Search - Swan Dive :: Swan Dive

One of the best pop bands out there that you've never heard

rickc | 09/11/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I wish I could write an unbiased review of this CD, but I can't. I used to play with Bill and Molly several years ago, and I'm actually playing on this record. But that doesn't matter... what matters is that they are 2 of the coolest people I've ever played with and the talent and songwriting is unparalleled in my opinion. Bill makes an excellent foil to Molly bringing his pop influences to meet her jazz stylings. I've said this to everyone who's asked me about this group; if you could fall in love with a voice, it'd be Molly's. Smooth as silk. I wish they'd've put out the albums in their entirety over here in the states. What you get here is the high points, but there's some real gems to be found in the full releases if you can track them down. I'm glad they're still making music, and I'd play with them again if they asked me to.
Try out the cd and see what you think..."

Some more points...

tkent | Hythe, Kent United Kingdom | 02/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"for my critical points on this records - see the other reviews above, but i feel there are some more things worth mentioning, and if i'm not mistaken, no one's pointed them out yet. The first is that 'ordinary day' was co-written with legendary Tony Asher - he of 'Pet Sounds' fame - yes, that one. Also, 'and she dreams' features backing vocals from no other than 'Andy Sturmer', co-writer with the ultimate powerpop band of the nineties - 'Jellyfish'. Now if the above review weren't enough incentive to buy, with this info you really shouldn't have any excuse anymore"

Pop perfection

erin_g | 05/29/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Wow, I am glad I found this album due to a lucky click from another web page. This duo is great!Swan Dive possesses a wonderful sense of melody, harmony and arrangement. Encompassing styles from '60s dance music, bossa nova, a bit of jazz, and breezy pop, the songs here are wonderfully uplifting.My favorite moments are some of the little touches they put into their songs. The wavering sound that travels from ear to ear in "The Day That I Went Home." The way the chorus of "Better Fly" builds up in a delicious crescendo. The plaintive guitar strums in "Goodbye September." The economic but effective use of wah-wah guitar in "Groovy Tuesday." The chord changes and vibes in "Ordinary Day." The subtle brass, wind, and string arrangements in all of the songs (including cello, viola, violin, bass clarinet, trumpet, and other instruments).I did dock this one star for two reasons (I very rarely give anything 5 stars): I find "Moodswinging" to be a bit too "dancy" for my taste, and the melody doesn't do much for me, unlike all of the other songs here. And the cover of Blondie's "Heart of Glass" is interesting, but a bit too tame and too short. I feel like they could have done more with it, with their arranging abilities and the other instrumentalists they have at their disposal. It's certainly not a bad song, but just a bit of an anticlimax to the album.But those are minor quibbles. If you find yourself at all intrigued by the sound snippets you hear here, GET THIS. You will NOT be disappointed."