Southern California's Dishwalla are a lot like a serial killer. A la the most cunning sociopath, the group disguises dark intentions in a swirling head-swim of charming guitar notes and a volley of regular-joe vocals. It'... more »s music that fits right into a crowded playlist (witness the success of "Counting Blue Cars")--pop-gilded rock that doesn't mean any real harm. Get close enough to it, though, and its knife is unsheathed and glinting. We're talking trenchcoat-sinister. There's a tangible creepiness running through the suggestive, lumbering melodies and in the effortless, disarming murmur of front-stalker J.R. Richards. Richards somehow manages to instill threat into lines like "Staring at the wall because you know it understands" and "Nothing in motion, and I'm satisfied / No disappointment, until I wake up." Huge power chords roil and groan beneath him, enhancing the hypnotic effect--probably the same spell Mowgli felt as Kaa the python tightened his "Trust in Me" coils around him. Strange to think that Dishwalla's most intriguing feature is its, well, strangeness. But it's true! One listen to a violet processional such as "Truth Serum" and you fall in line behind it, raptly moving to the beat. And by then it's too late to escape. --Tom Lanham« less
Southern California's Dishwalla are a lot like a serial killer. A la the most cunning sociopath, the group disguises dark intentions in a swirling head-swim of charming guitar notes and a volley of regular-joe vocals. It's music that fits right into a crowded playlist (witness the success of "Counting Blue Cars")--pop-gilded rock that doesn't mean any real harm. Get close enough to it, though, and its knife is unsheathed and glinting. We're talking trenchcoat-sinister. There's a tangible creepiness running through the suggestive, lumbering melodies and in the effortless, disarming murmur of front-stalker J.R. Richards. Richards somehow manages to instill threat into lines like "Staring at the wall because you know it understands" and "Nothing in motion, and I'm satisfied / No disappointment, until I wake up." Huge power chords roil and groan beneath him, enhancing the hypnotic effect--probably the same spell Mowgli felt as Kaa the python tightened his "Trust in Me" coils around him. Strange to think that Dishwalla's most intriguing feature is its, well, strangeness. But it's true! One listen to a violet processional such as "Truth Serum" and you fall in line behind it, raptly moving to the beat. And by then it's too late to escape. --Tom Lanham
"This is not a bad CD by any measure, and you need a measure to rate a CD. Nearly any Dishwalla Fan Would say that "Pet Your Friends" is better, and then seemingly proceed to give them both the same 5 stars. I have given this CD the fairest most objective assesment I can based on many different aspects. I have also owned it for 6 months and listed to it at least 15 times all the way through. and when all is said and done, 3 stars is what I give, because I know these guys (If not other bands) are capable of better. By giving every disc 5 stars, its nearly impossible for those shopping to find the best first choice. If they Make the wrong first choice they may not buy another from that artist, so you do not nescesarrily help the artist buy automatically giving everything 2 thumbs up."
Honestly, the best Dishwalla album and one of the best ever!
Dave Dickerson | Tennessee | 11/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There are tons of great reviews already, but I just want to reiterate the point - if you are a fan of 90's rock, or of the Dishwalla "hit", or of bands such as Flickerstick, please, please give this album a listen. It has it's own unique vibe, like it is strung out or drunk at a party, and it is both haunting and rocking at the same time! The words to describe it escape me, just amazing! I am no Dishwalla fanboy, Pet Your Friends isn't one of my faves, but I guarantee And You... will both surprise and delight, especially if you are in a melancholy mood - it is absolutely perfect soundtrack music to a lonely night. Give it a try!"
Dishwalla... best kept secret to the music world
Tim Angus | Coatesville, PA | 04/25/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Where should I start, this album is unforgetable from start to finish. To be honest, I didn't like "Counting Blue Cars" that much when it first came out. But then it grew on me. Then when "Once In a While" came out, I knew this group was awesome. I bought AYTYKWLA the second week in release and basically listened to nothing but "Once In a While." Then, one day, sitting in my room after a horrible day at school, I listened to the whole album for once and I was mezmorized. It's like J.R. Richards wrote the songs based on my life. By far this album is number one in my book. Now that Opaline has been released, it may fall to number two. "Until I Wake Up" is reason enough to buy this album. It has become a fan favorite and the lyrics are unmatched by any other song writer. Don't listen to the other reviewers that say this album has bad lyrics. They must listen to bands like Blink 182 and Limp Bizket that dumb down the music world. If this album did not fall victim to A&M's merge with Interscope, this band would have easily won a Grammy."
EXCELLENT!!!
MusicMnky | California, USA | 12/08/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is sad to see that Dishwalla faded out after their first album. "And You Think You Know What Life's About" is definately better. There are fewer fast songs, but the quality of the music is much better. I like every single song on this album. If you liked "Counting Blue Cars", you will definately enjoy this album. I wish sales for this album gave the band the justice they deserve!"
My favorite Dishwalla CD out of the Four they have done!
John C. Dodd | San Diego, CA United States | 11/21/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This Cd is incredible. It doesn't have as many fast tempo songs as Pet Your Friends, but I'm down with that. The song writing is superb. Thx Dishwalla for hours of listening bliss!!"