Search - Bishop Allen :: Charm School

Don't let the 'pop' tag fool you.

nessab | New Zealand | 05/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The saddest thing about the term "pop" is that it has come to essentially mean ..., the mindless vapid profit-driven music you find on national charts by acts who disappear after having their fifteen minutes of fame. It's sad, because the best way I can think of to describe Bishop Allen's music is as 'pop', but without all the negative connotations. Christian Rudder and Justin Rice write catchy, intelligent and complex pop tunes, the stuff that will have you singing along, tapping your feet, or, in my case, listening to the album on repeat for the entirety of an eight hour bus trip. Charm School is what all albums should be: surprising and enjoyable, with that kind of built in drip-feed mechanism - that is, that each time you listen, you hear something new, whether it is a funky rhythm, a great lyric or a new favourite song. Most importantly, just listening to Bishop Allen's music, you get the sense that the band were having fun (just listen to Penitentiary Bound or the crazy disco style of Empire City) - if pop means they're only in it for the money, then Bishop Allen are most definitely not pop, but indie geniuses who deserve far longer than fifteen minutes in the spotlight."

Bishop Allen Charmed the Pants Right Off of Me!

sarahgirl88 | Spokane, wa USA | 05/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Excellent Cd. I'm walking around with Bishop Allen and their fab songs in my head, and I can't stop listening to them. This is indie pop at its best. From the opening hook of "Charm School" to the end of the album, I was forced to jump around happily and repeat the cd endlessly. The band is right; they DID make an album that was fun and smart, one which I would encourage anyone to check out. It is a great listen and one of the best albums I've purchased in a long time."

Good enough to give chills, fun enough to sing forever

Mike Smith | Albuquerque, NM | 10/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like The Shins, Modest Mouse, or even the better songs of the Rolling Stones, I can almost guarantee you will like this album. I heard a couple of their songs online, loved them instantly, got chills up and down my arms from their emotion and their innovation, and I ordered it immediately.

This is instantly likeable music, music I knew I loved the moment I heard it. That bands like Bishop Allen aren't being hounded by every major label out there is baffling to me. This album features terrific female backing vocals, simple yet rocking and friendly songs, occasional drums by Microsoft Excel, witty lyrics, a terrific tribute/thank you song "Eve of Destruction" in which the band thanks all their friends on a day that might be their last. The album's also got funny liner notes, and one of the coolest songs I've ever heard, "Ghosts are Good Company,"

Buy "Charm School" now. Listen to the samples on Amazon, and then buy it immediately. And, if you like this, check out Soltero. Good music is out there, and waiting for you."