Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
BUY THIS CD! (And then go find "Amazing Grace"!), March 31, 2000
One of the best American rock CD's of 1999, this was Badlees'first album recorded for a major label. The production is superb andguest musicians include one of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers. The real reason to buy this, however, is the band itself and the increasing maturity and range of their writing and playing. "Running Up That Hill" and "Thinking in Ways" are brilliant songs, immaculately performed. I would not expect to enthuse about songs dealing with pre-paid funerals ("Ways") and the break-up of a 34-year marriage (the angry but evocative "34 winters"), but these songs are pure gold. "don't let me hide", "luther's windows", "little hell", and "middle of the busiest road" (the last is particularly good live - don't miss a chance to see these guys play!) are all first-rate rock songs that you won't be able to get enough of. If you like this CD (and how could you not?), you must get "Amazing Grace," the Badlees' early 1999 self-produced CD that goes even farther to highlight the band's versatility. It's one of my favorite albums of recent years, partly for the infectious enjoyment the band obviously experienced in allowing themselves to stretch and experiment. I hope this CD is a hint of what's to come, because it suggests a group of versatile musicians capable of approaching the lofty tradition of The Band. The album features songs penned and sung by most of the band members, including the enjoyable, almost hillbilly tune "Ain't No Man," sung by bassist Paul Smith (who produced the CD with Alexander). The great moments include "I'm Not Here Anymore", "Long Goodnight", "Poison Ivy", "Time Turns Around", "Gone", and the rocking "In a Minor Way." (Which is to say, pretty much the whole CD. The other 4 songs are also good; you won't want to miss a song on this CD!)
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another stellar performance by one of Pennsylvania's best!, November 2, 1999
Few recordings have the ability to keep even the most avid fan entranced from start to finish- Up There, Down Here is one such recording. The Badlees once again show their true love of music and lyrics in a collection of songs that span the range of good ol' Pennsylvania rock with songs such as "Little Hell" to soulful reflective pieces such as "34 Winters." This album is tight, harmonious, and professional. If you are looking for some a collection of songs that will stay in your head long after you've turned the DC player off, this one is for you. Enjoy- I am!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Something Special, September 4, 1999
By A Customer
As albums go nowadays, you listen to what you buy and you put it back in your collection amongst the others, rarely to be heard from again. This latest effort from The Badlees however is not one of those albums. Reserve a special place for this cd on your shelf because it certainly deserves it. As a long-time fan I can tell you that this band has certainly come a long way while staying true to their roots. The folkish-rockish, sometimes country sound that The Badlees presents is infectious. Blaring melodies, soothing instrumentation and gut wrenching, thought inspiring lyrics rule on Up There, Down Here. The album was on sheleves for some time while the band went through the music business blender until finally things went right and this album was released. It was worth the wait! The album begins with the first single titled "Don't Let Me Hide". Just the beginning of nearly 56 minutes of incredible music. Some of the highlights include "Thinking In Ways" which is a song about a prepaid funeral, "Luther's Windows", and a quirky yet toe-tapping tune titled "The Second Coming of Chris."(yes, Chris). Pete Palladino's vocals are incredibly soulful (as always) and at times give you chills on songs like "34 Winters" and "Running Up That Hill". Bret Alexander's use of various instruments including mandolins, zithers and banjos are equally impressive as are Jeff Feltenberger's guitars and backing vocals and a rythm section in Paul Smith(bass) and Ron Simasek(drums) that are second to none. Up There Down Here is something special and in my opinion is the best album of five incredible albums from the band. It's also one of the best albums in the country and one you will be listening to for years and years and years to come.
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by The Badlees 
