Customer Reviews

You'd Prefer An Astronaut

5 star:		(57)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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...

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.

THE BAND: Matt Talbott (vocals, guitar), Tim Lash (guitar), Jeff Dimpsey (bass), Bryan St.Pere (drums & percussion).

THE DISC: (1995) 9 tracks clocking in at approximately 45 minutes. Included with the disc is a minimal 2-page foldout including one obscure color band photo and thank you's. All songs recorded somewhere between Chicago, IL and Cannon Falls, MN. Label - RCA Records.

COMMENTS: Like other reviewers have written... it's a mystery as to why Champaign's (Illinois) HUM did not last longer. The song "Stars" made it to the radio while I was living in Phoenix when it was released (1995). Not much has happened for HUM on the FM airwaves since then. This is both good and bad - good in the sense that their music is still fresh to those that have discovered them. Bad in that so few people knew about the band. Hum's early releases are a bit raw ("Fillet Show", and "Electra 2000"), but the essence of greatness was there. Where their 1998 release "Downward Is Heavenward" was dark, moody and atmospheric... "You'd Prefer An Astronaut" is considered alternative, but with a hard rock edge. Matt Talbot's voice is pretty monotone throughout (and talking more than he sings), but it somehow just fits with the music. Guitars by Tim Lash are crunchy, distorted and fuzzy a lot of the time, and light and acoustic only when necessary. The heavy drums from St.Pere pull this album together. YPAA produced 3 singles... the big one was "Stars", with "The Pod" and "I'd Like Your Hair Long" following soon thereafter. A diamond in the rough (4.5 stars).

I have lots and lots of CD's, many I've had for years and haven't listened to since the week I bought them. This isn't one of them. I heard "Stars" on regular rotation on an alternate rock station here in Indy and it really caught my ear and went out and got the tape. Yes, the tape. I listened to it over and over in my car until I wore the poor thing out. This is a CD that I never even looked at the titles to the songs and know very little about the band or their methods or even their names, but I know every note and etherial word in the complex and metaphorical lyrics. This is one of the best rock CD's from a band that most people have never heard of. Maybe that's what makes the driving and progressive guitar riffs of "The Pod" so good.......I think I'm the only one that's ever heard this incredible song. I hadn't listened to it in a while and found the CD I bought after I'd worn the tape out (I ended up with two CD's because the first one got scratched to hell getting carted around with me 24/7). I have been listening to it again for a few weeks and this record that is going on ten years of age is still way ahead of it's time and way above par of anything out there in regular rotation today. I can't even tell you guys how great this CD is. If I could give it ten stars, I would. Reading some of the other reviews here, I'm going to have to check out their other CD's and will probably be listening to them just as much. What's so great about the lyrics of this CD is they probably mean different things to different people, but that's what great lyrics do, just like great poetry. One thing that isnt' open to interpretation is that is a masterpiece of progressive rock.
Get this CD, give it a listen, and you will love it.

This is one of those bands that will probably make me say: "man... they don't make music like this anymore" and I will officially be old. But that aside, this is one of my favorite albums ever. Downward is Heavenward is awesome too.

This album along with "downward is heavenward" and failure's "fantastic planet" have been my favorite rock albums for years. This cd is one where you can listen to it for months straight, on repeat. My favorite tunes are "suicide machine" and "I hate it too" but when you're listening to the album in full it is hard to tell which ones are your favorites as it seems like one song which can not be serarated. I always get a little sad when the last song comes on, signaling the end of the journey. I think of this album as perfect to accompany a trip into space, dark fall nights, or sitting in the dark. But it also works for bright sunny days stuck in traffic. It can even calm you down when you're feeling stressed. I highly recommend this cd, as well as the others I mentioned above.

I first heard this album several years ago, and at first didnt quite get it. But after a some listening, I came to fully appreciate the vast soothing guitar and the almost monotone vocal stylings. Before i knew it, I was utterly obsessed with this album; I would find myself constantly replaying segments of songs just to pick out subtle backround vocals and riffs. This album, in combination with "Downward is Heavenward" are, in my opinion, two of the most powerful albums I have ever heard. Matt Talbot and his crew are geniouses; I have never been more moved by any other band in all my life. Do yourself a favor and buy this cd.

before this album, people had ears, they just did not know how to use them. all classical music was influenced by HUM via there breakdown of the time continuum during track 2, the pod. it is true. the first track, little dipper, and the fourth, suicide machine, are the best things to come out of creation since the sixth day (of creation). if you dont own this album, you dont own albums. warning: takes more than one listen. i hated this cd for three months.

Hum is what happens when emo meets grunge and makes friends with an astrophysicist. Creative if whimsical lyrics, heavy yet light guitars - A relaxing musical experience that you can still turn up and rock out with! Hum (from Champaigne, IL) were definitely ahead of their time with the space-emo theme, inspiring myriad midwest indie rockers like The Stella Link, Traindodge, Dirt Nap and many others. This album presents several great songs in a witty lo-fi package. If you like Radiohead and The Flaming Lips, this album is a must-own!