Search - House :: No More Apologies

The band that never made it

David Byrne | 08/08/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A House released No More Apologies and then split up. As I see it, this wonderful and amazing album is the best way to say goodbye to a rock-pop audience that was never given the chance to appreciate A House's greatness. These dubliners were called to be bigger than U2, and in fact were much better than bono and the lads but somehow they never made it. If you listen to No more apologies you'll surely agree with this and you too will regret you never heard of them before."

An emotional affair

Thorsteinn | Iceland | 05/21/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"So much can be said about this album, but what matters most is its effect on people. I was living temporarily in Ireland when the album was released and slipped it into the CDplayer occasionally when I had friends over, or at parties. Without exception the album charmed everyone involved. It touched people in a gentle and suave way. Created a friendly atmosphere. They felt immediately comfortable with it in a deep personal way. So I started wondering why, why?, why does this band not have a huge mass appeal? Maybe because they strike a truer chord inside us than the mass media can handle? I wish I knew.The only reason I don't give it five stars is that it is not a musically innovative (despite its clever melodies). But if I rated it by expression or quality of the soul, or its naked personal lyrics, it would easily get it all. "No more Apologies" is my alternative to REM's "Automatic fot the people" as a mood-setter. Being perhaps slightly more melancholic, bitter and poignant. How fitting it was to have the split after this fine album! A touching swan-song. "Sometimes this world, can be so cruel... Sometimes this world, can be so cool""

Apology accepted

David Byrne | 05/26/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A House were a victim of the bands non-sucess. A band that almost thrived on being famous for not being famous, they existed in the hushed tones of music know-it-alls and popped up occasionally with brilliant reviews, swiping interviews and memorable videos. No More Apologies is their last album.



Many bands don't consciously sit down to record their last album, it's generally forced on them. A House had written on the wall well before this album came out and as is , it really sounds like a last album. Form the aptly name opener ' The Start ' the band rattle through an apparently chronologically recorded remembrance of all that was A House. It's all here, from the downbeat, all most shoe-gave rock of the early albums ( Without Dreams - My Sweet Life ) to the breezy pop ( Cry Easily - Love is... ). Love is... is especially note-worthy as it was a sure fire hit has it of been handled correctly. Without dreams was the only single released from the record ( The inside cover of the single was a fax copy of a Lottery Ticket! ) and featured their last video and heartbreaking stuff it was... It's not all heart bruising though.. The title track's is one of the bands greatest ever songs. Clotheshorse is the smiths for grown ups and Into the Light is as honest and sweet pop tune you'll ever hear



The thing about this album is that only people that really cared bought it and that's why it's unsettling. It's like listening to a family member leaving. It's all a bit too personal for the A House fan. For the casual listener it has it all. Recommended ( If you have a soul )

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