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The Good Earth

busotti | 11/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Feelies put out only four albums during their too-short existence, each a distinct turn from its predecessor. Crazy Rhythms was their anxious, arty debut, a post-punk classic before post-punk started. Only Life is perhaps their "indie rock" stab and Time For a Witness their "classic rock" album. That leaves their second record, The Good Earth, as their "pastorale," in the classical sense. Especially after the edgy time keeping and nervy structures of Crazy Rhythms, the Good Earth is a relaxed family outing, hanging out on a warm day with friends you wish you'd see more often. Acoustic guitars seem more omnipresent than on any of their other records, and the generally midtempo songs stroll along as if effortlessly played. The band seemed keenly aware of this as their cover photo has everyone standing in a field. Some have portrayed this as a "boring" album, though I'd argue it's their most incandescent and representative, possibly also their most consistent record.



Nonetheless, the band is still all too capable of raving it up ("Slipping") or tinkering with the odd martial rhythm ("Tomorrow Today"). And the build to an emission of harmony on "When Company Comes" is nothing short of transcendent, one of the holy moments in rock music.



For those of us too young to have made it to any of their legendary Hoboken shows of this and their earlier period, there seem to be plenty of tapes out there to merit an essential box set of their live side, including all the side projects. For those needing more faster, seek out the Yung Wu side project whose sole release appeared around the same time as this winsome record."

Third best band of the eighties

Mark Truslow | Towson, Maryland United States | 12/05/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Behind REM and The Replacements. I was fortunate enough to see them at the 8X10 in Baltimore 3 times. "The Good Earth" is one of the greatest albums of all time. If you have ANY taste, besides what's in your mouth, you'll go to the TwinTone site and get this right now!! Mark T."

More than 5 stars if I could...

melody lover | Santa Cruz CA USA | 10/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Now, this is one of my favorite albums, period. It's perfect, I love the voice, the way it's confidential, in the back. Great guitars, fantastic rythms. I also think it's very well mixed. Different ( the accoustic feel), but as solid as any rock I know. I wouldn't want any change. I've played this music many times ( got it in 1987), and still enjoy every song .

I love it when they "swich gear" and teh way some songs end in total chaos, very well brought out, a crescendo that explodes, reaching total saturation ( not easy to do that well).

I love this album of the feelies best, but "only life " is also a great album, it just has some songs I like a bit less, but the rest is so incredible it doesn't matter.

It's incomprehensible that the feelies didn't get more recognition, though I read that they didn't want fame, which I think is wise.

I feel lucky to have bumped into their music. I hope they know how beloved their music is , by some.

For me the second half of the eighties the church, REM, the feelies and midnight oil were my main staple."