"Sarge is, quite seriously, one of my favorite bands of all time. A little bit poppy, a little bit punky & a whole lot of smart lyrics make all of their albums staples of my music collection. I had first found out about sarge from CMJ: New Music Report (Issue 564 April 6, 1998). They had a great review of "The Glass Intact," but if you go back to "Charcoal", you will still be pleased. But seeing them live was the biggest treat. "Distant" rounds out the trilogy with some live songs, some new songs and some off the wall covers. While Sarge has since broken up, the music continues as founding member Elizabeth Elmore intermittantly plays gigs in between law school while Sue Roth continues with her own new band, The Very Fangs."
Goodbye......
Chris Holm | Charlottesville, Virginia | 05/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sarge is a band that, though not well known, will be greatly missed by those that heard them, and "Distant" is a beautiful, if bittersweet farewell. The live tracks as well as the demos are incredible; it is sure to give old fans and new a taste of what they will be missing. While those new to Sarge may do best to start with "The Glass Intact" or perhaps "Charcoal", I feel that "Distant" is far from simply a B-sides album for collectors, and I would encourage everyone to purchase it before it is no longer available. What better way to say "thanks" for three incredible albums."
Sarge is a Nerver dissapointing Band!
Robert Amezcua | Pomona, CA | 08/05/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I would have to say that Sarge never seems to dissapoint me at all. This for being there last album w/ rarities and un-release tracks really puts in perspect of what Sarge was an extrodinary pop-punk band. Elizabeth's song writing is undescribable she really makes you understand the fact of being heartbroken. You feel her pain in Distant. The live version of "The First Morning" is better than the original. I saw this band live when they were to there end. I have to say they are amazing souls. Every album of Sarge is no dissapointment. You'll be playing them non-stop. So if you want to listen to some great pop music in your face listen to Sarge. Also check out Elizabeth's new band The Reputation a must have."
Sure i could get it right this time
Tom Madigan | Washington, DC United States | 12/04/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Not bad for a bunch of songs that were never supposed to surface again. Newcomers to this recently broken up Champaign, Ill., quartet should try 1998's The Glass Intact for a more comprehensive introduction, but this collection of unreleased or rare studio and live tracks shows off all their strengths unprepossessingly. For metal-edged jangle-punk, you have the new "Detroit Star-Lite," about the heartbreaker who fronts a Kiss cover band. For winning charm you have the high-energy rendition of "Time After Time" you've been waiting for. For heartbreak, you have Elizabeth Elmore coming home from the road, finding her man gone and staggering around the house trying "to remember every crack in the paint instead of remembering you." The thing you have to love about punks is that if their hearts are big enough, even a posthumous mishmosh can be affecting enough to come back to."
A Fond Farewell
Todd J. Hunter | Champaign, IL | 05/29/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Beautifully packaged, this album wonderfully recreates what it was like to see Sarge live. Coincidentally, the six live tracks were taped at the farewell concert for another fine Illinois band, Braid, at The Metro in Chicago. It is a shame that "Beguiling" is not included, but not as much as a shame the band's parting of ways. The demo tracks are of high quality, as are the cover tracks; Elizabeth Elmore's remake of "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'" is a special treat, except maybe for diehard fans of Nancy Sinatra. While no substitute for the band's studio albums, "Distant" nevertheless stands on its own."