Taking their cues from wide-eyed American pop of the mid-'60s, the Vancouver quartet finds a rare measure of simplicity, innocence, and human spirit on this second album. "The Only Reason Under the Sun" and "Sylvia Hotel" ... more »are two of the charmers here. --Jeff Bateman« less
Taking their cues from wide-eyed American pop of the mid-'60s, the Vancouver quartet finds a rare measure of simplicity, innocence, and human spirit on this second album. "The Only Reason Under the Sun" and "Sylvia Hotel" are two of the charmers here. --Jeff Bateman
Benjamin P Foster | Olympia, WA United States | 04/19/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Zumpano are a band that never really got the attention they deserved.I remember seeing them live with only 5 or 6 others in attendance.At least Carl's got the New Pornographer's thing going now. This is a catchy album from start to finish, but I have to point out that "Momentum" is one of the greatest pop songs ever written.I used to decribe these guys as "lounge-pop",I don't know how accurate that is,but give them a listen and see for yourself."
Great pop
Kevin Macartney | West Chester, PA | 03/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you enjoy pop enough to know about Zumpano, then you should definitely have this album. My roomate and I also listened to this 900 times in a row. It is one of my favorites. If you like Zumpano you will like ADEN, Tulleycraft, Belle and Sebastian (esp. If You're feeling sinister)."
A Rich, Filling Meal for them Musical Conquistadores
Walter T. Moynahan | Austin, Texas United States | 11/03/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Those among us who get that narcissistic thrill when finding relatively obscure works from indisputably talented artists often feel little pangs of guilt when we're upset over the popularity of our once cherished and maternaly cradled icons.
But, it's time when we must accept that intelligent pop is accessible to the mainstream, and that they can truly think for themselves.
On this album I hear some of the most well-constructed, well-rounded pop I've ever heard in the last 10 years. The melodies are rich and the hooks are suprising (like they should be, instead of being merely granted). My impression is that Carl Newman is the brains behind this outfit, judging on his work not just with the "New Pornographers" but with his own album; the much
deservedly appreciated "The Slow Wonder".
Plus, the lyrics are quite well-written, if not a little obstuse at times; but that all makes for more repeat listens, which is something this album demands."
Keyboardy with harmonies and groovy hooks
Paige Twain | Brooklyn, New York USA | 01/26/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"My friends and I played this album nonstop for the first three months of 1997 (ran across my copy today and found myself hoping they'd put out a new album). Infectious, clever and ultra-poppy- it's just the kind of record you play 900 times in a row. -Oh, and the singer has a lisp, oddly enough?"
NAZZ MEETS ERIC MATTHEWS
More M | Pittsburgh, PA USA | 10/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"That's my review......the NAZZ meets Eric Matthews, and the result is this Zumpano disc. Actually, I think this came out before Eric Matthews surfaced on the pop scene a few years back. The NAZZ connection is unbelievable!!! If you like those guys, you must own this disc!"