To paraphrase early-'70s one-hit wonder Albert Hammond, it never rains in Southern California...but pop bands sure seem to fall out of the sky there. Long Beach boys Suncatcher would not likely exist were it not for such f... more »ellow L.A. popsters as the legendary Byrds ("Eight Miles High" persona) and the semilegendary '80s paisley undergroundlings the Three O'Clock. On its major-label-distributed debut, the tuneful trio serves up a heaping platter of gloriously hook- laden and psychedelically charged rock. Finely crafted confections such as "The Puritan Song" and "Trouble" are sure to satisfy the aural sweet tooth of today's modern-rock aficionado, while the Velvet Underground/Modern Lovers-style drone of "Viva" will whet the appetite of those who enjoy more edgier fare. Recommended for those who've been charmed of late by the alt-pop du jour of Semisonic (Feeling Strangely Fine) and Fastball (All the Pain Money Can Buy). --Michael Evans« less
To paraphrase early-'70s one-hit wonder Albert Hammond, it never rains in Southern California...but pop bands sure seem to fall out of the sky there. Long Beach boys Suncatcher would not likely exist were it not for such fellow L.A. popsters as the legendary Byrds ("Eight Miles High" persona) and the semilegendary '80s paisley undergroundlings the Three O'Clock. On its major-label-distributed debut, the tuneful trio serves up a heaping platter of gloriously hook- laden and psychedelically charged rock. Finely crafted confections such as "The Puritan Song" and "Trouble" are sure to satisfy the aural sweet tooth of today's modern-rock aficionado, while the Velvet Underground/Modern Lovers-style drone of "Viva" will whet the appetite of those who enjoy more edgier fare. Recommended for those who've been charmed of late by the alt-pop du jour of Semisonic (Feeling Strangely Fine) and Fastball (All the Pain Money Can Buy). --Michael Evans
CD Reviews
The unheard music....
sooner | Long Beach CA USA | 05/23/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'm from Long Beach CA and heard about Suncatcher from a musician buddy..found a used copy at "Fingerprints" and thought once again about all the great music I'll never get to hear because somehow it "slipped thru the krax". But not this one. Great songs, great lyrics (!) So-so production on some songs (it was the age of lo-fi after all) The songs STILL work because they seem based on timeless pop elements (i.e. Beatles-REM-MBV-the Velvets etc) My personal favs are Juvenalia, Dandelion, The Girl That God Forgot and Trouble (a Classic that never was). The whole cd showcases great songwriting and presents the "vibey/Psych" side of Long Beach the way Snoop got the "grit". If you've stumbled somehow onto this album-get it."
Great hooks, songs you can play over and over again
sooner | 07/20/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"After years of metamorphosis, i.e. different musicians, different band names, Doug Hammond has matured. Very melodic and soothing to the soul. The type of music that plays over and over again in your head until you rush to the CD player so you can listen to the layers of beatle/oasis/verve/u2/smith's type sounds - yet, it is the original haunting melodies that will claim you!"
Rock 'n' Roll To Move You
John Collis | Syosset, New York USA | 09/01/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Being a musician myself, and all but despising what is being released these days, Suncatcher's writing and arrangements still impress me immensely after listening to their debut CD for 4+ years now. This CD is an oasis for anyone interested in real rock and roll music the way it once was. I would love to open for this band and wish them all the tenacity necessary to stick with one of the suckiest businesses around... although, i think they may already be history. I sure wish there was more than the one CD to listen to. The last track on "The Girl That God Forgot" gives me an out of body experience everytime i hear it. Thanks guys."
Radiant pop masterpiece
Michael Heminger | Pardeeville, WI | 08/13/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is growing to be my favorite summer album of all time, with dense, swirling guitars and deep throbbing bass. Much of this sound reminds me of My Bloody Valentine, yet the songs are so well written they could stand alone without the (wonderful) shoegazer production. Some songs remind me of early Who material (the french horns help on "To Move You") yet retain a modern feel as well. How this escaped radio hitville (oh yeah, that's probably a good thing) is beyond me. This was one of the finest records to come out in 1998 and I'd love to hear more from Mr. Hammond. "Trouble" could be the most beautiful pop song ever (I get goosebumps every time) and "Heaven" rivals the Psychedelic Furs song of the same name for its shimmering realism. Great for driving on a sunny day - buy a copy and play it over and over....(What's with all the used copies?? Get on board, people!!)"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1