Search - Cosmic Rough Riders :: Too Close to You

See Ya Cosmics, Hello Daniel Wylie!!!

Boris Vita, III | Liverpool | 04/06/2004

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Well, now we know who was responsible for the Cosmic Rough Rider's rich sound of their previous releases- Daniel Wylie. You will notice that this review is more serious than my review of "Enjoy the Melodic Sunshine". That is because "Enjoy the Melodic Sunshine" was an excellent release, and "Too Close to See Far" signifies the end of the Cosmic Rough Riders, and that's a very sad thing because there are so few talented bands out there. Now we have one less talented band to look forward to.
Daniel Wylie does not appear on this release. However, he has just released a solo cd that is supposed to be pretty good, although I have not heard it yet. My guess is that his solo release is going to be better than this Cosmic Rough Riders release. That's because all of the personality and pretty harmonies that are found on previous releases are now gone. What we are left with is an album that sounds like late '70's or early 80's pop-rock that borders on the arena rock style of late 70's Eagles, and at times even sounds like Asia or Boston.
There are a couple of songs that sound like Collective Soul or
some other not-so-bad radio bands from the 90's. I can't even remember the names of any songs and I have listened to this release a few times.
It sounds like they were originally going for a more modern radio sound, but they were never that type of band so they can't even pull that off. The harmonies are still there but they are over-compressed and sound fake. It almost sounds like some of the harmonies are digitally created or coming from an effects unit. I just don't hear a distinction of voices except on a couple songs. Furthermore, the lead vocals have a total generic quality which undermines everything that the Cosmics were all about.
All in all, I can still listen to this release and get a little bit of enjoyment out of it. It isn't terrible, but it sure is a far cry from the real Cosmic Rough Riders. No humor here folks---Mick Daisy"

A Stunningly Competent Follow-Up From Glasgow's Finest

David Ginochio | Bayarea CA | 10/30/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This CD posesses none of the edginess and hints of danger of the previous release. The songs are pleasant but completely forgettable. From start to finish this disc screams, or perhaps utters in a monotone, of "okay-ness""

The Cosmic's are back.... with a contemporary sound !!

richard m gratzer | Fircrest, Wa United States | 07/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's finally here... a new album from the World's Premiere Vocal-Pop Band. It's digging it's way into my heart just like 'ETMS' did when I first discovered these guys. 'Too Close..' is chock-full of pop gems just like all their other CD's. You'll be singing along in no time! The Cosmic's stylings on this release range from what I'd call their 'signature' sound to a more modern sound that mimics the 'gloomy melancholly' style that's become so prevalent today. Their sound is different in that the lyrics and vibe are more reflective and thoughtful than gloomy and generally resolve with uplifting Choruses sung with beautifully cascading harmonies. Real 12-string guitars, power chords, chorus'ed guitars, synth sounds, keyboards and an interesting mix of guitar lines, vocal harmonies and special effects pop up all throughout. The band is tight as always, but almost gone is the very fine acoustic guitar work that has graced their previous efforts. I especially liked the way they mixed the acoustic guitar into their sound and was pleased to discover that their "Because You" singles (1) and (2) have 4 very good tunes/ballads done acoustically, including CSNY's 'Helplessly Hoping', done better than the original! The album is incomplete without these 2 singles....don't think twice, buy them, they're a bargain. (The Cosmic's web site has samples of all of the songs on the main album for your preview if Amazon doesn't have them yet. Realize, the songs 'in whole' are much better than a few of the short samples might lead you to believe.) Overall, this album is on a par with the band's previous efforts; in other words, as good as they get! I was pleased to hear them stretch their style a bit. Not that I didn't like their other material, but because they've demonstrated a fantastic range of styles that should keep them in the business for a long, long time. God-speed to the Cosmic's and former member, Daniel Wylie. Keep the great stuff coming our way guy's! Thanks!Now, go click 'Add to Cart' and enjoy the best music you're going to hear this year!"