Customer Reviews

What the Hell Do I Know

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

 

 

Stated quite simply, this album is a very solid release from a very solid band. I've seen Illinois live many times, and they always put on fun and energetic show. While it's next to impossible to channel the feeling of a live performance into a studio album, "What the Hell Do I Know?" does a commendable job of keeping the energy flowing from song to song.
The combination of lively drum beats and melodic banjo riffs with the complementary guitar and bass lines gives Illinois a very unique sound that is difficult to describe and even more difficult to categorize. There's a very obvious indie-folk element along with some bright pop-rock sound, but the overall result is something one must hear firsthand.
Don't expect lyrics in the powerfully delicate vein of Lennon/McCartney or of the pensive and brooding style of Elliott Smith. Similarly, the musical abilities of the group may leave something to be desired, particularly once the free drinks start flowing during a live show. Instead, listen to and enjoy a progression of songs that are fun and cheerful, as it is immediately obvious that you're listening to a group of guys that truly enjoy playing music with each other.
I gave this EP four stars, as it's very good, but the band does have room to grow and mature. I believe their next albums will reflect this development, and may very well be deserving of a five star rating. Until then, don't hesitate to buy this album!

You'd expect a band from Pennsylvania calling itself "Illinois" to be ironic. But even when they leaven their power pop and Britrock with Casio-styled synthesizers and the strum of a banjo, the result is more happy good-time than tongue-in-cheek clowning. "Nosebleed" suggests a twangy hootenanny until its menacing bass and distorted vocal turn more towards Jon Spencer and Jane's Addiction reinterpreting Daddy Dewdrop. "Screendoor" is uplifting in the manner of Mungo Jerry's "In the Summertime" (and Ray Davies first flush of originality with the Kinks) but wedded to '70s UK glam rather than '60s rock. There are modern production notes here that evoke bands like The Shins, but with power-pop melodies ala Weezer and Fountains of Wayne. Seven tracks clocking in at less than twenty minutes makes for a good introduction; look for more great things to come! [©2007 hyperbolium dot com]

For an EP this CD has quite a bit. 6 Songs that range from upbeat to reflectiven and very well might I add, some bands can't get that on a full album. It's a great album to listen to at any time. Have a listen and enjoy. I expect great things from these guys, they definitely have it in them!

this album is definitely worth your money. why? well, first of all, this band is a sincere band. they are in it for the music, 100 percent. they love their fans too. i was able to meet the band after one of their live shows (which by the way, was OUTSTANDING,) and it was so nice to be greeted with such warm smiles. it added more of a motivation for me to get their name out and make it known: THAT THIS BAND HAS A UNIQUE, ORIGINAL SOUND, GREAT LYRICS, CAN PERFORM EXCELLENTLY LIVE, ANDDDD GIVES A CRAP ABOUT THEIR FANS.

that doesnt happen too often.

dont think about it-- buy the album.

I've always been a fan of indie rock, and always look forward to listening to new interesting bands. Illinois is pretty decent and kept me going throughout the whole album, I'd definitely recommend this album for any indie fans out there; though I must warn you, these guys are no Death Cab For Cutie; nevertheless, they're quite respectable.

It is a decent CD but they are much more interesting live. I saw them open for the kooks in SF and they killed it but the cd is a little boring and emo. And 7 tracks on a cd?

this ep is so good! they music is very fun and catchy and the lyrics are great. illinois is even better live, they put on an awesome awesome show, very energetic and fun, i saw them open for the kooks in may. "screendoor" is my favorite track off the album, but "bad day" was my favorite from their live performance. definately get this album, you won't be disappointed!!