What the Hell Do I Know?

Illinois

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 6, 2007)
• Original Release Date: March 6, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ace Fu Records
• ASIN: B000N2G3U6
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #135,960 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
"The lyrical depth of the Kinks sauteed with the musical overtones of the Flaming Lips and John Spencer Blues Explosion reduction" gushed one critic. Regardless of your leanings, and whether you're happy, mellow, drunk or confused, Illinois plays beautiful music that makes old loves new and the green grass grow.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars What the hell does Illinois know? Apparently quite a bit about writing music..., March 7, 2007

By	Daniel P. Meloche (Philadelphia Area) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Stated quite simply, this album is a very solid release from a very solid band. I've seen Illinois live many times, and they always put on fun and energetic show. While it's next to impossible to channel the feeling of a live performance into a studio album, "What the Hell Do I Know?" does a commendable job of keeping the energy flowing from song to song.
The combination of lively drum beats and melodic banjo riffs with the complementary guitar and bass lines gives Illinois a very unique sound that is difficult to describe and even more difficult to categorize. There's a very obvious indie-folk element along with some bright pop-rock sound, but the overall result is something one must hear firsthand.
Don't expect lyrics in the powerfully delicate vein of Lennon/McCartney or of the pensive and brooding style of Elliott Smith. Similarly, the musical abilities of the group may leave something to be desired, particularly once the free drinks start flowing during a live show. Instead, listen to and enjoy a progression of songs that are fun and cheerful, as it is immediately obvious that you're listening to a group of guys that truly enjoy playing music with each other.
I gave this EP four stars, as it's very good, but the band does have room to grow and mature. I believe their next albums will reflect this development, and may very well be deserving of a five star rating. Until then, don't hesitate to buy this album!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars American Britrock and Power Pop, August 12, 2007

By	hyperbolium (Earth, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

You'd expect a band from Pennsylvania calling itself "Illinois" to be ironic. But even when they leaven their power pop and Britrock with Casio-styled synthesizers and the strum of a banjo, the result is more happy good-time than tongue-in-cheek clowning. "Nosebleed" suggests a twangy hootenanny until its menacing bass and distorted vocal turn more towards Jon Spencer and Jane's Addiction reinterpreting Daddy Dewdrop. "Screendoor" is uplifting in the manner of Mungo Jerry's "In the Summertime" (and Ray Davies first flush of originality with the Kinks) but wedded to '70s UK glam rather than '60s rock. There are modern production notes here that evoke bands like The Shins, but with power-pop melodies ala Weezer and Fountains of Wayne. Seven tracks clocking in at less than twenty minutes makes for a good introduction; look for more great things to come! [©2007 hyperbolium dot com]

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Apparently They know quite a bit, March 23, 2007

By	E. Carmichael (Roebling, NJ United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For an EP this CD has quite a bit. 6 Songs that range from upbeat to reflectiven and very well might I add, some bands can't get that on a full album. It's a great album to listen to at any time. Have a listen and enjoy. I expect great things from these guys, they definitely have it in them!