Most people in the music business aiming for overnight success want to achieve the following: a modern-sounding, radio-friendly album that maintains musical integrity while perfectly balancing the scales of sales and art. ... more »It's clear Citizen King have sneaked a finger on the art side of the scales because while they have the formula down pat, they don't sound overtly formulaic. The Beck-meets-Sublime comparison is obvious, but then again, neither of these acts is entitled to a monopoly of samples, catchy guitar hooks, and addictive melodies. You'll no doubt marvel at the drive-time-radio readiness of the single "Better Days," and the steady flow of raise-the-roof beats in "Under the Influence" is intoxicating. In fact, the band borrows from its influences so well, it's a guarantee that its success will smell sweeter than a rosebud. --Beth Massa« less
Most people in the music business aiming for overnight success want to achieve the following: a modern-sounding, radio-friendly album that maintains musical integrity while perfectly balancing the scales of sales and art. It's clear Citizen King have sneaked a finger on the art side of the scales because while they have the formula down pat, they don't sound overtly formulaic. The Beck-meets-Sublime comparison is obvious, but then again, neither of these acts is entitled to a monopoly of samples, catchy guitar hooks, and addictive melodies. You'll no doubt marvel at the drive-time-radio readiness of the single "Better Days," and the steady flow of raise-the-roof beats in "Under the Influence" is intoxicating. In fact, the band borrows from its influences so well, it's a guarantee that its success will smell sweeter than a rosebud. --Beth Massa
"You know the story. Quirky, hard-to-pigeonhole band avoids the easy pop sellout, so almost nobody knows about them, and their big breakthrough hit is inevitably the ONE mainstream, poppy thing they ever did (see also: Katrina and the Waves, Crazy Town, Len, Chris DeBurgh, etc.), and eventually they break up because the money simply isn't there. In that light, it's regrettable that this turned out to be Citizen King's farewell album, because while it isn't outstanidng our earth-shattering, it's a still a good, listenable, non-poppy or sappy album. They certainly sound like they have fun making music, and it would've been nice to see how much further they could've run with their offbeat vision.
I think the song that best encapsulates the album (and Citizen King, for that matter) is Basement Show, which is about...get this...a bunch of guys making a living doing what they love and not caring what others think about it. Long Walk Home and Billhilly give a little insight into their roots. Smokescreen, Skeleton Key, Under the Influence, and Jalopy Style are just plain cool to listen to. There's a lot of territory covered here, and I can't point to any really bad track.
No, they didn't start a musical revolution, or change the world, or get that elusive second hit. All they did was have one brief glimpse of success and produce a fun album before fading away. Isn't that good enough?"
For the record, "mobile estates" is a keeper!
kloe | chicago, il | 11/23/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"i'm addicted to mobile estates! i don't listen to the radio much...so unlike the rest of the mainstream world, i had heard "better days" probably once and didn't think much of it. but i was recently dragged to a random metro show where citizen king supported - their performance captured my attention. the next day, i got the vinyl and now i am hooked. if you sample, this ck album has some nice cuts to eat up. catchy tunes, smart licks, clever sampling - jalopy style is my fave. i guess i don't really need to spread the word though...it's already a known fact that mobile estates is a keeper. (and they are so cute!)"
SO GREAT
kloe | 08/31/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"ok people, dont buy this cd for Better Days because you will be unprepared for the overall greatness. Buy it and listen to every track EXCEPT BD, then go back and listen to BD and see what I mean. It is hardly the best track, I think the best ones are Basement Show, Under The Influence, and JALOPY STYLE (that one rules). These guys are so good, it's like HOW do they come up with this stuff? I know i could never think of it...just put it in your basket and proceed to the "Checkout Line"."
Find it!!!!!!!!
Quentin Tarantino Fan | nowhere | 09/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Stop with these tag suggestions!!!
Citizen King is another band that mixes rap, but with a bunch of other styles. This isn't really related to 311 or Rage, it's different.
The sound... not sure. Beck and Sublime kind of sound like a valid descripition, but since Beck has a variety of styles (it's beck, it dosen't always work), think more Odelay, only Citizen King dosen't make a bunch of vomit music, and dosen't have Beck's lifeless voice. Matt's vocals are interesting, and he raps mostly, but he can sing, Better Days is an example. He always uses lyrics that are a little surreal, maybe not, but a little like those word play writers who don't let the idea come out instantly.
The music is just, well, like nothing else, but pretty, well, funky. SO that's about I can give, it's got a lot of funky _____ in it. The sound clips should help, and I could say that this music is cool. Salt Bag Spill was the only song that was horrible, but everything else is great.
9.0/10"
It's Beautiful.. beautiful
Andrew T. Currier | New Paltz, NY United States | 05/12/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If Beck's albums "Odelay" and "Midnight Vultures" got together and made a baby, and the Beastie Boys cut the umbilical cord while Smash Mouth sucked the mucus out of its lungs, it would sound just like "Mobile Estates." This album is brilliant. I got it used for dirt cheap last week and I have listened to it at least 15 times since. I've been searching for an album like this for years and I've finally found it. Bravo!"