Jubilee Dive

The Drams

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 25, 2006)
• Original Release Date: July 25, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: New West Records
• ASIN: B000FVGLES
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #115,064 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Though three-fifths of this Texas band was formerly in Slobberbone, there isn't a speck of slobber amid the sonic sheen of the new incarnation's debut. Instead, frontman Brent Best now positions his sound at the high-gloss juncture of arena rock and power pop, with barely a nod toward the roadhouse dive. With Slobberbone's drummer Tony Harper and guitarist Jess Barr reuniting with Best, two new recruits--keyboardist Chad Stockslager and bassist Keith Killoren, both from Dallas's Budapest One--bolster the harmonies and the arrangements. While it's difficult to resist the hard-driving uplift of "Hummalong" and "Unhinged," the power balladry of "Holy Moses" and "Wonderous Life" (both approaching seven minutes) might have packed twice the punch with half the bloat. Elsewhere, the country tinge of "Fireflies" comes close to the Eagles, the elaborate production of "You Won't Forget" (with synthesized strings, cloying harmonies, and a brass arrangement) veers from Beatles into ELO territory, and "Des Moines" sounds like a generic lovelorn road song. In terms of aural precision, it's hard to fault the production of Matt Pierce, but the album almost begs for an editor. --Don McLeese

Product Description
Jam packed with brawny, spirited, hands-in-the-air rockers, stirring anthems and harrowing ventures exploring a culture sapped by hollow heroes and soul-killing, high-tech crapola, The Drams careen out of Texas with Jubilee Dive—a welcome jolt of rock ‘n roll that is fresh and vital!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top notch pop, January 23, 2007

By	Fred Lifton (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It's hard to feel sorry for Slobberbone fans who are disappointed in this disc. To me, this feels like an evolution or progression from that band to a new and very exciting sound. True, you do have to give it a few listens for it to really sink in. But I found much to love here once I gave it time. I think the songs are beautifully crafted, layers of sound and great playing tied seamlessly to lyrics that're provocative and lovely. Addictive hooks, gorgeous melodies, excellent arrangements, good production (though I wish I could get in on vinyl). I love the way the songs on this album evoke an amazing range of other artists, from Elton John to the Beatles, without ever sounding derivative.

Would we all love Neil Young as much if he had stopped creatively with "After the Goldrush"? Artists need to move on, all you Slobberbone fans should too.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars MOVE OVER SLOBERBONES!, October 24, 2006

By	Phillip A. Anderson "Rock'n Phil" (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Man, I don't know what all the [...]is about - I like this album - I would have gave it a 4 1/2 star review if it were possible. These are freakin solid songs. So hey - "Drams" - you keep on truck'n. And all you sloberbones - be thankful these dudes are still putting out great music. In other words - DON'T HATE! And anyone who has not heard this LP - give it a listen - it deserves it. Solid! Peace - Out

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars While not Slobberbone, it's not a complete throwaway..., November 1, 2006

By	Christopher J. Munzke (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I don't know how many people will pick this up who were not already familiar with Slobberbone. Accordingly, the majority of listeners/reviewers are going to compare this to Slobberbone. Compared to Slobberbone, it REALLY sucks. Taken on its own merits, it only kinda sucks. Personally, I have reached the point where I can appreciate the simple pop tunes (e.g. Hummalong, Unhinged, Sortsighted). However, half-way thru "You Won't Forget", I thought someone had replaced my Drams CD with a Chicago CD. Skip tracks 7 and 8, and you are left with a mediocre, listenable CD, if only due to the fact that I still enjoy Brent Best's voice (no matter how overproduced). Think of the drop-off from Slobberbone's ETYTWRWWT to Slippage. The drop-off from Slippage to this album is about twice as steep.

Bottom Line: Buy this CD, and make your own decision 'cause Brent Best deserves to be a millionaire based solely on what he did with Slobberbone.