Fine Brian Wilson-styled Pop
Pop Kulcher | San Carlos, CA USA | 10/30/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Pop Kulcher Review: Oranger is a fine but still relatively unknown San Francisco-area pop band that is steadily evolving from their more jagged earlier work to a smooth, polished (but still entertaining) sound. Earlier work by the band came on like a cross between mid-60's Who and the Flaming Lips (with a dose of XTC thrown into the mix), acidic power pop that was catchy if not always approachable. The latest album, though, shows a full-fledged dive into Brian Wilson territory, much more relaxed and textured. So there are fewer in-your-face spectacular moments than prior albums, but overall it's a much more consistent album. This fits in comfortably alongside other neo-pop bands like Apples in Stereo and Beulah, and it's pretty tough not to like. Even better is the "bonus" cd of b-sides and rarities appended to the package. The 34 bonus tracks run the gamut from short, instrumental soundtrack-type throwaways to near-perfect pop singles. The bonus disc may be limited, so if you pick this up make sure you're getting the 2-cd version. Even with the filler tracks, it's the second disc that makes this a killer purchase."
Stunning
David N. Fox | San Francisco, CA United States | 03/03/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mike Drake is an amazing songwriter, and this is his crowning achievement. While the first two Oranger records had good songs and sometimes excellent arrangements, they were often overburdened with the sounds of the band's influences. Here, however, they are at home with their own sound, and the playing reinforces the songs rather than competes with them. Not a weak song on the first disk, & the bonus disk will blow you away."
Better Than You
Chris Hollas | Santa Monica, CA United States | 05/25/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Smart, big guitar, super pop. Disc one is the quiet "studio album", disc two is misc. b-sides and rarities (including punk gem "Bleeding Kneecaps"). Overall more good songs than most bands ever write. The Who, Beach Boys (not in the usual lame sense), The Minders, The Kinks and Overwhelming Colorfast all come to mind. Why aren't these guys on everybody's top ten list. Can't wait to see what they do next."