Customer Reviews

War Elephant

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

 

 

This album didn't grab hold of me first listen, but once it did, it still won't let go. Each song on this genre-defying work of art is incredibly catchy, meaningful, and musically delightful. Listening to it makes you feel like life is a lot simpler than we make it sometimes. It reminds me of sort of folk/southern rock/homestyle music, but it isn't exactly like any of those. It is just rocknroll. This is now one of my all-time favorite albums and I think I will still be listening to it in 10, 20, or more years. If you enjoy music, buy this album.

OK...it's been too long since I've done this reviewing thing. Amazon even has video reviews, what are they going to think up next? And you can sample and download amazing new music like Deer Tick. So this isn't a review on Amazon is it? It's supposed to be a review on Deer Tick. Let's make it so then.


Deer Tick, who are they and why do have this ridicuously hayseed name? Deer Tick is basically one guy, John McAuley, his musical vision and a few accompanying musicians. But what a musical vision it is. McAuley graduated High School in 2004 which makes him what...about 22 or 23. The music reaches beyond that age. His voice has this worn gravelly quality which he uses to great affect. McAuley hails from Providence Rhode Island and is ready to break upon the world. He is a do it yourself Kurt Cobain, a little bit of Neil Young, some alt country mixed in, and all in all the complete musical package. He knows his way around a song. The jangly street music, "These Old Shoes," will get your toes a' tappin' and the lyrics get you laughing, "It was a no-go, for this hobo." "Art isn't real (City of Sin)," has this 70's AM radio pop folk quality to it. And then there's "Christ Jesus," "I woke up next to the King / Got up and gone fixed me something / And it made me sick how I can't trust him / Christ Jesus / Have you seen us / Down on our hands and our knees / and Tell us what's the Reason." Granted it's not your standard gospel number, but it has human suffering and the depth of the human experience in spades.

People here in 2008 decry the fall of the musical industry but I think with the accessibility of downloads and new artist like Deer Tick, it has never been better for the listener, for the music fan. I was surprised there wasn't quite a few reviews on here for Deer Tick's "War Elephant," given the strength, undeniable catchiness, and depth of this music but here it is an apparent new discovery. Discover Deer Tick, you won't regret it in this New Year. Cheers all...MMW

If you believe in old souls, then John McAuley, who was 21 when he recorded this album, must be one or else he's lived more in that short time than I care to imagine. Most of the songs clock in at less than 3 minutes but they develop an emotional resonance from longing, to regret, to a hopeful persistence, all without a single note wasted. My favorites are "Art Isn't Real," "Diamond Rings 2007," and especially "These Old Shoes" about the different means of transportation he'll take to see his girl, ending in, you guessed it, his old shoes. The entire album will stick with you after just a couple listens, but I wouldn't call it country even though that's how it showed up on my IPod. Maybe lo-fi, Americana, or alternative better fits the bill for this great band.

This ablum truly shows the talent of John's musical ability. His creative blend of blues, country and grunge is amazing. Even though he's young, this ablum has an hardened and experienced edge normally found only with older artists.

There are songs that you get to know, and songs that grow on you, but Standing at the Threshold hits you right away. It's as simple as that.

The CD it's self was good, but i had to buy it again someplace else. It was stuck in the case and cracked when I tried to take it out. this company did not allow me to return it, due to damage caused by a customer.

I love Deer Tick, and this is by far one of their best albums. I think that it's a great purchase, especially for the price (cheaper than on iTunes).

How wonderful that this CD was finally rereleased! Maybe it can finally get the exposure it deserves.
I have to say, along the lines of not judging a book by its cover, that if you are considering this CD, PLEASE pay NO attention to the CD cover. I am perplexed - this is a guy with a unique, world-weary voice who made a folksy/alt-country record that's the most original thing I've heard since In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, and the CD cover is totally incongruous with the music, to my mind.
But enough about the cover. It's what's inside that counts, and what's inside is truly incredible. If you didn't know better, you'd swear you were listening to a guy in his fifties who'd been drinking hard and chain smoking for most of his really tough life and recorded a musical autobiography as a form of catharsis. I was blown away by the rawness of voice and lyrics and the incredible maturity of the music.
I'm anxiously awaiting his sophomore effort.

The first thing that strikes me about this disc is at the tender age of 19, his age at the time this was recorded, is the beautiful, raw voice of an old soul. A combination of Van Morrisson (early stuff) and Dylan, Deer Tick makes his own mark with soul filled stories and lyric. Baltimore Blues,No. 1 was an instant winner for me. Ashamed and Dirty Dishes are also among my choices. The mark of a great song writer is that each listener will have different favorite choices on the same disc. This is that type of disc. It is a bit early to tag the word writing genius to this artist, but it is clearly within reach.

A friends said to give this a listen, and I am really glad they did. Think the Archers of Loaf meet Neutral Milk Hotel by way of Tom Waits. Noisy and fun and all over the place. Love it!