Psychedelic classic for a new generation
Jed Edmark | Kenosha, WI United States | 05/15/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Brimming with emotion, filled with a large variety of instruments and odd tape loops, and containing some of the most infectious riffs and vocal harmonies since the Beatles, Oranger's The Quiet Vibration Land is a true psychedelic classic. Sure, it's far from innovative. Listening to Oranger for ten seconds will have you recalling the music of the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Pavement, and the Flaming Lips. But unlike most imitators, Oranger are just as good as their predecessors. "Suddenly Upsidedown", with its cleverly flanged guitar, bouncy piano and bass, and snazzy trumpet, would've easily fit on the Beatles' "Revolver" album. "A View Of The City From An Airplane" takes a step back in time even further with an insanely catchy riff that would've easily been a standout on a "Help!"-era Beatles album. "Falling Stars" could've fit right along on "The Soft Bulletin" by the Flaming Lips with its echo-y vocals paired up with surreal lyrics, acoustic guitar, bells, and chimes. And the gorgeous "Straight Love" is the song a thousand hippies wish they'd have written in 1969.The five-star rating may seem a bit much, but it's mostly deserved. There are three instrumentals which, while underwhelming on their own, help to make the album flow, so I wouldn't subtract a star for that. The only weak song on the entire album is "Stoney Curtis in Reverse", which suffers from a lack of dynamic and instrumental variety. Still, it's only a minute long, and it's still okay, so just because not every split second on the album is perfect doesn't mean it doesn't deserve a five-star rating. Now that I've clarified that...Get this album. If you enjoy psychedelic rock at all, get this album. Your life will be more tuneful for it."
More than good vibrations
Phil Shelton | Schoorl, The Netherlands Netherlands | 01/01/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"More than a fusion of old and new. Fantastic transitions and clever lyrics. Filled with surprises and a pleasure for all. The fun of listening gets better through its instinctive layers."