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Word of Mouth Parade
Gus
Word of Mouth Parade
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (11) - Disc #1

The central conceit of the singer-songwriter isn't much different from any politician's popular ethos--"I feel your pain." But recognizing the universal commonality of a personal experience and successfully translating it ...  more »

     
   
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CD Details

All Artists: Gus
Title: Word of Mouth Parade
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 2
Label: Almo Sounds
Original Release Date: 3/9/1999
Release Date: 3/9/1999
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
Style:
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 705178002329, 705178002343

Synopsis

Amazon.com
The central conceit of the singer-songwriter isn't much different from any politician's popular ethos--"I feel your pain." But recognizing the universal commonality of a personal experience and successfully translating it into a song is no mean feat; it's a narrow road that winds precipitously between bathos, pathos, and "Seasons in the Sun." This sophomore collection cuts its own path through central themes of emotional and personal separation. But Gus doesn't just ask us to feel his pain; the joyful alternative pop of "Baby Blue Airplane" and the grandiose classicism of "Trapeze Days" urge us to rejoice in it. By turns contemplative and gently defiant, Gus's songs are infused with a strong melodic sense and carried by an expressive voice that's unafraid to soar into falsetto to sell a song. If the lilting dirge of the title song carries a pop elegance that seems strangely familiar, it should; it's a rewarding, if unexpected, collaboration with Procol Harum's Keith Reid and Gary Brooker. Gus claims he's influenced by a pop pantheon that includes Cat Stevens, Nick Drake, and Carole King, but a singer who on "Please Don't Go" forges a repetitive hook out of the line "I won't fuck you over" is clearly cutting a swath of his own. --Jerry McCulley
 

CD Reviews

A MUST BUY.
03/06/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"After the first listen I knew that this would be the break through album for Gus. Put on a set of headphones and let this recording take you away. The song structure is simple yet brilliant. The instumentation is excellent. The soft acoustic guitars, occasional heavier electic guitars and its apparent slide guitar(but not overwelming)really hits the spot and becomes poppy at the right times. The bass and drums keep the beat going and the head a-swayin. The keyboards keep you interested on songs like "please dont go" , "Trapeze Days" and "word of mouth parade". His voice. I cant say enough about gus' voice. It is immaculate, warm, soft, and sometimes extremely powerfull. Gus also has a debut album entitled "GUS" it is a bit heavier and really shows the range in his musical talents.As I hear new artists receive radio, video play and selling lots of records I know most of them wont last. Gus has what it takes to put out great music time and time again. Once he gets his big break watch out because Gus is hear to stay."
Nice little album
09/18/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)

"Gus has a thing for pop-ish music and an excellent voice. This album contains many songs that sound almost great. However, the only time Gus shows his true potential is with the album's masterpiece, "Please Don't Go." It has one thing the other songs are all lacking--timing. Sometimes I get frustrated when Gus brings in a lead guitar too early or starts a drum beat too late. The strings sometimes don't fit in. But at some times they fit in with beautiful precision. Gus almost makes it happen with this album--which probably deserves 3 1/2 stars, but you can't do that on Amazon. Deffinately not a 5 star album, though. Not every cd can be a 5 star album. On the other hand, "Please Don't Go" is a 5 star song. Keep trying, Gus."
Masterful, whimsical songwriting. I love this CD!
Joan M. Stevens | Los Angeles, CA | 03/29/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"My roommate recently picked this up. We play this at least once a day in our house. It's excellent. Gus's voice is smooth honey, liquid harmony, really soothing. The arrangements are perfect background to the lyrics. I put this on and dance around the house. I wake up singing these songs. BUY THIS CD! You will love it."