| Good Music For Good People |
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Jellyfish - Bellybutton |
Not Lame released the definitive statement of this incredibly influential band in 2002, but both "Bellybutton" and "Spilt Milk" are intensively must-adds to any self-respecting pop collection. It`s all here in these low-priced classics. "Jellyfish seemingly had all the right ingredients for success - catchy, melodic pop songs squarely in the Beatles/Squeeze mold, plus strong kitsch appeal in its retro sound and wildly colorful, clashing wardrobe... a breath of fresh pop air. "The Man I Used to Be" kicks off the album as a catchy song about domestic failure wrapped in nautical metaphors. The single "The King Is Half-Undressed" is a slice of effervescent power pop whose melody runs counter to the lyrical theme of loneliness. In fact, behind the bounce and breeze of Bellybutton`s engaging songs is a recurring theme of melancholy and longing"-AMG |
| Customer Reviews |  | |
| One of my all time favorite bands/albums | |
| Reviewer: Evan Patten | | I remember seeing Jellyfish on MTV's "Buzzbin" with their video for the "The King is Half-Undressed". I didn't know what to make of them. They dressed like Willy Wonka rejects: big floppy hats, bright clothes that didn't match, etc. but I was intruiged. The band would occasionaly drop into the studio and do a couple songs (I remember them doing "No Matter What" with bubble machines going). Then I read a blurb in Creem magazine describing the band as a cross between Cheap Trick, Queen, and the Beatles. Can't be half bad. Nonetheless, a store clerk (named Sara) at the neighborhood record store (the now defunct 'Radio Doctors') loaned me the promotional cassette tape of 'Bellybutton'. I had a hard time returning it. Like the Posies "Dear 23"., "Bellybutton" was a slow burner: I couldn't quite nail them down. My initial 'complaint' was there wasn't enough guitars. But I soon overcame that minor hang-up. What really impressed me was not only was the musicianship top notch, but also was the songwriting- everything came across so effortlessly. The bottom line is that threre isn't a bum track in the lot. When they aren't sounding like the Beach Boys (or- the Partridge Family, haha), they pulled a Cheap Trick ('All I Want is Everything') or Macca ('I Wanna Stay Home') or Queen/ELO ('Callin' Sarah'). But what is the most impressive of all is that they sound like themselves- nothing is forced. It's a shame this band fell apart a few years latter. However their unique and highly influential brand of power pop will live forever. Just look at the resurgance of power pop in the 1990's and all the bands trying to sound like them. Jellyfish led the way. |
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| Bellybutton Window | |
| Reviewer: Chris Miuccio | | The drummer from "School of Fish" (known as MP) played me "Bedspring Kiss" and when I heard the break where the lonely harmonica comes in...I just about fell off my chair! I bought the album (that's right, on VINYL....and yes, I still have it!) IMMEDIATELY! Upon listening more...."The King Is Half Undressed", "I Wanna Stay Home" and "Baby's Comin Back" were so incredibly great that it took me awhile to appreciate the rest of the album!
Eventually "The Man I Used To Be" elevated itself to tying Laura Nyro's "You Don't Love Me When I Cry" (from "New York Tendaberry") for my personal "Greatest Slow Song To Open A Pop Album" award.
By chance, I taped them performing on Letterman. A drummer that stands up and sings lead? Wow! A band after my own heart (I am a lead singing drummer as well!). They did "All I Want Is Everything" and actually eclipsed the studio version, which I did not think would be possible, especially when they harmonize on the word "swell".
If you like the Tilbrookian pop of Squeeze ("Another Nail In My Heart", "I've Returned", "Pulling Mussels") you do NOT want to miss this pop paradise! Their followup "Spilt Milk" (review coming) was even better!
Andy Sturmer - where's your brilliant debut solo album? Everybody's rooting for you, man! Quit playing hard to get! I know you've got at least one "Imperial Bedroom" in you....or at least an Imperial Drag! ! Pop it up, Jackson! |
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