Customer Reviews

Two Beasts

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

My old trumpet teacher, the late Jim Smith of Fishers, Indiana, was Michael Smith's father and bought me their debut album when I was twelve years old; back then, I didn't think much of it, but bought all their albums out of some sense of obligation to the Smiths. Nine years later, I decided to pull their last album, Two Beasts, off my CD rack and give it another listen. . . WOW. These guys are SO awesome. Boo to MCA for botching up these guys' promotion; I've never heard such a rich, mature, and fun-to-listen-to sound. If you're like me and enjoy a more traditional, slightly western rock style, I urge you to check out the Why Store.

Very similar to their previous album, but almost darker in a way, even with the ender/remake "When Your High", remade from the original on "Inside The Why Store". Aside from that standouts are "Working" and "She's Broken", but of course like their other records there really aren't too many weaknesses, just some good time, original music.

Yes, of course, the Why Store has an amazing energy. They are a fabulous band. I have seen them play numerous times over the last four years, and indeed, they get better every time. Yet one thing that is not conveyed on Two Beasts is their energy. The original versions of When You're High and Everybody are much better than these new polished versions. Where is the energy? Where is the powerful bass and drums? And what's with the keyboard. Listen to the first two Why Store Cd's, and then listen to Two beasts. You'll know what I mean.

I bought this album for a prison class that I was teaching so that I could use the music for healing principles. I bought it for 7 dollars with shipping and was really amazed how well it plays. I bought it used and it contains no scratches or any thing else that could not allow it to play..I would recommend this " full album" purchase option to anyone who wants to get the whole record instead of a lonely song.


Kyle

These guys and this album were huge 10 years ago. I can't understand why this release is not more popular.

This product was in perfect condition, and I actually recieved it a little early...which was very nice.

The determining factor for my interest in The Why Store is because of Michael Wanchic's involvement as producer. Wanchic is a long time band member for John Mellencamp. The band's preceeding release "The Why Store" with the song "Lack of Water" showed promise and gave optimism for the future. "Two Beasts" takes it all away. Way too much is centered around lead vocalist Chris Schaffer and he is unable to carry the load. "No Matter" is really the only ear popping track with "Working" being respectable because of an excellent bridge which pops about 40% into the track. "Burnout" and "Two Beasts" are so so at best. "Do-Do-Do", "Who is Your Love" and "Maniac Man" are below average songs and though I'm sure "When You're High" would excite some, it is nothing to me but a shallow pop song. A "turn-off" CD, my interest in this band is over.

This album can be fun to listen to, since the Why Store has a good rock sound. Unfortunately, just about all the songs sound alike. And, the lyrics tend to be quite repetitive. Two Beasts is a good album, but it's not something to get excited about.

The Why Store stands alone in its style - when asked to compare them to someone who has not heard them, I can't. Listen to any of their CD's to hear this unique style. "Two Beasts" is a continuation of their repertoire that they have refined over the years in the concert circuit. "Working Man" is a perfect blend of Chris Shaffer's voice with the band and "Manic Man" shows that Michael David Smith is in the same company as all the guitar greats. Their concerts overwhelm you with energy and their albums take you to a different level of respect for their talents. This album is a great addition to their first three.

Two Beasts is an album any music lover can enjoy. Whether you enjoy listening to an electrifying guitar or a soothing melody. Each of the songs on this album has a distinct yet familiar sound to those of us who have followed The Why Store from the beginning. The lyrics in "Working" best sums up the band, working hard each day to make everything happen. I think that MCA has really missed out on promoting these guys. They have much more talent and energy than the bands on the radio today, yet MCA does not put their force behind them.