Customer Reviews

Winners Never Quit

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Pedro the Lion's music at first listen has always slapped me out of my narrow mind christian dreamworld. Davin Bazan's ability to lay out so much on the table in a non objective manner, illustrates just how much of a genius he is. In one breath he mocks narrow minded faith, in the next breath he has a gun to his head, and in the next he is just a drunk triing to do his best to change. Bazan demonstrates so much confiendence in his uncertanties, and speaks so much louder than any preacher pionting his fingure and proclaiming to have the answers ever could.

Being raised a christian, I was forced to lisen to christian rock, and I'm said to say that most of it is a sad, cheep, rip-off of the real thing. When I was introduced to Pedro the Lion's "whole ep" three years ago I was so relieved to find out that there are spiritual artists out there that aren't triing to win over the middle aged youth pastors. But instead they relate to those who are willing to be real, and admit there struggles. I wouldn't do Pedro the Lion the disservice of lumping them into the christian music scene. They just so happen to be christians who aren't afraid to live as artists and who can turn their struggles, doubts, and confictions into some of the best music that is around.

here's the deal - it's a great cd, though a bit misunderstood. the disc is a 'rock-opera' about a christian politician who is convinced God is on his side (i know, this is an abstract thought today, but i bet we could muster up a few examples). he has a lame brother who tends to screw up (he's placed in jail for a dwi, terrified that such an incident will ruin his brother's chances of winning the election). the politician fixes the election and wins. after his wife discovers the truth she threatens to blow the whistle. in a classic case of 'the ends justifies the means,' her husband kills her and is arrested. in jail the politician kills himself. the lame brother attends the funeral, dressed in prison attire, and laments that he is the son who could never get it right - what irony that his parents 'golden child'(the politician brother) has ruined the family name. the disc ends with the brother contemplating grace - how odd it is that the screwed up son - the one who could 'not fly straight to save his life' is the one who has the opportunity to receive God's grace and make things right ------ this is an amazing cd. both in its vision,lyrics, and music. i hope pedro the lion is the future of christian music, but it is unlikely. authenticity scares a lot of believers.

Winners Never Quit, just the name of the album and closing song is inspiration. What is so unique and diverse with Bazan is his ability to tell a story with a strong undertone of meaning. His voice alone has so much depth and longing to his music. All of the songs on this cd are works of art. But what bugs me the most is reading the reviews for the cd without one mentioning of (A Mind Of Her Own) which is by far the biggest highlight of the cd. It is so different than any song from Pedro. It is heavy and hard and extremely powerful. The struggle in the song will make you feel numb. "Dear unlock the door your acting like a child, when you said it yourself we are at war how dare you turn on me now right when I need you the most" He yells (not screams) the lyrics close to the end of the song "Don't you walk away from me you put down the telephone your not calling anyone" If you haven't expierenced the song, you should if you have and maybe over looked it. Maybe, you should go back and revisit the song with an open mind.

This is a terrific album. The story itself is such a cool concept, then to surround the story with great guitar work, and excellent drums...Mellow but meaningful. He compliments the slow songs with the fast paced tunes like Simple Economics, A Mind of Her Own, and Never Leave a Job Half Done. Altogether an amazing album. He's also a great guy in person, which makes listening to this album even more enjoyable.

This album shows off David Bazan's amazing talent. The album combines slower and faster paced rock songs, all of which showcase Bazan's gritty, garage-band type playing. The lyrics come through with an abruptness that suit the music perfectly. Overall, if you have just one album to purchase this year make it this one. You won't regret it.

Honestly, I was worried at first. I'm not too excited about Christianity as a rule. But the consistently glowing reviews of this band made check them out when they played live here. And I'm so glad I went. It was one of the best shows I've EVER seen. Of the two full length albums I bought, this one is by far the best. I haven't owned an album that inspired as many repeated listens since I got Built to Spill's "There's Nothing Wrong wth Love." If you, like me, generally assume Christian = right wing NRA freakshow, and are consequently afraid to check these guys out, take my word, you won't really find any of that nonsense here. Just unbelievably catchy songs of refreshing depth and sincerity. So nice.

First off I have to say that this is one of the best things I've heard in 2000. Flat out brilliant, hands down. Everything is stripped down to the barest bones. The band is a trio. All the melodic lines are simple and unadorned (but with plenty of hooks) and David Bazan sings with a weary intensity without ever raising his voice. the songs themselves seethe. the album is a parable about hypocrisy and redemption, that I think somebody else has already outlined here so I won't bother. It's just great songwriting. David Bazan has got the uncanny ability to paint really complex emotional portraits in just a few well placed words and then frame them in exquisite yet simple music. I've listened to it nonstop all weekend. (the "when you're nothing/ but a boyfriend..." bridge in "Simple Economics" and the truly stunning murder story of the title track ("bloodstains on the carpet/ blodstains on my hands/ drag her towards the kitchen/ hide the evidence....She almost ruined everything...." just floor me) But I do have to say that I think that a bit too much is being made of the "Christian" aspect of Pedro The Lion's music. I'd really hesitate to call them a "Christian Band". Certainly David Bazan's personal spiritual convictions inform his music greatly, but it's the narrative of the songs that drive them. The aspects of guilt and redemption which are universal. I think it really does a great disservice to his skills marginalize him in that way. I mean, Johnny Cash has some deeply felt religious convictions, but nobody would ever think to tag him as solely a Christian artist. And in the end might keep some folks who would really dig this from listening to it. ('cuz remember kids, not everyone holds the same religious beliefs)and it really needs to be listened to. I'm doing it again, right now.

"Winners Never Quit" (which also happens to be the theme of this album) is another concept album that Dave loves to do oh so much. This album truely has some great songs, namely "Simple Economics," "A Mind of Her Own," and "Never Leave a Job Half Done." While the album as a whole is great, there is one low point, that being "To Protect the Family Name." It seems like I have to take such an effort to get through that song. Overall, I would've given this album a 4.5, but until Amazon gets a better ratings system, it gets a 4 star from me. "Winnners Never Quit" is truely a winnner.

this cd is the best of like 50 i own. pedro originnaly wanted like 11 songs but he didnt have enough money. that is to bad because we need more "simple economics" in the music world. people say this CD is depressing but it just helps me take things in. Whenever i am in need of an idea i put in "winners never quit" and i'll get an idea in that 35 min. of alone time. Pedro is the man and he should have a wider audience

I Bought this album on a whim. Word of mouth has never been so sweet for me. Pedro The Lion captures so much emotion and feeling than the majority of cds in my collection. It finds a place in my ear on a daily basis and I reccomend it to anyone who likes music...