Search - Wondermints :: Wondermints

This is actually a great cover album

Mark G Dillon | Toronto, Ontario Canada | 08/13/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"There is a mistake of some kind going on here. The cover displayed is for the group's great first album, titled simply Wondermints. Wonderful World of the Wondermints is the group's follow-up album, which consists entirely of cover versions. Either way, both albums are brilliant, and I strongly advise you to disregard that previous, completely puzzling review.
The first album consists entirely of originals, and is one of the most solid power pop albums I've ever heard. The sond dissed previously, Carnival of Souls, is actually the closer, not the opener, and is in fact a super-catchy rocker. The rest uses the likes of the Beach Boys, Beatles, Elvis Costello, Left Banke and Velvet Underground as influences, yet still comes up sounding fresh. If you're a fan of any of these artists, you will love this album. I give it *****.
The second album is almost as good in its way. Cover albums are usually not a good idea, but this is a great example of how to do them well. The group makes interesting song choices, and brings them fresh life. Heck, they even have the audacity to cover one of their own songs. The opener, the Monkees' Porpoise Song, is a surprise stunner. Other artists whose songs get a novel approach include everyone from Brian Wilson to Paul Revere, Burt Bacharach, Pink Floyd, ABBA, the Turtles, along with some more obscure but fascinating choices. This album is great fun and full of quality. It stands up well to repeated listenings. Good luck finding these albums now, but if you do, you won't be sorry!"

Brilliant

Derek A. Bill | Albuquerque, New Mexico USA | 07/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I told Jeff Foskett that "Thru My Window" was the best Brian Wilson tribute ever, I hadn't yet heard "Tracy Hide". It's like listening to Brian's "Wonderful" after huffing ether. That's meant as a compliment, and this album is a complement to both Pet Sounds and SMiLE. Buy this album and you'll hear one more reason why these guys motivated Brian to leave his room and go on the road."