Virginia-based (go figure!) Eddie from Ohio are not an outfit you can easily tuck into a genre. Folk, pop, Latin, a cappella, jazz, mariachi, Celtic-- this album's a pizza with everything to go. With a strong catalog of i... more »ndependent work already behind them, including 1999's exceptional Looking out the Fishbowl, they have plenty to live up to, but Quick is virtually flawless thanks to its sardonically witty lyrics ("Loving couples, holding hands / Shop and play hoops, making plans / Share a purpose, share a bed / Those loving couples, I wish they were dead"), ace musicianship, and harmonies so smooth they make maple syrup seem like coconut husk by comparison. Every track is a flavor burst, but check out the airplay-worthy title track; the nutty, doo-wop "Let's Get Mesolithic"; and the a cappella gospel gem "Great Day." Eddie from Ohio have already made a small mark, now they deserve to break out. Quick may just do the job. --Adrian Zupp« less
Virginia-based (go figure!) Eddie from Ohio are not an outfit you can easily tuck into a genre. Folk, pop, Latin, a cappella, jazz, mariachi, Celtic-- this album's a pizza with everything to go. With a strong catalog of independent work already behind them, including 1999's exceptional Looking out the Fishbowl, they have plenty to live up to, but Quick is virtually flawless thanks to its sardonically witty lyrics ("Loving couples, holding hands / Shop and play hoops, making plans / Share a purpose, share a bed / Those loving couples, I wish they were dead"), ace musicianship, and harmonies so smooth they make maple syrup seem like coconut husk by comparison. Every track is a flavor burst, but check out the airplay-worthy title track; the nutty, doo-wop "Let's Get Mesolithic"; and the a cappella gospel gem "Great Day." Eddie from Ohio have already made a small mark, now they deserve to break out. Quick may just do the job. --Adrian Zupp
Thomas Farrell | Massachusetts, United States | 11/09/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've had the indescribable joy of hearing Eddie From Ohio perform songs from this album live no less than four times this year, and I'd go another four before the new year if I could. They're a stunningly talented band, with amazing presence, insight, and sound. They're charming and funny, touching and moving, witty and intelligent, insightful and soulful. They're also lovely people who take the time to meet and talk with their fans. They answer their email personally. They're incredibly talented instrumentalists, and fantastic singers. Julie Murphy Wells, the female lead, may have the most beautiful female voice in any band today. Eddie Hartness, the drummer, creates such a storm of percussion you'd imagine there are five of him, and exhibits the sort of brilliant ability that makes you revise your estimation of what humans are capable of. If you haven't heard their music, it's like nothing else you've ever heard, combining elements of a vast range of music styles. The title track of this album comes off on the surface as a pop song, but it's also folk and rock and a bit of country and has a melodic lyracism that is almost classical. You wouldn't imagine a folk song about the theory of relativity and weight loss would make you almost cry from the sheer beauty of it, but it does."Hey Little Man" is a movingly loving song written by the lead singer for her baby son, sung in beautiful acapella by the band. Yes, not only are they a great band, they also sing in superb four part harmony.Among many other gems, the album also has an irish drinking song about the civil war, and a cheerful spiritual.Check out all their other albums, they're all worth it, although each one seems better than the previous. Pardon me, I have to go put this album on now..."
Talent Galore
plemmonc | Gaffney, SC United States | 07/01/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"EFO's many talents are showcased in this fabulous CD. If you like variety, this one's got it. Beside their usual high-energy gems, they offer a jazzy lullaby, an a capella song, an instrumental, a celtic tune and a rousing gospel number
to finish it off. If you appreciate witty, creative lyrics, strong voices (Julie Wells' voice is one of a kind) with flawless harmony and feeling that you've really discovered something special, then you'll love "Quick". You will not be disappointed. And if you have a chance to see them in person, don't miss it."
I wanna be quick!
CZK | DC Metro Area | 07/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this is definitely as good as, if not better than, the last album, Looking Through the Fishbowl, which i absolutely love. the great thing about EFO is that their music is completely original. i can't think of how to describe them, other than folk, but that doesn't quite cut it. they're hilarious and bold with their lyrics and musical styles. Quick is full of songs that make me laugh, cry and sing at the top of my lungs. i especially like "lets get mesolithic" and "little man." i'm so glad they finally included "great day" on an album. i've heard it live so many times, it's nice to have it in my cd player. go buy this album - you'll fall in love with this awesome band."
Best energy and variety yet
Aaron Z | Washington, DC USA | 07/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You can't compare an EFO album to their live show, (yes, every reviewer says this); but Quick is the closest they've come so far: the excitement and energy of a live concert comes through on tracks like "Let's Get Mesolithic" and "Tom Burleigh's Dead" (backed by a chorus of EFO's friends & relatives) in a way that previous efforts, even "Portable EFO show," haven't quite gotten right. Add in great, quirky, lyrics ("Best of Me", "Monotony"), incredible singing ("Great Day"), and a whole collection of musical styles, and you've got a CD that hasn't left my player in the 24 hours since I first put it in. I can't wait to see them again."
Another diamond from the mine
Michael Calo | Glen Burnie, MD | 12/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is another excellent offering from this unique band. Since I first heard EFO in May 2001 at the Ram's Head Tavern (Annapolis MD) I've purchased four major CDs (and borrowed two others from a neighbor) plus their 9/11 benefit disc and have yet to hear one song I don't like. The mix of musical styles is incredible, and the creative music and amazing, sometimes bizarre, lyrics always leave me wanting more. "Tommy the Canexican" is hilarious, "Tom Burleigh's Dead" is lightheartedly dark, and I'm sure EVERYONE at one time or another has been able to relate to the bared-claw senitiment of "The Best of Me". Finally, "Great Day" - an acapella gospel offering that is the last track on the disc - most perfectly points out this group's truly fantastic vocal ability. EFO's music is incredible, but the harmonies these four voices create are nothing short of fantastic .Way to go, EFO!"