Search - Element 101 :: Stereo Girl

The best rock, the best pop, and the best punk, all at once!

Andrew J. Klimek | South Plainfield, NJ | 02/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Until I heard this CD, I subscribed to the policy of reviewer "emojen" of O.C. CA, which reads "If I had to take three things to a deserted island, they'd be a portable CD player and two copies of Clarity [Jimmy Eat World], in case one got scratched..."

Now, I'd bring the player, a copy of Stereo Girl, and a steering wheel to drum on.



Where can I start? This CD has gotten me through hundreds of traffic jams and thousands of streets with the greatest of ease and in the highest of spirits.



Let me start by saying I am a radio DJ and have heard countless artists and this is my favourite rock cd ever, and my second favorite artist of all time (second to Adiemus (note the contrast of styles!)). I mainly play instrumental music because I can't listen to trite melodies, depressing lyrics, and--most annoying--uncreative "background" instrumentation. I am not typically a rock fan because of depressing lyrics and feel. I don't typically like pop because of cheesy instrumentation. I never play punk because of repetitiveness and whiney guys.

So, why do I love this album so much?



NO ONE CAN JAM LIKE ELEMENT 101 JAMS ON THIS CD! They just don't know how to these days. (Gene Krupa's swing orchestra came pretty close at the end of his "Bonaparte's Retreat" recording.) The energy and positive vibes do not let down on this album. The drummer never stops mixing it up, he must have A.D.D. The guitar/bass rhythms are crushing and timeless. The numerous guitar solos are absolutely ridiculous (you can't fit this stuff to beats and meters, you have to feel this). These for guys could stand alone with the killer music they put out, but when draped with Crissie's sweet and instantly classic melodies, unpretentious voice, and positive lyrics... the finished product can not be beat.

My only complaint is on the production. The recording is sadly lacking in the quality these musicians deserve. However, as "a music fan" has written below, a full five years ago, every song rocks big time and you WILL hit repeat over and over and you will find delight in picking out the endless creativity and musicianship over the first few months of non-stop listening and will pound out drum flourishes on your steering column, hum along to rugged bass lines, and groove syncopation I've only heard matched in my African collection.



One last thing to note is that your average rock band wimps out at the end of the CD and makes some mushy piece of garbage sentimental track.. and trust me I listen to tons of slow emotional stuff, but rock band just shouldn't try--we don't want to hear it. I was afraid at first that Stereo Girl had such an ending piece. However, after some certainly decent finger-picking, an absolutely devastating finisher riff kicks in with fabulous cymbal work. This is amazing stuff.



So I am not a big rock or punk fan and am in no position to compare. However, if you appreciate real musicianship but, like me, need the occasional rock album to get the blood flowing, THIS IS THE ONE. And the occasional rock music will turn into non-stop Element 101.



PS: If you want more info, check for my reviews for Element 101's other albums and if you dig these guys, contact me for their long-out-of-print 1998 EP... it's strong as ever"

Never a dull moment!

Eric | Georgetown, TX | 07/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tooth&Nail records once again gives us a cd, we can just sit back, close our eyes, and soak in the tunes. I had the privelege of seeing e101 at Emo's in Austin, TX. Their live show doesn't hold back anything; the stage itself was sweating for pete's sake. Crissie is one of those lyricists that we could only DREAM to be in the same position as. I've had lyrics that have grabbed me, but not lyrics that have grabbed and SHAKEN me! Very strong! Sounding like a modern day Pearl Jam thrown in a blender with old school Bryan Adams (SUMMER OF '69!), and with a little White Diamonds perfume, e101 has already rocked your socks off, but you just don't know it yet. JERSEY REPRESENT!"

G-r-e-a-t M-u-s-i-c !!

Eric | 12/05/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is NO way ANYBODY would be disappointed with this latest of e101's CD's. Anyone who is... has absolutely no clue to what it takes to successfully put across a new sound and make it work ...and I mean make it work WELL! This band and their female vocalist has done something unique in todays drab music offerings. MADE TALENT PAY OFF! Talent runs a plenty in this band and groups like Element 101 are paving the way for talent to make a comeback. Wow I now have hope for music in this next millenium because of what I heard on Stereo Girls 12 tracks. Great stuff..don't miss out BUY IT!"