Fine line between lame and cool
Elliott Brown | San Francisco | 02/11/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this album because my favorite little record store put it on one of their listening stations and it sold out. An odd way to make a purchasing decision, I know, but I was really curious to know more about "some of the coolest stuff coming out of Japan right now."So what's the deal? Seagull Screaming sounds kind of like Sonic Youth mixed with Sleater Kinney and a teaspoon of sugar. Ergo, they lack the intensity and ugliness of Daydream Nation-era Sonic Youth, and the bratty Sleater Kinney vocals.The band is more or less a power trio consisting of bass, drums, and guitar, although other instruments make cameos on a few of the tracks. Most of the songs are energetic, sub-three minute, fuzzy Marshall amp, get-in-get out numbers, but there's enough riffing and and composition involved that I'd be extremely hesitant to use the term "punk" to describe them. The vocals are flat and unemotional -- a little bit Chrissie Hynde -- and a perfect compliment to the band's pared-down musical approach. Overall, the album is rocking, kinda fun, and a little bit weird in a Japan-trying-to-imitate-America way. It may also be a little overproduced and clean for the aggressive music it's trying to be.I don't know what my friends are going to think of it, but I love "Red Talk." Unfortunately, the listening samples Amazon gives you aren't the most representitive. Try "No Luck" on for size because it's the closest to center. If you like it and you're not turned off by the song "Angel," pick this sucker up."
Do believe the hype
Alasdair Brooks | Melbourne Australia | 12/08/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"To call SSKHKH the best female Japanese Rock Band ever does them a massive disservice. After all, what's their competition? Shonen Knife? Don't make me laugh. No, far better to call them one of the best female rock bands of this or any other era in this or any other country. Alright, so using a best-of collection as a basis for judgement might be cheating, but Red Talk ('Sister Sister' possibly aside) is a jaw-droppingly magnificent compilation, full of crunchy guitars, magnificent hooks, and catchy choruses. And the thing is, the 'Screaming for Seagulls' import best of is supposed to be just as good - but only shares 6 songs with 'Red Talk'.... Just how good are these women?Indispensable. Buy it."
Track Listings (18) - Disc #1