Search - Friends of Dean Martinez :: Random Harvest

Constantly Re-inventing

King of Rawk | Austin, Texas | 05/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This record is simply amazing. It is a perfect example of how good bands mature and bad bands continue to re-hash old hits. FODM is one of the greatest bands around and it is very frustrating that they are not a bigger part of the music scene considering how many other bands they have absolutely, totally influenced, such as Mogwai and every other instrumental band doing anything in America these day. Random Harvest dispays Bill Elm's ability to think outside of the "steel guitar" rhelm and futher proves himself as a competant and continually maturing songwriter. Unlike certain other former members that have gone on to re-package FODM stuff with crappy lyrics and bad singing, Elm and guitarist/songwriting partner Mike Semple prove once again, who the kings of instrumental rock are. For first time listeners, this is a great departure from FODM's previous albums. But as a longtime fan, it oddly fits in perfectly. There are alot of electronic keyboards in this one, more so than steel guitar. But what transpires in the 50 or so minutes of music is truly amazing. Great guitat solos that are reminiscent of a young Jimmie Page. Huge drum sounds. Great record. Period. For those who have never heard of Friends of Dean Martinez, do yourselves a favor and buy this record, and every other record they've put out. I might also add, their records are truly great when coming back home with a date. I, personally, have a 100% hook up rate when listening to their CDs whilest entertaining a lady. Just something to think about."

One of the Greatest Albums Ever. Period.

T. Laxson | Arizona | 03/31/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yeah, I'm gonna sound like a lame, gushing, naive dweeb here:



This is not an album. This is a journey.



You hit the ground running with "So Well Remembered" before "Ripcord" slides you down to the suitably bleak repetition of "The Winter Palace". "Random Harvest" is rock bottom of despair, frustration, misery...and hope. Finally "Dusk" breaks your heart and then gives you a surge of angry, chaotic energy. You sob through the hangover that is the aptly titled "Why Does My Heart Go on Beating" before answering that very question in "Lost Horizon". In "Nowhere to Go" the drama is over, and life goes on; your life is back in your hands.



Listen to this album...right now!"