Customer Reviews

Two Cents Plus Tax

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The more music gets complicated, the more comforting it is to have a band like Versus cranking out honest to goodness guitar pop. There's something liberating in hearing the rumbling basslines and crackle of static from the amps on the newest collection of songs. In something of a contrast to the brightness of the sound, the songs are lyrically dark and moody but deceptively so. The dark content of "Morning Glory" is balanced with sweet alternating verses that play off the tension building guitars and a tinkling piano at the end.

The twin vocals of Richard Baluyut and Fontaine Toups are still a force to be reckoned with and "Underground" lets the two intertwine with great results. Far from one trick-kids, there's a semi-country twang to "Spastic Reaction" and a few electronic beats in with the strums of "Jack and Jill." Versus can also toss all the frills out the window and rock out with the furious "Atomic Kid." These guys see the future, and even if they don't like what they see - they make it sound cool.

This is simultaneously Versus' attempt to crack the big time *and* their best written, most consistent full-length record-which probably makes some indie fans uncomfortable, but shouldn't. Yes, the guitars go for twin-axe wall of sound volume over indie jangle, odd tunings and feedback freakouts, but when the result is as exhilarating as "Atomic Kid" you can't take exception. The lyrics on this record are the best ones they ever wrote, hands down-about Cold War nostalgics ("Atomic Kid"), ageing party animals ("Dumb Fun"), small town indie gurus ("Underground") and love gone jarringly wrong. Richard and Fontaine's harmonies are at their peak, whether channeling Neil Young and Nicolette Larson in "Crazymaker", or brilliantly singing across each other like Eno and Cale's Wrong Way Up experiments in "Morning Glory", which also highlights their ability to shift dynamics. Instead of the old post-grunge thing of simply using quiet verses to highlight loud choruses, they show that they know that sometimes the comedown is the most affecting part, just like in the broken relationships they sing about. Fontaine also shows an interesting New Order influence on the record, not so much in sound but in how she conceals unsettling adult emotions in apparently simplistic sing-song lyrics (and an enunciated, halting vocal style reminiscent of Barney Sumner). I own and love all the Versus albums and EPs but this is the one I listen to most.

This album is a very good indie rock album so if you like that kind of music you will not be disappointed. But if you're looking for a unique sound you won't find it here. That's not a criticism, really - just a reflection of how familiar this genre is nowadays.

Versus raises the bar in what to expect from an indie band. The harmonies are memorable and the guitar lines are smartly written. They leave just enough head room to be spacy while retaining the infectious pulse of a good rocker. I am unaware of their other recordings but I can't say enough good things about this one. Go get it!

Versus continue to astound me with song after song of simply breathtaking music: "Dumb Fun" and "Morning Glory," in particular, make me want to quit my job and learn how to play my guitar.

I strongly encourage anyone and everyone to buy this (and every other Versus) album; if you don't find yourself addicted within a week, seek medical treatment.

One last recommendation: Never miss a chance to see Versus live!

I really like this album. It has a good beat and you can dance to it too. More importantly, Versus always let's me drink their beer backstage with them when they used to play in Chicago. Makes me feel so humbled to be in the presence of Indie rock gods. Sometimes they'd even give me a free tshirt, yo. Booyashaka! GO VERSUS, GO ROCK AND ROLL!

So Versus is not top 40 material,although i believe they should be on the radio. And i'm not talking about only college radio. These guys know how to rock and Fontaine Toup's voice is amazing. My favorite song on this album is track 8 called "Crazymaker (I'm Still in Love with Your Eyes)." It's a love song of srts but not too mushy. The guitars on this entire album are great and I really like how Fontaine AND Richard Baluyut sing lead vocals. Definitely get this CD and when you've finished, go buy "Secret Swingers" cause it's just as awesome!

Just when you think you own one of the best albums of all time, Versus simply releases another one. Real magnificent stuff here, with higher production values than previous releases that adds a slickness but in no way reduces vitality. "Atomic Kid" is a blistering pop rocker that kicks off the disc. "Never Be OK" is a Fontaine Toups manifesto that rivals her side-work with Containe. The piano line on "Morning Glory" is a first for the band and a good indication of their willingness to evolve. The almost c/w twang of "Spastic Reaction" is a case in point. But "Crazymaker (Still in Love with Your Eyes)" provides classic Versus in the best way they know how. Vocal harmonies continue to astound and improve along with the deft instrumentation indicative of the comfort level that years of playing together provides. A special disc from a very special band.

it really doesn't matter what the title of the album or the song these guys are the lick and i wish they would come back to wichita so i can see them again. any album from them is good but this one i listened to alot, like i can sing the lyrics to most of the songs in my sleep forwards and back. radar follows you, crazy-maker,dumb fun are the best songs to hear on the road to wolf creek via albuquerque so try it along with "sunny day real estate." don't forget to find versus album "the stars are insane" or is that the first song. either way it is gooooooooood listening

Rarely am I motivated to go out of my way to express a negative opinion of an album but really, 2 cents is about all this record is worth. Song after song begins promisingly and then just devolves into boring awfulness. Versus's earlier albums, "The Stars are Insane" and "Secret Swingers", are each so much more impressive and enjoyable -- both of them, in fact, are compulsive favorites of mine -- and the one that followed this, "Hurrah", seems a step back in the right direction. But here, dull songwriting, overly slick production, mannered vocals... it just makes me sad.