Search - The Loud Family :: The Tape Of only Linda

Stands the Test of Time

Andrew Otwell | Seattle, WA | 10/05/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When this came out, many Miller fans found it a little over-polished and moaned about the appearance of songs by other members of the band. Miller's never, in 20+ years of pop song genius, allowed anything less than wonderful to have his name on it, and this is no exception. Song structures and melodies are perhaps less skewed than on Interbabe Concern or even Plants and Birds and Rocks and Things (both of which are "better" albums to old fans), but the production (Mitch Easter) is luscious and a joy to listen to. Years later, this stuff is still catchy and fresh, and some of it ranks among Miller's best-ever songs. A fine second or third LF purchase for the new fan."

Also Excellent!

ANN M OCONNOR | West Hartford, CT United States | 04/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let me first of all say that again as my review of Plants and Birds and Rocks and things im Zachary Smiths daughter. therfor making my reivew a tad bit biased. yet I know what I like and i do like this. It is not good all over but some songs really stick out like "Soul Drain" "Hyde Street Virgins" "My superior" (written by my father by the way). Please buy this CD and give the loud familly a try or another one for some ppl"

Good record with some of LF's most straightforward tunes

Perry M. Koons | Crownsville, MD United States | 09/29/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Nobody ever accused Scott Miller and the Loud Family of being direct or easy for casual listeners to get into, but this CD may be the closest he's gotten. It doesn't have all of his best tunes or even printed lyrics (a must with his work - it needs reader's guides as much as Finnegan's Wake), but Tape of Only Linda has some knockout songs that stand up to his work with both Loud Family AND Game Theory. The only problem with the record is the length - 10 songs is fine for many bands, but with Miller you always want something a bit more sprawling. By the way, the title is a reference to a tape of Linda McCartney's vocals isolated from a live mix - pure unintentional comedy.Best Tracks:
"Soul Drain" - Good opener, very alterna-catchy.
"My Superior" - Classic rock updated by indie kids, this is one of my all time LF songs. Great guitar riff, just the right amount of synths - a hands down winner.
"Hyde Street Virgins" - Jangle Pop 101...more like Jangle Pop 495. Advanced study for those who already mastered the form and moved on.
"Still It's Own Reward" - Cute and singsongy, this is an overlooked gem on this album. It may be a bit too sweet for the hardcore alternative/psychedelic fans but I think it's a keeper."