Search - Lambchop :: Aw Cmon

Appealing voice, thought-provoking lyrics

Monica J. Kern | Lexington, KY United States | 02/20/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I first encountered Lambchop through listening to the "Relax Trax" channel on Spinner.com. Every once in a while I'd hear a song that made me think, "Hey, this vocalist sounds like a more melodic Lou Reed or Leonard Cohen," and when I would click on the banner to see who it was, I'd always find it to be Lambchop. The resemblance to Reed and Cohen doesn't just stop with Kurt Wagner's gravelly (though quite appealing) vocals, either. The songs on the album are more intellectual than most modern music out there today. Take, for example, just the title of track 9, "Women help to create the kind of man they despise." I use this as an example of self-fulfilling prophecies when I teach social psychology to my undergraduates. For a thoughtful, mellow, enjoyable listening experience, give Lambchop a try."

Au Lait

Roger Robinson | Virginia, USA | 04/12/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Reading reviews is so rarely helpful for the curious and uninitiated. The only way you'll ever know if you enjoy Lambchop's work here is to pick the disc up and listen. These two new albums are my first real exposure to the band and all I have to say is...if the earlier stuff is really that much better, then I've got a real treat in store. Aw Cmon is the cream to No You Cmon's coffee. It's smooth and subtle and if played low enough is great for lounging. Turn it up, however, and you'll find yourselves wrapped up in the lyrics. These are not the non-sensical ear-catching melodies of The Cocteau Twins nor the eclectic story-songs of Bob Dylan, but Lambchop, nonetheless, belongs in such company. They have their own unique style of lyrics that's really unlike anything else I've encountered.Maybe I'm a little too drunk...or maybe it's a little too early in the morning...but some of Lambchop's lyrics seem like they've been crafted by cutting up the fortunes from Chinese cookies and mixing the words around. The thoughts are a jumble of random details and disconnected phrases somehow glued together by Kurt Wagner's phrasing and the catchy tunes into something coherent, yet still surreal.In short, Aw Cmon is an excellent album that can serve many purposes for the adventurous listner. Even the instrumentals are so finely crafted that you (nearly) won't lament the lack of KW's vocal rattle and hum. I reserve one star simply because, as good as this is, I feel Lambchop's potential is far greater than what's presented here. Perhaps, as some have stated in other reviews here, they reached it several albums ago...or perhaps the best is yet to come. Time will tell."

Lambchop shatters international stereotypes

F. Ng | NYC | 06/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A reassuring piece of art that provides proof that American contemporary musicians can be quiet, intellectual, and sexy."