You'd Prefer An Astronaut

Hum | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 30, 2010)
• Original Release Date: April 11, 1995
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B000002WSX
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (74 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,045 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #61 in Music > Alternative Rock > Hardcore & Punk > Post Hardcore

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Space and lost love, December 7, 2004

By 

Chris Nielsen (FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: You'd Prefer An Astronaut (Audio CD)

Rating--98 out of 100--

Some bands get lost between the seams over the years, namely Hum, which is one band that unfortanately never achieved the fame it so rightly deserved, (although this album did go on to sell a couple hundred thousand copies due to the radio hit Stars) along with Failure, Hum remains one of those bands that had one or two hit radio singles, but became a fan favorite for reasons moreso than this. Although Hum released two albums prior to this; namely Filet Show, and Electra 3000, this was the album where the band truly came into its own and set the pace for which it would return to a couple of years later with the brooding, and atmospheric (but commercial failure) Downward is Heavenward. Perhaps Hums ideas on this album can best be summed up, as a thinking mans version of mathematical Rock music, even presceding early emo, but transcending these boundaries and creating what some might dub "Space-rock". Summing up Matt Talbotts interset in space and the sounds that could make this whole album so atmospheric, are lyrics about lost love, drugs, and loneliness. We are taken into the mind of a band which truly was way ahead of their time, more so in the way that the dynamic sound that is exhibited herein, cannot be described as well as it can be heard. From the opening song "The Pod" you know you're in for one hell of a ride, as the guitars, bass, and drums kick you smack dab in the teeth, letting you know that you are in for one hell of a 40 plus minute trip through space. Talbotts lyrics are whimsical and genius, almost surrealistic in their dreamlike approach to the descriptions that overlay the whole structure of this album. No song is bad in my opinion, as each song sounds different than the last and the hard rockers are usually followed up by a slow ballad which makes you wonder just how in the hell these sounds were created. Standout songs are I'd Like Your Hair Long and, I hate it Too, although all the songs on here are excellent, Songs of Farewell and Departure is sort of downer, simply because this auspicious album actually has to end. Highly recommended, especially for laying out on the back of your car, looking at the stars with your girl, or significant other; this album must not be overlooked, as Hum is truly a pioneer of sound. However this band is now unfortanatly defunct, and the remaining members went on to form such bands as Centaur, Glifted, and National Skyline, all of which have their own unique appeal depending on your taste. Thanks for your time.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great album, July 11, 2006

By 

booktyrant - See all my reviews

This review is from: You'd Prefer An Astronaut (Audio CD)

its a shame these guys arent together anymore. they got dropped from their label because the follow up to this one didnt sell very well...all that aside, this is one of the great rock alternative albums of the 1990s. Just about everyone has heard stars and can probably remember when it got some brief radio airplay, but that is just one piece of the puzzle. lyrically speaking, they never let you know exactly what they are talking about, but instead give the listener a chance to figure it out for themselves. The music is simply beautiful and it all pieces together very well. It is simplistic and lots of fun...for anyone who loved the alternative movement of the 90s but wants something different that is just as good if not better, then check this album out...

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely the best CD I have ever heard., March 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: You'd Prefer An Astronaut (Audio CD)

I have been a Hum fan for years. Four, to be precise. This is their second album, and is probably their best (although Downward is Heavenward is close), and it's a masterpiece. Each member of the band writes their own parts to the song, and they collaborate in the end and put it all together. This makes for the some of the most complex, direct, purely musical sounds you'll ever hear. Think the lyrics just don't make sense? You didn't write 'em, did you. Listen closely, you'll soon realize that singer Matt Talbot knows what he's talking about after all. He's happy, he's sad, he's just taking a musical joyride. This CD leaves an impression in you forever...I get goosebumps from memories I have of listening to this CD three or four years ago...it's an amazing experience. No other CD out there compares to the pure emotion and energy put forth by this album. The actual recording has this 'cheap studio' fuzz to it, adding to the enigmatic, cosmic ambience as "Little Dipper" fades into "The Pod", and the pitch-black intro of "Stars"...and when the other seven tracks are through, you shake your head in amazement, say to yourself, "what the hell was that?", and push play again. If you consider yourself a music lover, or if you are a musician, find this CD now.