Search - The Ordinary Boys :: Over the Counter Culture

Ordinary and Entertaining

WrtnWrd | Northridge, CA USA | 12/20/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Named after a Morrissey track, The Ordinary Boys couldn't sound less like Moz or the Smiths (except when they steal the riff of "What Difference Does It Make"). Their straight up Brit rock on Over the Counter Culture falls between The Libertines and Feeder, with roots in The Specials (whom they cover with a rollicking version of "Little Bitch"). The songs of singer Preston and guitarist William J. Brown are overly concerned with bucking the status quo (to name only two of seven: the title track and "Robots and Monkeys"), which might be more effective if their own music weren't such a showcase of English top-of-the-pops. Yet their words convey their meaning with simplicity - a feat in any of the arts - and they are pretty catchy boys. Not essential by any means, but entertaining nonetheless."

Carrying the Britpop torch..

Get Smart | West Coast | 09/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A really good, catchy, solid record by UKs Ordinary Boys. Admittedly, it took a couple listens to really get into this, but once i did, i find that it is one of the best records i have bought this year. Taking the name from a Morrissey song, it's no wonder there is an obvious Smith's influence to several songs (esp track 2 which completely sounds like a Smiths ripoff, which isnt necessarily a bad thing). There is mostly a very Paul Weller-Jam-period sound which makes this record one of the best modern Britpop discs in a long time. Catchy power pop tunes with enough crunch so they don't sound wimpy. All of the tracks except for 1 ballad (in itself a good song) are uptempo fast tunes including a (i think) newer version of their single Maybe Someday. They also play a great high energy cover of The Specials "little Bitch". Tthe Ordinary Boys are carrying the banner for modern day mod/suedehead fellows, and doing a very good job at it."

Great album

Timothy Freund | Thousand Oaks, Ca USA | 12/20/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this album - yes I spent the money on the import - on the recommendation of a record store clerk on Sunset in Hollywood, after asking her if she had heard Razorlight. And while I hated paying $25 for any CD, I am glad I did because these guys are terrific. Something like The Squeeze meets the Jam meets later Madness. Great vocals and horns, positive and up tempo, solid all the way around. They're not as raw nor emotional as Razorlight but I've got plenty of room in my CD player for a band like The Ordinary Boys."