If Ours's 2000 disc, Distorted Lullabies, was notable for singer-songwriter Jimmy Gnecco's vocal similarity to Jeff Buckley and his fluent command of tortured pop-rock (hardly groundbreaking traits, but serviceable), then ... more »Precious makes the case for Gnecco as genuine-article artist. There's a truckload of emotion here and while Gnecco is more screamer than crooner, his viewpoints linger long after the final chords. Opening with the spiky--and cheeky--"Kill the Band," Precious segues into "Realize," a straight rock tune with a pealing guitar lead that solders the chorus to the bridge. Paler shades are explored later in the disc; "Broken" begins as a dirge before erupting into a musical firestorm with Gnecco's howls at the vortex. "If Flowers Turn" is wistful pop abetted by tambourine and do-do-do vocals, while "Red Colored Stars" trades muscular electric guitar for acoustic and octave-defying vocals. --Kim Hughes« less
If Ours's 2000 disc, Distorted Lullabies, was notable for singer-songwriter Jimmy Gnecco's vocal similarity to Jeff Buckley and his fluent command of tortured pop-rock (hardly groundbreaking traits, but serviceable), then Precious makes the case for Gnecco as genuine-article artist. There's a truckload of emotion here and while Gnecco is more screamer than crooner, his viewpoints linger long after the final chords. Opening with the spiky--and cheeky--"Kill the Band," Precious segues into "Realize," a straight rock tune with a pealing guitar lead that solders the chorus to the bridge. Paler shades are explored later in the disc; "Broken" begins as a dirge before erupting into a musical firestorm with Gnecco's howls at the vortex. "If Flowers Turn" is wistful pop abetted by tambourine and do-do-do vocals, while "Red Colored Stars" trades muscular electric guitar for acoustic and octave-defying vocals. --Kim Hughes
Ours do anything but let us down on this tremendous record!
Cyndi Lauper | Ontario, Canada | 11/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Yes, I know that Jimmy Gnecco (singer / writer extrodinaire) is uncomfortable with the many comparisons he has been receiving to Jeff Buckley. But truth be told, those comparisons were how I discovered this band. For years I was looking for some music to fill the void Jeff left behind, and, quite by accident, I stumbled upon Ours, who are devastatingly brilliant. 'Precious', their follow-up album to their first major label release 'Distorted Lullabies' is both surprising and wonderful. Surprising, because it sounds notably different from their first one, and wonderful because the evident progression which has taken place between albums has resulted in the formation of a remarkable and classic album. The dark and troubled Jimmy from Distorted Lullabies has evolved into a more observant and heartfelt songwriter, whose outstanding work on this album has pushed the band out of the shadows of comparisons, and into their own light. However, 'Precious' is not a complete departure from the previous record. Still present are the piercing howls, the eerie wails, and the songs so moving and full of emotion that they rip your heart out of your chest on every listen. Definitely an album worth investing both your hard-earned cash and your time in. A superior album that will no doubt be there to lead us through our troublesome, lonely and desperate future."
Strong Album
Guy Fleegman | At large | 11/02/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Since 1995, rock fans and critics have wondered two things: (1) When is Radiohead going to make "The Bends, Part 2"?, and (2) Is Live capable of realizing its potential and making good music again? The answer to both questions is "no," because Radiohead lives in constant fear of repeating itself, and because, sadly, Live lost its way musically. The good news is that "Precious" by Ours makes those two questions irrelevant. "Precious" leaves the listener with a feeling of, "I've heard music like this before, but this is better in a way I cannot define." Somewhere in a parallel universe, "Precious" surely became Radiohead's third album. Music fans should be glad that Radiohead followed its own path in this universe and let Ours develop its own style of guitar-based pop/rock with soaring vocals. The best part of "Precious" is its consistency: each track is listenable and enjoyable. "Precious" is a passionate album with a sense of purpose, featuring excellent musicianship. Hopefully, Ours will stick around for a while."
Ours.
amy | texas | 07/15/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"unlike most normal people, i bought "precious" months before "distorted lullabies" [which i just received a week ago]. amazingly enough, i actually heard/saw their single, "leaves," on mtv. considering this was not really my kind of music at the time, i was not completely blown away. for some reason unexplained, i ended up buying "precious" about a week later. i now think this might have been a message from God because i don't usually buy cds after hearing only one of the songs, especially one i don't particularly like. anyway. now that i've become much smarter, and my taste in music has changed, i think it's safe to say that "precious" is one of the most brilliant albums never heard. it really saddens me that such a talented band is unknown to just about everyone. jimmy gnecco's lyrics and amazing voice are truly stunning, while the music is, to say the least, captivating. i'm trying hard to understand where gnecco got that range, when even i, a 16-year old girl and aspiring singer, can't reach his high notes. very impressive. but what i love most are the beautifully written lyrics. there is something very appealing about a band that doesn't sing about losing a girlfriend, but about losing faith in mankind. gnecco has taken all the words many people can't or won't say, and made them into songs we can all easily sing.though ours is nowhere near as well known as the bands you hear on your radio, they have lasting power. this is one of the few albums i own in which i don't skip any of the songs while i'm listening. not to mention, once the cd's over, i find myself pressing "play" again and again. "precious" is definitely an album any true music fan can appreciate."
A little less beautiful than Distorted Lullabies
bob613 | Qc, Canada | 04/17/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This would have been a 5-stars album if it would have been released before Distorted Lullabies. Precious is the natural progression of Distorted Lullabies, but everything about it seems less beautiful, except Jimmy Gnecco whose clear voice is as pretty as ever. I really like this album, it's just not as memorable as the first.So, Gnecco continues his musical journey with a contribution that may be different from what you're used to hear, but nicely completes any collection. This is pop-rock, but pop-rock done in style. It's ambitious, for sure, and it brings a lot of passion. Most important, every song works. Kill the Band is a nice opener that sets the tone. I know some people don't like it, but I think it's great. The next two songs, including the first single Leaves, are nice rocking songs that clear the way for Places, the most beautiful song on the album. Gnecco's vocals are unbelievable on that song.Fallowing Places is Outside, a short song that's ok at best. I believe it's really just an intro for In a Minute, an energetic song. Then, there's Femme Fatale... I have no idea why this song is here. It's not that bad, it's just that it's Loo Reed's song. I don't mind bands doing other people's songs, as long as it's special. This isn't special. Closing the album are two excellent songs, If Flowers Turn and Disaster In a Halo, that are really catchy right from the start. The very last song, Red Colored Stars is an improvement over Distorded Lullabies' last song. It leaves you with the feeling the record has ended and you won't have regrets about listening to it.Both Ours' efforts are recommanded, the first one over the second. It's one of the prettiest and most talented bands around."
OURS brings Quality (& power) back to music
Van Morgan | 04/01/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"My first taste of Ours was the "Sometimes" video on MTV2, and I knew right away that that voice was one in a million. I'd been literally aching to latch onto a band that was worth following; with actual SONGS and not teen-angst crotch-grabbing rap crap which passes for music this past decade.
So I bought Distorted Lullabies and found that they WERE on to something; "Meet Me in the Tower" jumped on to my top 20 best songs of all time list. The rest of the album..? Still experimenting, searching for a style to gel.
But what really stays with you is the power and beauty of Jimmy's voice. Very tiring are the comparisons to Jeff Buckley.. I am a big JB fan, but Gnecco has a STRONGER voice; maybe not as pretty, yet more complex with more timbre and character. My only critique would be- don't yell so much! Save that beautiful voice! You reach heaven at 3/4 power.
So on to "Precious": a MUCH stronger album as a whole.
SONGS, actual melodies; those lost things that are supposed to be woven to craft songs, sadly lacking in much music, from the entire industry, period, return..
If you like soul-lifting, tear-inducing beautiful melodies, discover "Leaves","Places","Chapter2(Money)",& "Red Colored Stars", the most satisfyingly gelled beauty of the cd.
For examples of power & groove, "Kill the Band", "In a Minute" and most of all "Realize" kick your ass out of your musical coma.
"Broken" has a slow build, and a capturing melody but makes multiple listenings difficult from the powerful but ultimately painful screech that builds for effect. Save that voice, Jimmy!
"If Flowers Turn" is truly a lost Cure pop song, with catchy chorus sung like Robert Smith can't.
The only pooper is "Femme Fatale", a cover that doesn't add anything at all.
Worth buying if it only contained "Red Colored Stars", "Leaves", "Places" and "Realize".
4 out of 5 stars, as they can only improve until we are in awe of each tune, which may possibly be their next cd.
So if you thirst for melody to re-enter modern music and appreciate an absolutely beautiful voice, follow OURS closely. They seem to have a brilliant muse at their disposal and can only get more focused, if we are lucky. Forget radio. Follow beauty."