Search - Charlene :: Charlene

One of the best - ever...an incredible album

Wu Ming | Los Angeles, CA United States | 12/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since hearing of Charlene, maybe originally in Magnet magazine (I don't specifically remember), and finally purchasing the album, the CD hasn't left the player. It's had a huge impact on me - and I can't believe no one else has done a review!



I won't drop names for comparisons sake or genres for that matter, because Charlene have a sound of their own. The album description on the main page is a pretty straightforward dead-on description: "10 tracks of lush, electronically enhanced sound constructions...Experimental pop at it's finest!" Not all of it is lush - some of the tracks plain out rock. A great album - one of my favourites - and I could seriously see this as one of my "best of all time" albums.



There is not one bad song - it's a shame Charlene has not gotten more recognition. The songs run the gamut of emotions from relaxed to kinetic - the album has it all.



If the review does not peak your interest - track down the album and take a listen for yourself - you won't be let down - it will send chills down your spine to listen to this haunting and amazing masterpiece.



[...]"

Unjustifiably overlooked

B. Patterson | Somerville, MA United States | 12/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I agree with the previous reviewer; it's a shame that this band and album haven't caught on yet. The best description for this album is shoegazer or lo-fi electronic rock. I likewise would be hesitant to make comparisons, because conceptions of different artists vary person to person. So perhaps a another description of the music would be helpful. The lead singer (Randy ??) combines his invention with SharkAttackMusic's Matt Rand. Seeing them live in concerts demands the use of earplugs, something they'd give away at shows when this album was released. The lyrics are excellent; lead track Ripoff goes something like this: "Right from the start I knew the deal would be a ripoff; another way to make you cry." It charges in with heavily mixed guitar and brings in some noise. "Shoot yr life" is another excellent choice on this album, as an example of greater emphasis on noise. It takes guitar and offers a high and nuanced level of distortion without sounding too aggressive. A couple more things with these guys: the lead singer's vocals are subtly played, as if he doesn't want to overtake the music; the best description for his delivery is "gingerly." Secondly, (don't see it on Amazon, unfortunately), but I've also got a copy of a promo disc that the label put out with 4 Charlene tracks on it. Superb...this was my introduction to them and the reason I ran out to get this album. So keep a look out for that as well. (And lastly, don't confuse them with the French artist of the same name!)



I'd call it shoegazer rock, and some examples for comparison (please take this with a grain of salt...like I said, I hesitate to do this, but maybe it's what readers want): Asobi Seksu, Raveonettes minus a female singer, Bedhead on coffee, Figurine with an amp, and Film School."