Before We Spark [ENHANCED]

Ultimate Fakebook

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 20, 2003)
• Original Release Date: May 20, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Enhanced
• Label: Initial
• ASIN: B00008XS0Z
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #223,968 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
If the Replacements perfected what Big Star attempted, Then UFB has taken the next step - an edgy combination of Cheap Trick's songwriting and Kiss' cartoonish glory, a reminder of what we loved about Weezer's first album. Initial records. 7 tracks. 2003.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Good old fashioned fun in a more informal review, October 24, 2003

By	M. Mueller (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I would have given this EP more stars, but considering that there are really only 3 good songs on the album, I decided against it. That said, those 3 songs are exceptional. The first track, "Rotting on the Vine" is the highlight of the EP. It starts out with a techno feel and then goes into rock UFB style. The lyrics are catchy, the riffs will make you want to dance, and the song will just overall put you in a good mood. "We'll Go Dancing" is infectious and seriously makes me want to do just what the title says. "Record Release Party" is also nice to sing along too, but not quite as entertaining as the other tracks. The second track is completely pointless, and the fourth track, "Catch the Beat" has a great beginning, but loses momentum quickly. The remix of "Inside Me, Inside You" is not bad but I highly recommend the original version instead. It will make you smile no matter how horrible your day is going, I guarantee it. Overall, I say buy this album used for no more than 7 bucks.

4.0 out of 5 stars 4 stars in general, but only 3 compared to their other work., June 25, 2003

By	Jason A. Nowak "JayLovesPunkRock" (Buffalo, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I'm a huge fan of Ultimate Fakebook, and this EP will not deter me. But I am a little disappointed with their experimentation.

The first song, "Rotting On The Vine" starts off with a hip-hop beat from a drum machine ("You're about to hear the sounds, of Rob Base and DJ EZRock...) and my main question is "Why???" Why bother with that? Anyway, after 45 seconds, they break into typical UFB rock, with Bill's voice sounding as great as always. Ok, I'll live.

The second track is a 20 second "song" called The Cobra. It is Nick making some noise on his bass. Must be an inside joke because I don't get it.

Track 3, "We'll Go Dancing," not bad, reminicent of "I'm All Out Of It Now," off THIS WILL BE LAUGHING WEEK (amazing CD by the way), but a little slower. It's all right, you wouldn't skip ahead when listening to it, but you wouldn't put it on a mix cd either.

Track 4, Like track 1, this song rocks and McShane's voice hits the highs as great as always.

Track 5 is ok, it's a little hard to sing "Record Release Party" and not sound awkward. The song is decent, but it won't rock your socks off.

Track 6, a two minute instrumental jam. Doesn't really sound like UFB, but it works.

Track 7, a remix of "Inside Me, Inside You," has too much synth and drum machine for me and it goes on a little too long, but it's fun.

The enhanced features really make this EP worth it, two additional remixes and two full length videos give you more bang for your buck. You can't compare this two their last two masterpiece CDs, but the hardest working band in America deserves to experiment with different sounds and to have fun with their talent. I highly suggest seeing them live - the energy in their show can not be translated to a recording, although you wouldn't know it by listening to their CDs.

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly talented musicians!, June 22, 2003

By	Eric (Georgetown, TX) - See all my reviews

I'm in a band, ok. (mp3.com Radio Failure; hehe) This album almost makes me want to stop playing music. It's that good. How can my band possibly compete with these three guys. Record Release Party is one of the best on the EP. There is also an EXCELLENT remix of they're song Inside Me, Inside You from their last album Open Up and Say Awesome. This is also an enhanced cd that has the videos of Inside Me... and When I'm With You, I'm Ok. This EP is a must. Don't think about handing the money over the counter! JUST DO IT! Get your reciept, go home, and enjoy!