complimented by great songwriting, you will enjoy this cd from beginning to end. Great show to catch live if you get the chance.

I can strongly recommend any David Garza CD to anyone, because I think they are all great, but I believe this CD is his best ever. The songs are well written, with clever lyrics and wonderful tunes. His musicianship is amazing. Everyone should listen to this CD.

"This Euphoria" is a really great album, and David Garza ia a truly talented artist. For over 6 frustrating years through high school and college, I owned a 3rd generation, super-pirated copy of a Twang Twang Shock-a Boom album, and I had no clue where I could find more music with the same spirit. Leave it to me to wait over six years before I thought of surfing the web. I didn't have to think twice; I doubled clicked to buy "This Euphoria" and I will never regret it. Each song is completely unique and completely mood altering. I have yet to get tired of this CD. (And, rather fortunately for me, none of the co-workers in my office have tired of it either). One listen just wets your appetite for more songs. I have become a great fan of this artist. And, from all that I have read, his live performances are even more incredible. I cannot emphasize enough how much I recommend this album. Trust me, just buy it already.... there are already, like, what? 40 *glowing* reviews for this album. We couldn't ALL be relatives of the artist, now could we?