Glasvegas

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Editorial reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review
Glasvegas are a four-piece from Glasgow - the latest band to be championed by industry mogul Alan McGee, the man that "discovered" Oasis. Despite the inevitable hyperbole that has followed McGee’s proclamation of the band, Glasvegas more than deliver on their early promise with this eponymous debut album. The quartet already showcased their earthy wit and sonic ambitions on singles such as "Daddy’s Gone," a heartfelt tale of soured father-son relations delivered in an uncompromising Glaswegian accent and set to a shimmering wall of rock roll. Glasvegas continues in more or less the same vein. Singer James Allen reels off stories of everyday city life over euphonious, pop-edged soundtracks that blend 50s surf rock, layered, Phil Spector-esque production values and the occasional splash of 60s doo wop. Tracks like the arching "Flowers and Football Tops", the confessional "It's My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry" and the upbeat "Legs Show" contrast with darker songs like "Stabbed" and "Go Square Go!". The band's down-to-earth worldview combined with their nostalgic sound and surging, sing-a-long choruses makes for a rich and enjoyable musical tapestry.

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2009-06-10 rating:
When it's good, It's good, but...
There was an awful lot of hype surrounding this album, and to an extent it's justified. There are some excllent tracks on here; Flowers and Football Tops pretty much sums up what Glasvegas are all about, with Jesus and Mary Chain noise meeting motown/Phil Spector sixties pop. This formula is use to create some really effective emotional exploitation, notably on "Go Square Go," with it's chant along, aspiring terrace album climax, and Daddy's Gone, a sickly but affecting ode to absentee fathers. br / br /That said, the rest of the album is less effective, with only Geraldine really showing the humour and callousness that the best lyrical elements of the band's songwriting can rise to. For a full length album, there's an awful lot of feedback and reverb used as padding, and a shortfall in actual tunes. br / br /Add to that the repetitive, monotonous drum beats used throughout the entire record, a side-effect of (allegedly) choosing a non-musician for a drummer based on her apperance, and you get a debut album that ends up being more style than substance. Worth having for the 5 or so stand out tracks, but overall not a great album.

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review by: Tooneyloon date: 2009-05-19 rating:
Simple... Phenomenal
One word... Phenomenal. br /The heart-felt emotion from this band just blow me away everytime on every song. It is rare I feel like this and this band do it. br /I'd heard of them for a long time and never did anything about it and there's a reason why which I'll say in a minute. br /As soon as i pressed play, it truly sucked me in and didnt let go until the last second played. br /It leaves you feeling, I cant explain it, just, breathless. br /I've heard people moan because it's sung in a scottish accent... oh my god who cares??! br /The words, and general feeling of the album in general will completely overpower you. Completely. br /The reason I went so long without hearing this band? br /I'm a hardcore metal fan. br /Need I say any more on how amazing this band are. br /

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review by: date: 2009-05-06 rating:
Geraldine Geraldine Geraldine
Glasvegas have a great sound and the 2nd track 'Geraldine' is a life-affirming corker to be played at full blast at every opportunity. The problem is the bar has been set so high with this song, that the others don't even come close. Try as I might to listen to the whole album whilst cruising round in my eco-jag I keep coming back to 'Geraldine', which I find myself playing AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN AGAIN. One other niggle - why on earth did they choose a hackneyed piece of classical piano music to talk over for the track 'Stabbed'. Infinitely more powerful to have used something original they'd composed themselves. Neither am I sold on the idea of inserting bits of well-known songs (You are my Sunshine, My only Sunshine) - albeit fairly seamlessly - into their own tracks. But for 'Geraldine' I shall be eternally grateful.

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review by: Del Finch date: 2009-04-18 rating:
MUCH ADO ABOUT NUFFIN
There would appear to be mixed feelings about this album based on the reviews that I've read (athough how I found myself navigated to 'Glasvegas' remains a mystery!). But since I'm here I'll let on this - bought the album just around when it slid down the old hype-tube, listened to it with great expectation....and was disappointed. Too fascile, overbearing and devoid of character for me. Sorry for those who differ, but try Malcolm Middleton/Arab Strap if, like me you love lush Scottish accents, but who write and sing evocative lyrics with that certain Celtic passion.


review by: Mitchmusic date: 2009-04-03 rating:
They're not the saviours of rock music, sorry.
I'm sorry people, this has all been done before, just much, much better. Very serious music, this, no smiles, head down sheets of guitar, droning songs and about as much fun as a convention of accountants. br / br /Just no fun....

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