You! Out of the gene pool!
K. H Mark | Geneva, IL. | 03/11/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Unlike some other listeners I did not accidently purchase this album, nor was I disappointed. Creative bands continually explore their sound, unlike some bands (ie. Bush). "Whiplash" is different than their CD's "Laid" (which was mellow) or "Millionares" (which is heavy on the synth side), this release boasts powerful guitars, classic James lyrics and a different direction. Overall this reminds me of their Gold Mother disc, which was fun and unpredictable. Their sound is unique to other releases and more resembles the extra songs from their "Best of" CD like Runaground & Destiny Calling. There is more James than Brian Eno on this disc unlike "Laid" or "Pleased to meet you" which were heavily influenced by Eno. If you like the more upbeat James you've heard check this release out. A great selection for the car by the way, especially when driving at high speeds..."
Whiplashed indeed!
drefractor | Arizona | 12/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw James in a small club during the Wah-Wah experimentation stage which was recorded at the same time as Whiplash, not more than a year after they opened for Neil Young's accoustical tour. Both shows were excellent (despite one of Neil's "fan's" complaints about Tim Booth's lack of vocal quality; LOL!), while at the same time completely different.
Whiplash does a wonderful job in melding these two experiences. The relatively 'tame' Laid music shows up (Tomorrow, Homeboy, Avalanche) with some of the electronic Wah Wah explosion I heard in the small club (GreenPeace, Go to the Bank, parts of Play Dead) and we get some additional Eno looping trance stylistics (Watering Hole, Blue Pastures). The end result is a whiplash of musical styles and vocal offerings that are alternatively heavy and light, hopeful and resigned, passive and angry.... quite an emotional rollercoaster.
Add to these the exceptional lyrics throughout --highlighted by the aching social commentary of "Lost a Friend" -- and you get a rare complete listening experience."
Another masterpiece un-noticed by mainstream radio
Steve Wells | SF bay area | 08/03/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As mentioned on many of these reviews Laid and Seven were indeed fantastic CD's full of a wide range of moving music and deep lyrics. However this CD is probably their best and most unrecognized of them all. Every song is its own masterpiece of great rhythms and insightful lyrics. The track Tomorrow is about saving a friend from suicide is a driving track that as strange as it sounds is a uplifting tune. Lost a friend the next track is deep and very meaningful touching the boundaries of what we perceive on TV and just how we accept the unacceptable because of its propaganda. Waltzing along probably their best song on the cd if you had to choose one is so true in all its observations on life. A meaningful flowing tune that just makes you feel good to be alive, very spiritual. Shes a star the 4th track is their hit from the CD very catchy tune sure to please on first listen.Driving message don't live in the shadows of others we are all stars. I could go through whole CD but will spare everyone. Finish with a few quickies, Avalanche awesome!!! about revolution, Go to the bank this tune is fun about consumerism and the shallowness of it.Blue pastures forget it all in the blue pastures a floating tune one of my fav's, great for relaxation. A must James CD to have in your collection I have bought it 3 times over the years."