Rooney

Rooney

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 20, 2003)
• Original Release Date: May 27, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Geffen Records
• ASIN: B00009EIPA
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (285 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #64,587 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The young Los Angeles band Rooney draws on some obvious influences--the Beach Boys, Weezer--to craft its own promising sound. This catchy debut makes a strong case for the group's smarts by updating its tales of teen life with knowing details (side-by-side references to cell phones and Shirley Temples, for instance, in "Sorry, Sorry"). "Daisy Duke" mirrors a night-before/morning-after scenario with its Rivers Cuomo-esque structure of vulnerable verse/mock-tough chorus, while "I’m Shakin'" almost matches the Dandy Warhols' obsession with the Cars as a next-big-source of retro sound. But singer-guitarist Robert Carmine protests readymade Britney and Justin types too much on the overdramatic change of pace "Popstars." After all, can there really "killers of rock & roll" as long as unassuming bands like Rooney are around? --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Debut, June 30, 2003

By	"krizisrad" (Ada, MI USA) - See all my reviews

I have been a Rooney fan for quite some time now, and couldn't wait to get my hands on their debut album. I was expecting it to be good, and I was not disappointed. Rooney's signature sound, kind of California rock & roll which hints of the Beatles and Weezer, shines on this album. Here's a track-by-track run down of this outstanding disc:

1. Blueside - The first single, this gives listeners an idea of what to expect on the rest of the album. It's very instrumentally, rather than lyrically, driven. B+

2. Stay Away - Great catchy song, a perfect example of the "California beach" sound of Rooney. This track gives you a better appreciation of Robert's vocals than "Blueside". One of my favorites. A

3. If It Were Up To Me - This has been my favorite Rooney song ever since I first heard them over a year ago. Very Beatle-ish, with sweet lyrics: "It it were up to me, she would know that our love is the best love". A

4. I'm A Terrible Person - Very, very catchy chorus / pop sounding. It's good, but nothing incredibly special or original. B+

5. Popstars - One of the few mellow songs on the disc. This lament about the loads of untalented popstars uses lines from Britney and Nsync songs to say, "These are the words of the popstars/ These are the words of the unsophisticated money machines/ For the killers of rock and roll". This song is very different from anything else on the album, or on the radio. A

6. I'm Shakin' - You'll have "shh shh shaking" stuck in your head for the rest of the day after listening to this track. Fun song. B+

7. Daisy Duke - Interesting song, reminds me a bit of something Weezer might sing. One of my favorites just because it seems so well-crafted and is catchy without being mindless. Great guitar on this song, too. A

8. Sorry Sorry - The most fun song on the album - something I want to play over and over until my CD player breaks. It is the perfect summer song. You can't help but sing along; "I'm sorry sorry for making your life a living hell". Great pop/rock song. A

9. That Girl Has Love - A sad song about a teenage girl who committed suicide. The best lyrics on the CD, in my opinion. Everything about this song is good: the melody, instrumentals, lyrics, and vocals. It's slower and more laid back, fitting for the subject of the song. Perfect. A

10. Simply Because - Another song with a catchy chorus: "I could never really love you simple because, simply because of the trust". A-

11. Losing All Control - At first this song was not one of my favorites, but now I love it. It's very laid back and mellow - the perfect ending to a great CD. A

All in all, this is an excellent album; it has quickly become one of my favorite CDs. I would highly recommend picking it up - you won't be disappointed. And check out the guys in concert if you get a chance - they'll blow you away.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bought it purely on a recommendation without hearing first, May 4, 2004

By	R. Sobkoviak "DHTML mentor / former radio per... (Chicagoland, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Too many people have written glowing comparisons of Rooney to the Beach Boys. I think it's really more than that. These guys have good harmonies, and sure there's the use of the theremin on "Blueside", but to simply compare these guys to the Beach Boys doesn't give them enough credit. It's clear to see by the bear on the album cover that these guys are deeply rooted in the California sound. This is a great sound, with a fresh, modern neo-punk sound. Others compare Rooney to Weezer mixed with the Beach Boys, but I really hear a lot more of a melodic pop feel that reminds me of Big Star and Teenage Fanclub. Rooney reminds me of the smattering of good pop music that the 1970's managed to cough up. Eric Carmen on a really good day...Sweet when they played something other than "Ballroom Blitz"...do you see where I'm going with this? I bought this album without ever having heard one track...purely on the word of a friend...and I'm glad I did. Robert Carmine reminds me a lot of Jim Ellison, the late lead singer of Material Issue (from Chicago). This is a really fine slice of pop, and I can't wait to hear what these guys do next!

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Undeniably a future classic, May 31, 2003

By	Becca (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews

Rooney has been drumming up a fan base for over three years now, and we devoted fans have gotten our just desserts. As have those about to discover this rockin' band.

As many have described them already, yes, they do sound like Weezer. However, Rooney's sound, is noticabley different in each song Robert Carmine smoothley croons.

The first single, "Blueside", is sure to make all who listen instant dancers as everything about this upbeat song is something to jump up and boogie down to. Another stand-out track is the absolute most fun one can have stuck in one's head. Shakin' is indeed just that. From the first moment the song is heard, nobody can control themselves.

Other hits with fans and concert-go-ers is the oh-so-cute "Sorry, Sorry", "I'm A Terrible Person", and suprisingly sad, "That girl has love"(formally "Kirsten"). On this reviewers trip home from seeing them live for the third time, the lyrics literally brought tears to her eyes.
Now, Rooney is fantastic when recorded, however, their live performance is incendiary. Above anything else I have seen. This band knows how to rock and deliver a stellar show, even when things might not be ideal. For those not lucky enough to see them live, this enhanced cd has two performances from a fan show played last winter.

Rooney has proved to be more than just pretty boys with unbelievable connections in their own home(Lead guitarist and vocalist Robert Carmine is Jason Schwartzman's (of Phantom Planet) brother) but soon to be sensations and eventually legends. Taylor Locke and Matt Winter wail on guitar and bass like no other, while Louie Stephens rocks out on keyboard and tambourine. Ned Brower, the drummer, is a risk taker that has all the talent to back it up. "popstars" features his drumming that kills today's competition.

Rooney has produced a unique present to the world. And these friendly, sweet guys deserve every bit of success along the way to ultimate stardom.

This reviewer has never believed more in a band than in Rooney.