Blast of mindnumbing noise
08/10/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One of the best albums of the 90's, Sixteen Deluxe picks up where the Flaming Lips and Mercury Rev left of before the became "soft". Fans of blistering psychedelic guitars will not be disapointed. For a band that formed to open up for Ed Hall, they have become a great force. Starting with a unique take of Brian Eno's "Here come the Warm Jets" they take us on a trip that is worth taking. The stand out songs are "Shane's Song", the bouncy "Idea" (which there was a great video showing off all Chris Smith's vintage peddles!) "Baby Headrush" the brilliant "Apron Strings" and a stunning 15+ version of Big Star's "Kangaroo". The two singers (and Guitarists) Carrie Clar and Chris Smith trade off lead vocals on pretty mcuh each song. Unlike many bands at the time, even though they use truckloads of effects, they do not reley on them and each song could stand alone with out them. Much in the tradition of the Lip's "Hit to Death" this is an overload on the senses that might give one the feeling of being on mindbending substances. You must own this album! Then track down their Pilot Knob e.p."