Search - Mike Ness :: Under the Influences

This wine wasn't properly aged

Johnny Roulette | 01/05/2000

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Over the last twenty years, Mike Ness hasn't been involved with much that I didn't love. This is certainly an exception to the rule. Let's face it, he had help with Cheating At Solitare... there were a lot of talented musicians and guest-vocalists at work on that one. Where Solitaire was rich in texture & deep in feeling, this one falls well short. Under The Influences sounds like it was rushed to catch the wave of excitement that his first solo record generated. Ness wanders frequently from the comforts of his limited vocal range. When he does, the result is disastrous. Mike's strength is his songwriting. An album of nothing but covers strays from his strength. I can respect that he might have needed to make this cd for personal reasons. 2 or 3 of these tunes would have been a welcomed addition to a collection of otherwise original material, but the rest are dead on arrival. Under The Influences is a case of too little, too soon. I do, however, trust in his talent...I will buy the next release when it comes out. I think younger fans will be able to better appreciate this effort. Older listeners, like myself, will be too familiar with the originals to really be able to sink their teeth into this rushed production. It does play well in his live shows...don't pass on those. Mike's problem is that he has already shown me that he is capable of much more than this."

How does he do it?

11/10/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I thought that a formidable follow up to Cheating at Solitaire would be difficult. This album surpasses my expectations and then some. Ness mixes all his influences here along with his own unmistakable style to create an album so full of pure emotion that the listener can't help but be inspired. This album is for anyone who has an appreciation for music. There's country, folk, punk, rock n'roll and pretty much anything else you'd want short of hip-hop. It's all here and it's all perfect. The most amazing thing about it is that it was done so quickly. Does this guy sleep? It seems that I just saw him performing last week and already he has another album on the shelves. Ness is a true musician who appreciates not only his influences but his fans as well. His dedication to himself and to us is unmistakable and unparalleled."

Good Album!

Buck | Right Here daddy-o | 01/26/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I am writing this reveiw for anybody who read Mr Roulette's reveiw and for him.like Mr Roulette when I first listened to this CD it didn't go back into my player for weeks.I thought Cheating at Solitaire was a great album,but I just couldn't adjust to this one.however when I gave it a second chance I realized just how good this album was.No its not as good as Solitaire,and its a far cry from Social D....and yes Ness' best work is when he writes the music.However he is very respectable on this CD,and to Mr Roulette and anybody else who prematurly judged this album,all I can say is give it another spin!"