Search - Brian Stevens :: Prettier Than You

MINOR POP MASTERPIECE

IJEFF | Milwaukee, WI USA | 01/02/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very nice solo debut for Brian Stevens. Though this release did not receive much attention, it is chock full of tasty melodies, excellent singing and just the right amount of guitar edge. I would say this is much better than the final Cavedogs release from the early 90's. Though it too contained some good songs, ultimately it was not as consistent as this record. Just listen to Far From Happy, Zasu Pits, Comets and In the Pits and you will see what I mean. Nice that this record is still availabe from Amazon. PS: For the un-initiated, Brian Stevens was the former lead singer of Bostons great underappreciated alt-rock band, The Cavedogs."

Lennon-esque pop

Rick | NC | 08/05/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Imagine if John Lennon had had a younger brother who decided to do an album, it might have sounded something like this fine little lost gem from 1996. I make the comparison to Lennon because Steven's voice is somewhat similar to John's, circa 1965 plus he has a gift for writing catchy melodies complimented by smart arrangements. Strong tracks include "Disillusioned Days" (featuring a nice Byrds/Rickenbacker guitar sound), "The Piper", "Comets", "Far From Happy" and "All They Do". In addition, Stevens is a multi-talented musician, playing a great deal of the various instruments himself, but the lead guitar chores are handled by former XTC axeman Dave Gregory. If there's one problem with this album, it would have to be that it lacks a track that screams "hit single!" Nothing here really reaches out and grabs you by the ears, but at the same time, it is one of those recordings that will grow on you over time and, at some point you'll probably end up with one of the album's melodies playing in your head when you're least expecting it. My question is, what has happened to this guy since this debut album came out in '96? This album displayed a lot of potential for even better things to come. Jangly and melodic ear-candy of this sort is always a pleasure to hear!"

GREAT MUSIC

fullcrum115 | Boston | 02/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Brian Stevens is from the Cavedogs. "Prettier Than You" is his solo CD.To start with I must say I live in the Boston area and followed the Cavedogs in the late 80s, early 90s. Even Seen them live. Anyway, this is Brians solo CD and it's outstanding from first song to the last song. Give it a few listens and it will grow on you. It's like XTC- but its not. Its like Lennon- but it's not. Its well crafted music and catchy lyrics. I have the solo CDs from the other 2 members of the Cavedogs: THE GRAVY- "Hangman's Pop" (from Todd Spahr) and POUNDCAKE- "Ahola Via Satellite" (from Mark Rivers).
I have to confess that I can not honestly say one CD is better than the other two. I have ALL 3 CDs in my player in this order: "Poundcake" then "The Gravy" then "Brian Stevens"- and I play them back to back to back. I might play them out of sequence but once I've listened to it I have to listen to the other two...it's addictive.
All 3 CDs are 5 stars in my opinion!!!! GET THIS CD AND THE OTHER 2 CDS FROM RIVERS AND SPAHR!!!!!!"