Search - Hindu Love Gods :: Hindu Love Gods

The late Warren Zevon fronts REM minus Michael Stipe

Wayne Klein | My Little Blue Window, USA | 03/02/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A terrific album out of print for far too long (and in print again for a limited time). the one-off Hindu Love Gods "supergroup" featured Warren Zevon fronted the band REM for a recording made during the time the trio of Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Bill Berry played on Zevon's album "Sentimental Hygiene" (also available again as a limited edition CD from Rhino).



This appears to be the same mastering as the previous version available in the late 80's, early 90's. That's a good thing because usually when these things are reissued they are remastered as a compressed, loud mess that sounds little like the original issue of the album. The band and Zevon cover a variety of blues tunes but the outstanding track here is the cover of Prince's "Rasberry Beret" given a straight forward bluesy reading in complete contrast to Prince's original version from "Around the World in A Day".



The booklet is the full booklet and everything here looks like the original issue except for the Rhino logo on the back of the booklet and the CD case. It's definitely worthwhile for fans of Zevon and even fans of REM will probably enjoy these blues unadorned versions of the songs.



I would have loved to hear any outtakes that weren't included on the album. It's a pity that the quartet didn't try some original material as part of this but what we do have is extremely good to excellent.



Highly recommended but probably an acquired taste for most fans."

Lightning in a Bottle

Steve H | Dallas, TX | 10/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you were to look up the term Lightning in a Bottle in the revised Book of Cliches, Hindu Love Gods would be cited first. A truly amazing collection of power three cord riffs and booming percussion provided by R.E.M.'s Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Bill Berry back up the loud raunchy blues being belted by Warren Zevon. But being a fan of both REM and Zevon has little to do with the enjoyment this effort. If you like your rock raw, bluesy, thigh slapping, head bobbing and driving, get this now!"

Hindu Love Gods Play at Your Party

Timothy P. Young | Rawlins, WY, USA | 06/24/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I first bought this at the height of my initial Zevon fandom--1990. At the time, I didn't like it much at all. I thought it was rushed, sloppy, and ultimately forgettable, with the exception of their fun cover of 'Raspberry Beret.' What a difference a couple of decades makes!



When asked the question, "What do you get when you combine 3/4 of REM with Warren Zevon?" The answer is, rightly, Warren's great 1987 album 'Sentimental Hygeine.' When asked the question "What do you get when you combine 3/4 of REM with Warren Zevon, unused studio time, no specific songs to work on, and some booze for those still drinking?" The answer is 'Hindu Love Gods,' a damn fine example of a bar band-esque jam.



Yes it's disposable, but the sheer joy and energy of these takes makes it more than worth your time. At some points I was reminded of Alex Chilton's EPs...done quickly, but with so much native talent that the result rises above the mediocre mess it could have been.



Peter Buck and Zevon trade licks back and forth, Mike Mills provides rock solid bass work, and Bill Berry's drumming is perfect...never too busy, and keeping these tracks firmly rooted in the songs at hand. Highlights include the aforementioned 'Raspberry Beret', 'Crosscut Saw', and 'Vigilante Man.' Oh, and Zevon sounds like he's having more fun than he's had since the 70s. (RIP, Warren!)



This isn't essential for any Zevon fan, or REM fan, but it is too damn much fun to ignore. Grab a beer or other favorite adult beverage and turn it up at your next party!"