Jude Christodal could be one of those movie boys who write and record songs for the objects of their crushes or romantic losses. This follow-up to his 1998 debut on Madonna's Maverick label, No One Is Really Beautiful, fin... more »ds Jude placing his sweet sentiments in a finely crafted California-pop sound whose carefree edge makes it easy to believe the CD booklet's claim that it was all recorded in two weeks. Unaffected enough to cover Bread's heartbroken "Everything I Own," he also makes his originals resonate for those passed high school--even when extolling the benefits of a "Teenage Girlfriend" ("met her at the mall") or the charms of a "Not So Pretty Princess." By turns pained and joyful, but never puppyish, King of Yesterday opens a unique singer-songwriter's window on innocence and experience. --Rickey Wright« less
Jude Christodal could be one of those movie boys who write and record songs for the objects of their crushes or romantic losses. This follow-up to his 1998 debut on Madonna's Maverick label, No One Is Really Beautiful, finds Jude placing his sweet sentiments in a finely crafted California-pop sound whose carefree edge makes it easy to believe the CD booklet's claim that it was all recorded in two weeks. Unaffected enough to cover Bread's heartbroken "Everything I Own," he also makes his originals resonate for those passed high school--even when extolling the benefits of a "Teenage Girlfriend" ("met her at the mall") or the charms of a "Not So Pretty Princess." By turns pained and joyful, but never puppyish, King of Yesterday opens a unique singer-songwriter's window on innocence and experience. --Rickey Wright
"When I read the liner notes before listening to this album I got a sinking feeling. I had been looking forward to Jude's follow up to one of my favorite albums in years, Noone Is Really Beautiful. Reading in the notes that he had scrapped his 32 song, deeply personal "demi-opera" because of the label's reaction was disappointing. It sounded to me like Jude was already making excuses for this record.Instead he threw together this 12 song album in 2 weeks, and it sounds like it. 12 songs is misleading, as there are truly only 8 new songs on this album. One is a cover from the 70's (everything I own), 2 are songs from previous albums (I Do, I Will Not Die), and one is a radio edit of King of Yesterday.I'm not saying this is bad work--on the contrary, Jude's writing is still better than most of what we hear today. I was just expecting a lot more. These songs just didn't quite have the witty, biting, heart-felt effect that every single song on NOIRB had. If you don't own his previous albums, please start there before getting this one.I hope the label lets him have a little more freedom next time. Give me his "demi-opera" anyday!"
Get the new record instead
Kaitlin | New Orleans, LA United States | 01/14/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Check out the new record, "Sarah", which is WAAAY less produced. I don't know if Amazon has it yet, but you can link to it from Judemusic.com."
Good To Start With, And It Still Grows On You
Jacob Gordon | Palo Alto, CA United States | 07/11/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw Jude live at Largo in Santa Monica, and he was impressive. So I decided to pick up this CD, and it has not left my car stereo since. I keep thinking it's going to get old but it never does. King of Yesterday, the first track, is catchy and impossible to forget after one listen. The 2nd track is the same way, and on down the line. Sit-ups is my favorite perhaps, but the album is meant to be listened to as a whole. The only gripe is that he doesn't really sound like his show b/c that was only him and an acoustic guitar. But regardless, this CD is a keeper."
A good pop album, but no "No one is really beautiful"
Jacob Gordon | 12/21/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Jude recorded this album in a very short time frame and on a low budget (per the album sleeve). Sometimes it shows in the album version of songs like "Oh, Boy" and "Sit Ups" where, if you have ever heard live versions of these songs, you'd be totally blown away by Jude's range and natural pop talent, but the synths used in the studio don't do the songs justice. The album is good, with songs such as the title track being a highlight, and the oldie "Indian Lover" slowing it down a notch but keeping you interested the whole way through. However, it lacks the honesty of some of his other work.If you don't have No one is really beautiful, go on and get it - its a must have. This album deserves credit for its pop and style, because Jude had to make this album more "commercial friendly." Its an overall good listen and interesting album.More importantly, get out there and see Jude in person. It will make you want everything he's ever recorded - even if this album is not his best work."