Search - The A-Sides :: Hello, Hello

Pop Gem

Grant H | NB, Canada | 06/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The A-Sides have produced an album of such magnitude and pure pop genius that it may be placed beside such great records as Pet Sounds (The Beach Boys) and Odessy & Oracle (The Zombies). Each and every track is absolutely excellent- 11 tiny masterpieces, that when listened to one after the other, make for a cohesive and spell-bounding whole. Each and every song is a masterpiece, but the stand-out kickers would be "Sidewalk Chalk," "Only Michelle," "I'll Come Around," and "Here or There."



Bands have been trying to do this for years, and The A-Sides are one of the few that have actually succeeded in combining 60's Mod and Surf Rock and Pop with indie rock and shoegazing sensibility, making for a delightful and mind-blowing long-player."

"Hello, Hello" is Awesome.

modboynyc | new york | 06/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
I am so impressed with "Hello, Hello." It's a pop masterpeice on par with "Pet Sounds" or "Odessey & Oracle". It's as creative and quirky as the best Flaming Lips album you can think of. As garagey as The Kinks and as cute as The Monkees. It's as fresh as The Shins AND it's produced by Brian McTear, the man behind the Lilys. How could you go wrong?



From the rocking first track, "Sidewalk Chalk" you are hooked. Then a dreaming little ditty called "Greetings" floats you into the catchiest damn song I've heard in years called "Everybody Knows the Way". The rest of the album is a familiar, but unique trip. There is not a slacker on here. The music is upbeat and full of hooks. I could rattle on about each track, but I won't. To top it all off, the album ends with a track titled "Here or There" which is a trippy, shoegazer-ish jam. This is definately best when listened to with headphones, but try it in a car or a picnic or the beach and it will be the soundtrack of your summer.



Do yourself a favor and spend the $10(!) to check out this album. You won't regret it."

Average but enjoyable

NANA | 09/22/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"As a fan of Philadelphia pop music I gave the a-sides a try. It is well produced....sonically, but lacks any particular distinction or direction. It sounds to me like a bunch of kids who listen to the Beatles way too often. Sometimes young bands will almost bypass the grueling process of finding their own voice and leap right into trying to make records they're clearly not ready for. The A-sides are a band of potential but need to look themselves in the mirror and figure out how they can use their talents in a NEW and unique way. I already own sgt. pepper's and pet sounds....I don't need to hear it again."