Search - Finechina :: You Make Me Hate Music

For anyone who ever felt alone in superior musical tastes.

joffadell | Tucson, AZ United States | 04/11/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the last five years, Fine China have emerged from a stolid Phoenix, AZ music scene with a vigor and life that is rarely seen in that harsh desert climate. Though releasing several ep's in their early life, the listening public was not given a full length release until 1999. That record was the glorious, synth and electronic drums laden "When the World Sings." "When the World Sings" instantly established Fine China as a talented, inventive, and original force with a sound that was immediate and infecting. One cannot leave a first listen, whether live or on CD, without an undeniable infestation of melody and hooks. Every piece of this band provides discernible and hummable riffs that are difficult to shake from the brain. Comparisons used most often were New Order and Joy Electric. The latter parallel is no mistake. "When the World Sings" was produced by Joy Electric lead singer Ronnie Martin. And though fans of the synthesizer had no problem with this, there are points on that record that sound directly lifted from a Joy Electric release, which caused some to shy away from "When..." This is unfortunate in the largest part not only because it pushed some away from the band, but also because it betrayed the sound the Chinese (as they are called by their devoted fans) achieve live, which is, mildly put, incredible. That sound is more closely duplicated on Fine China's second record, "You Make Me Hate Music." Besides the closer resemblance to the live sound, what is also captured, and which is the greater triumph, is that Fine China have grown out of any general comparisons and into a sonic area of which they are the sole proprietors. Sure, likenesses are available, and quickly too. The opening of "The Unsuccessful" sounds almost as if the Edge circa 1982 had shown up with the Chinese in the studio. One expects to hear Morrissey, and not Fine China lead singer Rob Withem, croon the lyrics to "Don't Say Nothing" after the first measures. However, no sooner can one say, "Man, this sounds like..." than the tones or voice diverge into territory owned and operated solely by Withem and company. As for the songs, every one is a highlight. "Your Heart Was Made of Gold" is the poppiest "Let's get out of here," ever. "Rock Can't Last Forever" is simultaneously a ballad about the transience of music-made popularity and an indictment of neo-pop-punk bandwagonners. "You Ain't Happy" has perhaps one of the catchiest choruses in all of music. One might find themselves having to skip that one for the sake of not having the song stuck in the head for the remainder of the day. The credit for these pop masterpieces lies not exclusively with any one member of the band. Frontman Rob Withem's guitar and word work seems to indicate that he went on some kind of divine retreat and was met by God, whereupon his abilities were increased five-fold, and considering his displays on "When..." I find myself even more astounded and awed. Yet, the songs would not be where they are if he was alone. Bassist Greg Markhov is in fine form, pounding away in his definitive fashion, telling Fine China veterans that he has not forgotten that the band sell a t-shirt that reads, "Give me treble," and also conveying that he has grown in skill and form. Josh Block's keys are here in their complement, reminding us that picking up this guy was the best career move this band could have made (though the keys are not as prominent in the mix here as they are live and on "When...," which some will anger some, cheer others). And finally, Thom Walsh bangs those beats that would provide Mike Joyce and Steven Morris a master class.Now, a record cannot be perfect, though this one comes darn close. Still there is one major complaint. "You Make Me Hate Music" is simply not long enough. But who knows, maybe if Fine China garners the success, popularity, and praise they deserve, they'll release a b-sides and rarities disc, and while I'm hoping, maybe it will sell a gajillion copies. They deserve no less."

Like a lifejacket for a drowning generation.

Timothy Karlberg | Minneapolis, MN | 12/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finding Fine China for the first time with "When The World Sings," and then the second time, with "You Make Me..." filled me with relief and fear simultaneously. On the one hand, I was able to rest assured in the knowledge that somewhere behind today's tumultuous wash of mindless, vapid pop, there is a band fulfilling music's purpose. Conversely, though, I was consumed with the fear that there might be other records...other bands...out there doing the same thing. And I don't know where to find them! It worries me that there are still unpurchased copies of ANY Fine China album out there. Seeing a Fine China CD for sale somewhere is to me what it must be like for the Coast Guard when they motor up to a capsized pleasure boat to collect the corpses, only to find an ample supply of lifejackets floating within reach of the drowned victims. Fine China is within reach--at least temporarily--and only a handful of alert listeners are staying afloat."

They make me love music

N. Saxton | Tucson, AZ United States | 05/02/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I know in the last week you said to a co-worker, or some other poor sap near you, "There's nothing but crap on the radio". Quit complaining, and go pick up the new Fine China album. After one listen to this disc, you'll tear the radio right out of your car, and use the hole to make a little shrine to the band, complete with cardboard cutouts of the little popsters.These talented (translated "ability to write creative and relevant music", take a lesson Limp-... Biskit) boys from Phoenix have shown us where popular music could have been today if the Offspring and other comfortable middle-class white bands hadn't convinced a whole generation of comfortable middle-class white kids that they should be angry about something.Here is music that reflects life itself, simultaneously joyous and melancholy, all the while hinting at the pain that life can bring without succumbing to self-pity. If radio makes you sick, go buy this album."