Search - Men Without Hats :: Sideways

They actually pulled it off!

Matt | 02/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When the 90's came along, synthpop went out of fashion. And some former synthpop bands found themselves playing guitars in order to stay 'in fashion' (ie sell out). The BIGGEST problem with this was that many of these bands ended up losing what made them great in the first place. That something wasn't really synthesizers. But rather, that fun-loving energy they had as synthpop bands. All too often, the music became slower and more serious in a stupid attempt to be more 'substantial' and less 'frivolous' (they became more pretentious, really). The end result was typically alienation of older fans without gaining younger ones (as they were considered an 'old' and 'uncool' band by younger folks). On the other hand, Men Without Hats managed to change their instrumentation without losing the essence of what they were. And for this, I applaud them."

Nirvana ripped them off!

Dr. Philgood | USA | 01/03/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you buy this album, listen carefully to the guitar riff of the title track. It is virtually the same as the one from Nirvana's revolutionizing hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit"! I tracked down the single version because it remember really liking it back in '91, and that song's release predates that of the seminal Nirvana single. Regardless of any conspiracy theories, "Sideways" is the best song you'll hear about a sexual position. In terms of the album, this is a ROCK album that departs from MWH synth-based roots. I definitely think one would be better off buying the compilation that includes "Sideways" (I think it is on the Canadian import only). "I Like" is another awesome MWH song you probably haven't come across. "Moonbeam" is a nice little number as well."

Thank God I got it when I did!

Dave | Missouri, USA | 03/06/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I see that, finally, the "black sheep" of the Men's album lineup has been discontinued by the manufacturer. I'm glad I ordered and got it four years ago! I can't understand why people won't let bands and singers try something new every once in a while. Sure, the ditched the sound that made them famous, but come on, this album ROCKS! I love the title track and In the Meadow is just beautiful. Even their version of I am The Walrus is worthy to have been done, quite a feat to pull off a decent cover of the Beatles (and I don't generally like covers!). It's a shame that more people didn't give this a chance back in the day, and now will probably never get the chance to."