Search - Voice of the Beehive :: Sex & Misery

A gem of 90's jangle-pop

04/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Finding out the truth about you was finding the moon is made of dust/ The stars are just confetti, and heroes always fall from the bedroom wall." -- Moon of DustFollowing their infectious & cartoony debut "Let It Bee" and the polished (if less bracing) follow-up "Honey Lingers," the Beehive's bubble burst. Leaders Tracey Bryn and Melissa Belland endured a series of personal & professional blows that broke their hearts and estranged them from their bandmates. Bereft of inspiration, the sisters finally met with veteran producer Pete Vettese who challenged them to get up, wipe away the tears, and channel their lost innocence back into music. And thus did the Beehive sisters rediscover their "voice" and create their masterpiece -- a jangle-pop album of 11 highly personal songs conveying humor, hurt and hope via soaring melodies, radiant harmonies and gorgeous pop production. The Beehive's poppy, funny, alterna-chick sensibility is front & center, but there's also an aching maturity to their observations of love & sex, joy & misery. These lovingly imperfect gals bare their souls. The music alternates between delicate & raucous, with strings & keyboards giving way to booming drums and crunchy guitars, sometimes in the same song. And each one sports lyrics so smart, big-hearted and on-target, you'll think they're telling YOUR story -- whether it's one of lost love, self-discovery, domestic abuse, closeted sexuality, heartbreak & hope, survival & starting over. Luckily, the lyrics are included. Alternately tearful & defiant, bittersweet & euphoric, "Sex & Misery" is one of the frothiest works in the 90's new-wave catalog. A delightful slice of overlooked pop music. Girl-Beatle enthusiasts should take note. "Well I knew that it would end but I would do the same again/ I just wanted the feeling of you and me, to keep for a memory/ Your secret's safe with me." -- Heavenly"

Gone but not forgotten

12/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, Voice of the Beehive no longer exist as their record label did not do such a spectacular job promoting this album. I have a very eclectic mix of music from classical, jazz, country, pop, and so forth. This "indie" album is one of the shining jewels in it. I would encourage you to purchase this album as it has a fresh sound to it and the mystery of a band that is not so well known."

Great buy- a classic that never received deserved attention

08/09/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this album at K-Mart after searching all over town for it. I'm glad I did because I've never seen it again. I hear the group is big in Britain, but I wish that the album would be big here too. They have a great pop sound and this is still one of my favorites, even after 3 years."