Search - Titanic Love Affair :: No Charisma

Big Hooks A La Replacements, Dinosaur Jr.

12/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although TLA came from Champaign, IL, musically they are descendents of the mid-80's Minneapolis scene that included Soul Asylum, Husker Du and of course, the Replacements. Their live act was similar to those bands, but with the extra benefit of great chops, particularly from lead guitarist Jay Bennet, who went on to join WILCO. TLA got signed to Virgin imprint Charisma around 1990 and released one self-titled album (featuring cover art by Replacements' Chris Mars) which was Critic's Choice in Billboard when it was released. Despite the critical acclaim TLA was dropped, along with other Charisma acts, in a corporate merger. The "No Charisma" EP was their next, and best, release. Produced by Adam Schmitt, No Charisma is the only TLA recording that does the band justice (although their last CD "Titanic Majesties" and their debut also have stellar moments). This EP was written up in Rolling Stone by respected critic Chris Mundy, despite having no major label push. The songs here, particularly the opener, "Out to the Fun" (singer Ken Hartz' masterpiece) are uniformly strong. Great CD by a band that had it all. Umm . . . buy it."

A VERY DIFFERENT SOUNDING BAND

07/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I FIRST PICKED UP THIS BANDS FIRST CD IN A USED CD BARGIN BIN AND AFTER I HEARD HOW COOL THESE GUYS SOUNDED I WAS ON A QUEST TO GET ALL OF THEIR CD's THEIR STUFF IS VERY HARD TO FIND ESPECIALLY "NO CHAISMA".THEY HAVE VERY CATCHY GUITAR HOOKS WITH A GREAT BUT VERY DIFFERENT SOUNDING SINGER."