Crazy Rhythms
by The Feelies

I think this is a solid record and minor classic. The Feelies blend Krautrock with some American sensibilities, kicking off the 80's by shaping the Alt Rock that was to come.

The vocal performances are lacklustre, which is precisely why they're short in most tracks and the solos do all the talking. Whether that be dueling guitars at a couple moments or Motorik drumming (see title track), there is cohesion and technical proficiency in the roughness. This has aged strangely because it bridges the gap between music time periods.

If you don't mind a touch more exploration and avant-garde elements in your rock this is a fun listen. If NEU heard this, they would be fans, I think. (Edited)

Alright record

For me this is average new wave, nothing outstanding apart from some guitar parts that are catchy.

From Jboy56 01/20/2022 16:41 | #279741

This album did not raise my eyebrows, pretty much 80 guitar pop influenced by earlier generations, nothing unforgettable despite being some kind of influence. Not much is heard in the airwaves today.
Zillion in a dozen (Edited)

Not a fan of this record, everything I hear I just feel I can get better quality performances on other records. Such as the guitar and vocal which do take a lot from albums that they are clearly inspired by. It can also feel quite dull and bland at times. Despite this, Raised Eyebrows is a fantastic song that really demonstrates brilliant instrumentation. There a few other songs that match this quality but unfortunately it doesn't happen for every song. Overall, the consistency is the big problem for me and the lack of a truly original sound that would make them stand out makes me struggle to rate this record highly. (Edited)

From Boltzmann 10/24/2021 00:14 | #275317

They try a lot of stuff, but execute everything poorly and devoid of emotion. Don't like it at all how they butchered "Everybody's got Something to Hide" (in my opinion a hidden gem on the White Album) into a soulless, hyperactive performance. For the rest: equally hyperactive; Ian Curtis wannabe vocals; guitar solos that come across rather as a second riff; and just dull overall.

If it was 1980, I would look out for this band's future projects, because it does sound promising. It's just executed poorly. (Edited)

From Charade 05/20/2019 05:22 | #236470

Reminds me of the Modern Lovers. Pretty solid.

From JoaoMoreira 12/14/2017 02:45 | #203086

This is at the same time a very standard and daring album.
It's all about freaky direct sounds weirdly mixed generating not great songs but a curious album listening. (Edited)

From Jimmy Dread 09/23/2015 18:25 | #150311

Anyone who describes one of the most exciting and hypnotic jams of the 80s (i.e. the title track) as "(a) song (that) combines a demonic quality to tight arrangements which oscillate between transcendence and ecstatic detached decadence" needs to get out more. (Edited)

From timtooky 03/09/2014 21:13 | #105832

This comment is beneath your viewing threshold.