Split Personalities

12 Rods

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 28, 1998)
• Original Release Date: July 28, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: V2
• ASIN: B000009HQB
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #184,836 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
What's a group of small town high school misfits to do when the popular shoe won't fit? Go the rock & roll route, of course! 12 Rods' full-length debut, Split Personalities, is a swizzle stick of XTC-like pop, stirring up '90s production values in a glass of geek. Guitarist Ryan Olcott, his keyboardist brother Ev, and drummer best friend Christopher McGuire surf over self-depreciation with synchronized sighing, turning life's lemons into thick but witty anthems like "Red," "Make-Out Music," and "Split Personality." The Minneapolis-based trio also knows how to offer up atypical love songs like "I Wish You Were a Girl"; instead of turning into a novelty song, it sounds both uncomfortable and sincere. Mixed by the band, Paul Q. Kolderie (Morphine), and Sean Slade (the Cure), Split Personalities stacks tender next to abrasive, proving that the smarts don't win without the heart. --Jason Josephes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Angst-filled rock at its best, December 24, 1999

By	Matt - See all my reviews

With all the useless, stupid anger in the world of rock music today, it's nice to hear a band that you feel isn't whining for no reason. Oh yeah, and the music rocks.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Geeks, Cowboys, and Rock Stars Unite!, February 23, 1999

By A Customer

It's about time somebody in the Minneapolis music scene did something different. Ballsy, smart, and beautiful. This album's great, but the real thing is oh so better. See them live if you can...they're unbelievable!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Drop it in, hit play. Repeat., February 12, 1999

By	[e-mail] (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews

The 12 Rods have pulled off a wonderful eclectic mix of guitar driven rock and hi-fi technology. This has a little something for everyone. Hard driven rock, with splashes of hi-fi for some flavor, cheesy popiness without selling out, and great lyrics. "Split Personalities" the title track and first single off of the disc, is solid, although I don't believe the best song on the disc. "Red" which is also featured on the EP Gay? is weighty for those who need a little "chunk, chunk" in their library. My favorite track, if I had to pick, would be "Girl Sun." This is where they bring in a little cheese, but it is pulled off beautifully. "I am faster" is a very dynamic song that really carries alot of energy. I listened to this song over and over. It is very powerful. I am very much looking forward to the Rods next effort. If you are lucky enough to see this band live don't miss the opportunity. Run don't walk to your local store or just order it here from Amazon. I definately recommend this CD to anyone with the ability to turn off their radio and listen to something that has had some effort put into it.