Customer Reviews

Who Killed the Zutons?

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

First of all, just to let you know, I am 50 years old. I have been buying new music, cutting-edge music, non-main stream music for years. OK, for decades. My kids, and their friends are in shock when I put one of "my" CD's into the player, they can't believe I am so old, but so up-to-date. Listening to XM Radio helps and it was there that I caught "Pressure Point". It caught my ear because I vaguely remembered it from a TV commercial. The song, in its entirety, made me want to pull over my car and get out and dance with joy. I hadn't bought a CD in months. Now, out of the muck of MTV music copycat sameness, came the freshest, new song I had heard for over a year. I had to buy the CD and I listen to it at least 5 times a week, and I never get tired of it. Here's my rule of thumb for what I like : if I can't describe it or categorize it when I'm telling someone about it, I like it! And that's the Zutons. It seems Liverpool is going through a rock renaissance and out of that, the Zutons were born! I've read other reviews comparing them to Franz Ferdinand, Snow Patrol, the Coral etc. etc. No. Sorry. You can't compare them. Don't waste your time trying. As the Zutons sing "don't ever think too much". The lyrics are quirky, odd. The music, especially the saxophone is raw and makes you want to sing along. There seems to be a fascination with physical condition, with references to "bones, brains, flaky skin". Their writer would make for an interesting interview. Anyway, take it from this old man - buy "Who Killed?...the Zutons" It's addictive. When they finally come across the pond and come to my area, I may be the oldest fan in the crowd. And I'll be loving every minute of it.

The answer is not many people. The Zutons, it must be said, are a band in their infancy, still finding their sound - but it also must be said, they are astounding. There isn't a song on their debut album that I didn't love; every single one is catchy or attractive in one way or another. It's really hard, as many have said, to label their music - they seem to combine Rock, Soul, Funk, Ska & Country types of music.
Let's go in-depth, as this seems more logical.

1.) Zuton Fever - Lovely intro, displaying their heavier rock tendancies, with a thrashing riff White Stripes-esque. The vocalist, Dave McCabe, is as always fantastic - he has a bit of Axl Rose in him for sure. 9/10

2.) Pressure Point - Again another rock anthem, very good and a lovely intro. It has to be said their soul/motown twists appear when all the band chip on on vocals to support Dave as a chorus, and it works fantastically. 8.5/10

3.) You Will You Won't - One of my favourites, definately; a sing-along funk-rock song, along the lines of Red Hot Chili Peppers... but then, not so. It's very hard to label them. I suggest listening to this as you'll probably like it instantly; some of the others take a few hearings before they really take off in your head.(or maybe that's just me)10/10

4.) Confusion - A quiet folk-rock song, could even be compared to Simon & Garfunkel? It's getting even harder to compare them as I go along. This is a good song for those who prefer quiet tracks. 8/10

5.) Havana Gang Brawl - This is possibly the hardest to label; let's just say it's very good, lots of nice guitars on it. 8.5/10

[I'll skip track 6, which is Interlude, a 30-second peice with violins and an acoustic guitar, and skip to the best track]

7.) Railroad - Without a doubt my favourite on the whole album, about a Chinese worker constructing the Transamerican Railroad. (If that's the name, something like that lol) It starts off as a lovely folk love song, and then grows into a country sing-a-long at the end - you just have to listen to this song, right to the end, to see what I mean. 11/10.

8.) Long Time Coming - I like this one alot, too; it gives the Saxaphonist alot more musical space. It's definately a Rock-Ska track and has a wonderful[ly loud] chorus, with McCabe showing some excellent vocals with a wonderful electric guitar beat. 9/10

9.) Nightmare Part II - Another fantastic song - the drums here, like in "You Will You Won't" are just superb; it can be said it's the heavy drum beats that set the songs apart. Really good. 8.5/10

10.) Not A Lot to Do - Another Folk/Country song, with other vocalists backing Dave up again - this Motown-esque chorus type is very effective -even when doing the softest folk song, the Zutons find a way to pick it up and they do, as it grows louder and puts yet again more emphasis on the Saxaphonist. 8.5/10

11.) Remember Me - the Skariest(Bad pun, considering it's cover... lol) song around, with country and rock thrown in for good measure; it's the sad story of a man who's best friend has deserted him for the girl of his dreams. But the Zutons are not intent on keeping you down; it's infectiously catchy and definately won't spread the unhappiness. 9/10

12.) Dirty Dancehall - Another staggeringly well-crafted song, with the drums and guitars out in full force; a Rock-Funk-Jazz song which is very, very good, including an exceptional chorus which you can't help singing along as it get's louder and louder.
Fabulous. 10/10

13.) Moons & Horror Shows - Despite the odd title, another hit from the Zutons. Their lovely Saxaphonist Abi lends her vocals to duet with Dave in the most Countryish song on the album, which alot of people didn't like. It sounds like a lullaby, admittedly, but it's still good. 8/10

And so there you have their epic debut album - and what a fantastic album it is. I recommend you go out and purchase this immediatly; if you don't like it, heck I'll pay for it. I would sincerely recommend this to people.
Absolutely excellent. :D

Last night, I went to go see Keane in concert. They are an awesome band! The Red Walls and The Zutons opened for Keane. The Red Walls were okay, but The Zutons played with intensity and had some of the most creative music I've heard in a while. Although I had gone to see Keane, I would have been satisfied just listening to the 35-40 minutes of the Zutons.
This band incorporates jazz, blues and a sixties psychedelic feel to their music. They even have an awesome sax player. I bought their CD immediately at the concert.
You won't go wrong buying their music. They're fun, creative and I promise - you will be singing along to each catchy song almost immediately! I highly recommend this band and their debut CD!!!!!!!!

I just saw these guys (and gal) on Aug. 2nd, 04. Man, what a live set. This is one of the few bands that is hard to place. They definately carry a vintage vibe. There are some classic rock sounds, there are some nice folky songs (but not traditional), there is a bit of Mo-town, a bit of ska and a splash of rockabilly! Now blend it up, shake it, and play it loud. If you are not infected by the songs, check your head, eh?
This is the record that I hoped the band the Coral would follow up with, but they didn't.
Buy this and enjoy introducing them to you buddies.

ps...after the show (they opened or co/headlined) for Cosmic Rough riders) we were able to meet them and hang out for a while. Great people, great fun. Enjoy!

So, who did kill the Zutons? I don't know because I think they're alive...and well, I might add. Thanks for asking. A lot of people are trying to compare The Zutons to other English bands such as Franz Ferdinand or such American bands as The Killers or Maroon 5, but I find them to be another animal entirely. When people attempt to categorize a band yet are unable to do so, it's a credit to their originality, not a lack thereof.

Starting off with the oh-so-catchy track Zuton Fever, we are immediately immersed in the quirky and inimitable sound of The Zutons. From there, there exist many standout tracks that I thoroughly enjoy including the three videos that are included on the enhanced CD for your computer-viewing pleasure: the alt radio hit Pressure Point, the punkish You Will You Won't, and the fun quasi-country track Remember Me. Don't try to classify The Zutons, just enjoy them. Nice CD.

I own nearly 1,000 CDs that cut across most genres and eras, but I've never felt compelled to write an Amazon review - until now. I have literally listened to this CD a dozen times in the past week and still find something new and refreshing with each listen. What really grabs me is the sound - well produced, but very organic and direct as well. Great separation of the instruments and voices - it feels like they are playing in your living room. I don't like to compare bands to other bands - let's be honest, nothing is really original after all these year, so let's not burden artists with useless comparisons. With that being said, however, my ear hears a lot of late 60's Kinks in this music. But hey, enough of my yapping - just buy this CD!

What a great, interesting new band! I heard the Zutons on a British Airline flight (those freebies you can listen to on the headsets). And I couldn't stop listening...they blend a catchy, poppy sound with real rock guitars and quirky beats. Alternating between ballads and rockers, the Zuts show real versatility and verve. The addition of the sax makes the album very unusual.

I do disagree with the folks who compare this band to Franz Ferdinand. I think the only thing those two bands have in common is catchy hooks and an origin in the UK. The Zutons sound much, much more like Modest Mouse!

This band is not only alive and kicking, but, they're actually breathing life back into hum-drum rock-n-roll.
My good people, this is an entire CD of exceptional music. It's rare when an entire album is so perfectly realized, with every song a standout and placed with perfection to flow like honey. To put it briefly and correctly...if you like great music that is smart without ever being pretentious, always intriguing and heartfelt, played and sang with finesse and fire, then look no further. "Who Killed the Zutons" is the best album released in 2004, and will certainly be an album that stands the test of time. I am so impressed with this CD, I am anxiously....impatiently.....awaiting their next album. Easily one of my favorite "new" bands, and definately an outstanding debut. America...WAKE UP !... and catch the Zuton Fever. A fever has never felt or sounded so good.

What a pleasant surprise to find unprententious, yet still smart rock band! I love bands like the Killers, Modest Mouse, and the Decemberists, but all of them lack the guileless quality that pervades this thoroughly original album. It's not often I can stand to listen through a group's entire record without the urge to press the skip button. It is equally rare to find a rock band so grounded in melodic sensibilities- I can't get this one out of my head! My favortie tracks are probably "Zuton Fever", "Pressure Point", "You Will You Won't", and "Railroad". I imagine that if the Beatles were still around making music, it might sound something like the Zutons.

It's hard to believe this is the first album from this band. These guys sound like they've been making music for years. It's like Elephant by the White Stripes, in that it has the level of sophistication only achieved after a few albums are safely under the belt. And Elephant is the White Stripes unofficial British album. I love Brit pop, and this album makes me feel like I'm getting a history lesson in British rock music. It sounds like The Coral meets Led Zeppelin, with some funky hooks that might as well be Joe Strummer taking a turn noodling on the guitar. And then bring in the Gomez sax! I absolutely love it, from start to finish. Ten stars... if I could give 'em.