Search - Mommyheads :: Mommyheads

Just really great pop

Adrian Bischoff | Boston, MA | 07/30/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"(note: when I say pop, I don't mean radio pop like Boyz II Men or whatever)It's hard to review this in such a way that a reader will know what this disc sounds like because there aren't a lot of bands to compare the Mommyheads to. The Fountains of Wayne are similar, perhaps they even heard this CD and tried to make songs as good as these, but where the Fountains of Wayne songs can be a little annoying after repeated listens or if you're not in the mood for that flavor of pop, the Mommyheads is infinitely listenable and no matter what else I'm listening to at the time, if I put this disc in, I seem to be in the mood to listen to it. Now to try to describe the music itself. The setup is guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums--and voice, of course. Adam Cohen sings, plays guitar and writes all (or most? it's been a while since I've read the liner notes) of the songs. His voice is incredible--one of the best tenors in pop music, just a couple notches down from Bono. His guitar playing is for the most part pretty restrained until the climax of the song where there is inevitably a really catchy guitar hook. The drumming is inventive and interesting. The bass playing, for most of most songs, is the most melodic instrument because the guitar is restrained and the organ/ synth is just playing chords. Unlike some of the earlier Mommyhead albums, this is a really consistant album. That's not to say that I don't have favorites, it's just to say that all of the songs are really good.Reading what I've written so far doesn't want to make me buy this album--like I've said, it's hard to describe. It just all works together really well. Even after not listening to this disc for almost a year (I was on a post-rock kick), as soon I put it in, it felt right. Definitely a worthwhile buy at ... whatever the amazon new/used people are selling it for."

Why bury a gem?

Y. Ness | Norway | 10/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We all know that there are so many gems in music - real pieces of art - that simply disappears from lack of commercial success. I was so lucky to stumble over this album in the sales bin (typically!) a couple of years ago. Today Mommyheads is what you're most likely to find in my CD player at any given time. The music is described elsewhere here, but you must listen for yourself. I've never heard such a perfect blend of lyrics, melodies, moods, and production/sound. Now I expect that those who possess the master tapes re-release ALL Mommyheads albums. Along with the sadly missed Snips' "La Rocca"."

This one of the most sincere and beautiful recordings ever.

Y. Ness | 10/22/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This thought provoking and musically talented band provided us with a real gem.. We as a people should thank them! Do yourself and your friends a favor and buy mommyheads!!!!"