Customer Reviews

Walking With the Beggar Boys

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

 

 

Surprisingly enough, one of my favorite albums of 2004. I'd always viewed Elf Power as strictly second-tier among the ranks of the neo-pop-psychedelia bands under the Elephant 6 collective umbrella. They lacked the sheer pop chops of Apples in Stereo, the psychedelic craftsmanship of Olivia Tremor Control, and the lyrical intensity of Neutral Milk Hotel. But with most of those bands long gone, Elf Power rises to the occasion with a straightforward glam-infused rock album. Gone are the twisted, fantasy-infused story-songs of recent releases, and the lo-fi sonic meanderings. This stuff is straight-out catchy with no apologies. The title track is one of those riff-driven pop songs you can play 5 times straight and just keep going, and a few other songs come close. Any indie pop album that offers 4-5 tracks worthy of inclusion on your next upbeat mix tape is way ahead of the pack.

"Beggar Boys" has been reviewed by others as a change in direction by Elf Power, but EP fans know that this record exemplifies a long evolution of a veteran band that bridges many genres of rock with albums that blend psych-pop, punk, power pop, and genuinely nice ballads. This album has many incredible pop songs including "Never Believe", "Hole in my Shoe", and "Don't let it be." Not to be missed is the title track, which includes a guest appearance by songwriter/legend Vic Chesnutt. The title and Chesnutt appearance make you think "ballad" but you get a fun, poppy, sleazy little number that makes you want to sing it. "Drawing Flies" is also a Sleazy/70s/glammy rock kind of T-Rex hit...a MUST listen.

Many indie rock bands are born, live, and die, but the "Beggar Boys" album made me think of Elf Power as a sophisticated group that has gone beyond existing on imagination and weirdness alone. They continue to learn, experiment, and write excellent songs. They are not growing...but have grown..and they are in it for the long haul.

This is a great album period. This is the first album I've heard by Elf Power and I think it's a great introduction to the band. The album reminds me of a mix between T Rex and Superchunk. There's not a bad track from beginning to finish and the guitars sound phenominal. Hands down one of the best albums of 2004.

Whoa! Listening to this CD reminds one of hearing Rubber Soul for the first time - sheer pop bliss and nary a clunker on it (OK -track 6- skip it) I mean this is a fantastic release. Who cares for ratings, best album of 2004? -hooey! Just listen to these ten precious songs - the title cut maybe the best thing I've heard since 'me and mia' by the king Ted Leo...anyway the Elephant 6/Orange Twin thing can be a bit redundant, but this is a real masterpiece - Andrew and his fellow elves get much credit to this outstanding addtion to an already wonderful collection of songs/albums.
Get it.

Elf Power deserves to be big. They make such great psychedelic/post-rock influenced indie rock you have to wonder why they aren't widely recognized. This album in particular is great, although compared to its predecessors "Creatures" and "A Dream In Sound" you can tell its not AS good (though I think "The Stranger" is one of their best songs). Once again Andrew Rieger's voice is very soothing, even if he DOES go for a harder-edged sound this time around. Lyrically it's not really a concept album like the "Creatures" and "A Dream In Sound"; they're once again very memorable and catchy lyrics that make singing along pretty easy to do. It is, however, teeming with very catchy songs that contain occasionally great lyrics. It's one of their "worst" albums but still manages to be leagues ahead of other bands, and with every song here being great it's easy to see why it deserves a "5". Absolutely recommended!

Highlights include:
the entire album!

In Elf Power's sixth full length, we witness the group return to their straight pop punk songs like in the days of "When the Red King Comes," which unfortunately is my least favorite of their efforts. This album doesn't have the humor of their debut or the dreamy innovations experimented with on "Winter is Coming." The album, however, is a fun listen, but for me it's more background music while cleaning my room.

With the addition of ex-Olivia's I was hoping this would be a GREAT next album. Unfortunately, it's pretty dull. The new singer(s) don't really have the charm the original guy had (can't keep names straight) and I just can't get a sense of the old potent band (for lack of a more adequate term) chemistry.

Some people have dissed the Elves for thier silly fairy tale lyrics on past albums, but for me, that was a large part of their charm. There was an innocence and sense of wonder in their music, even when they were off in the same odd universe frequented by the likes of Robyn Hitchcock and Syd Barrett.

This version of Elf Power comes back to the real world and in comparrison, they seem pretty boring. Kind of like the morning after a wonderful party when all the interesting and beautiful guests of the night before now seem old and worn out. Sigh.

If you've never heard thier earlier works, this is a fine CD. The songwriting is excellent and the musicianship is quite capable. They may win new fans, but those of us who 'remember them when' will be pretty dissapointed.

The magic is gone.