This successor to the band's promising It Means Everything debut album finds Save Ferris in a similar bind to that encountered by their Orange County brethren in No Doubt. Specifically: how to follow up on the success of a... more » ska-pop breakthrough when the style itself has faded commercially. Modified is a more uneven collection than its predecessor, even though Monique Powell (a less-mannered vocalist than Gwen Stefani) shines on the reggae-tinged title track and the band deserves credit for stretching out its musical vocabulary on the trip-hoppy "One More Try." But, like many major-label sophomore outings, the album as a whole feels underinspired and overhurried. --Bill Forman« less
This successor to the band's promising It Means Everything debut album finds Save Ferris in a similar bind to that encountered by their Orange County brethren in No Doubt. Specifically: how to follow up on the success of a ska-pop breakthrough when the style itself has faded commercially. Modified is a more uneven collection than its predecessor, even though Monique Powell (a less-mannered vocalist than Gwen Stefani) shines on the reggae-tinged title track and the band deserves credit for stretching out its musical vocabulary on the trip-hoppy "One More Try." But, like many major-label sophomore outings, the album as a whole feels underinspired and overhurried. --Bill Forman
"But if you're looking for Ska then don't. If you want Save Ferris, the Ska band, buy either of their two earlier albums: their major label debut, "It Means Everything" or "Introducing Save Ferris," which the band members produced themselves. I've been a fan of these guys for years now, Save Ferris was a great ska band because it was so well integrated. Mashburn is a great guitarist and he got to showcase his stuff more on the first two albums. Zamora, Castellanos, and T Bone Willy, arguably, the best brass and sax players in OC Ska today, really jammed in both of the earlier albums. Now they provide more along the lines of background music. Powell is a great vocalist, and this fact is apparent in any of their three CDs. I'm not a fan of pop music, so this album doesn't do that much for me, but if you like pop, well, at least this is really high quality pop produced by talented musicians."
Change isn't always for the best.
Jacki Paolella | Mansfield, NJ (USA) | 04/07/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I like to listen to all kinds of music, but i'm particularly a fan of ska. Save Feriss' last cd "It Means Everything" was exactly what I was looking for with up-beat music, and killer horns, but I was a bit dissapointed to find that their new album had sort of left the ska category and reformed inself into a ska/pop/rock sort of creation, a bit like No Doubt's "Tragic Kindom". If you want to hear some real Save Ferris, buy their first cd instead. I'm hoping their new album will please me more than this one."
Save Ferris' "Modifed" a Different but Wonderful Surprise
josiegrl182 | Atlanta, GA | 12/12/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Being a fan of Save Ferris since their "Introducing..." EP in 1996, when I heard that they were straying away from their ska/pop/swing sound that the Orange County band was known for, I started to worry a little. Modified though, is just a amazing CD. It's quite different from "It Means Everything", but I love it all! The CD has so many different elements to it, from the in your face "Angry Situation" to the absolutely beautiful ballad of "Let Me In." Other great songs include "I'm Not Crying for You", "Mistaken", and "The Only Way to Be." The secret track, "Modified" is my favorite though. Rolling Stone called Save Ferris a "poor man's No Doubt", but they are anything than that.."
Perfect for the Heartbroken
Li | PJ, MY | 08/27/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ever known a band for ages yet not gotten into them till one day something happens, you listen to a song and suddenly you're hooked? That's how I feel about Save Ferris. I have 2 main reasons for loving this band: 1) Monique Powell's amazing vocals and 2) I'm trying to forget someone who really let me down; the music lifts my spirits and the lyrics just echo my thoughts, or at least what I should be thinking.
Contrarily, the best song on this album for me is "Let Me In" (I say contrarily because it's not something the heartbroken should be listening to). If you need to move on, this is perfect for you."
Different, but still unmistakeably save ferris
Tracey | Los Angeles, California | 12/14/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Takes a little while to get used to (a poppier sound and a lot less ska, though it's definitely still there), but thoroughly enjoyable once you do. I like 'it means everything' a little bit better, but the new album has its good points and the songs are growing on me more and more. Recommended tracks: 2. The Only Way To Be, 4. Your Friend, 7. What You See Is What You Get, 11. Let Me In, and of course 9. Mistaken."