Search - The Presidents Of The United States Of America :: Lump

Not quite a Greatest Hits

wellwellwell | bog | 03/25/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although every single song on this CD is excellent, this cannot (at least it shouldn't) be considered a greatest hits album. I look at the list of songs and wonder two things: one... why is there only 10 songs? And two... what about the song "Kitty"; which was one of their biggest hits? I think The Presidents should have featured "Kitty" instead of the lesser-popular "Tiki God". I do realize that I am not the band; and in turn don't get to decide what songs go on an album. But if I could add five more songs to make this a `true' greatest hits album, here's what I would add:11. Kitty - no question this song needs to be here. It was the reason, along with "Lump", I became a fan of The Presidents Of The United States Of America. I can't understand why the band left the song out. Can you?12. We Are Not Going To Make It - this may be a questionable choice. But the irony the song uses (seeing as how they have, in fact, made it) is so brilliant that any fan will truly appreciate the song for what it is.13. Feather Pluckn - here's one of my personal favorite Presidents songs. It's one of the craziest songs off their debut and is too enjoyable to omit.14. Stranger - again, this may be a open-to-discussion pick for one of their greatest. Nevertheless it's a great song which helped support the success of the band's remarkable debut. 15. Lunatic To Love - this song was one that offered a perfect change between their debut and II. It's fast, it's fun, it's smart, and all in all an exceptional track.***Now, since this release came out in January 2000, it is (was) impossible to include any songs from Freaked Out And Small; which was released in September of the same year. The two songs, "Tiny Explosions" and "Tiger Bomb", are clearly two of the band's best. And consequently could've been on this CD had it been released in 2001 or so. Yet it would be premature and ill-advised to include them when they weren't even released yet. Even so, this is still a very good CD. If you are a coming-of-age Presidents fan, then this is certainly a perfect place to start. But for anyone who already knows the band quite well, it's not worth it. My recommendation for this album is rather iffy; as I think in order to absorb The Presidents Of The United States Of America's true sound you need all their CDs (self-titled, II and Pure Frosting). All these songs, except "Tiki God", rank in my list of the band's 20 best and absolutely deserve to be here. But I recommend you look into the Presidents' previous and latter releases before this one."

Geek Music Rules

Paul Rothrock | Harrisburg, PA | 08/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When in doubt, listen to the Prezzies. They've been more commercially successful than their cerebral geek rock brethren They Might Be Giants, but they're far from sell outs. On first listen, their songs are funny stories about surreal things, but if you continue to listen, they take on a whole new meaning. It might just be me, but Peaches almost sounds like an indictment of capitalism, but you'll have to hear it yourself to get it. In other words, buy this CD, it's the best of the best of the Presidents. And for all of you who think it's stupid music, go back to your Starbucks and yell into your phone some more, you'll never get it."

The video did not kill this radio star!

Eletric Ferret | Seattle, WA USA | 05/18/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The songs on this cd are great you will never stop loving this CD! The songs are so funny with a good message. Video killed the radio star and Japan are such good songs! I think this is a under rated CD and that anyone with the littlest amount of taste in music would love this CD.They didnt list the tracks so I will:1. Lump 2. Volcano 3. Video Killed the Radio Star 4. Japan 5. Dune Buggy 6. Kick Out the Jams 7. Tiki God 8. Back Porch 9. Mach 5 10. Cleveland Rocks this CD is at least worth [it] and I promise you you wont get tired of it. This is a must buy!"