Alive and Amplified

by

The Mooney Suzuki

Edit

I would like to start by saying give it a rest to all of those saying Suzuki is nothing but sell-outs. They've made no bones about the dysfunctions they went through while trying to record this album with the Matrix. That said, even though I'm much more of a traditionalist as far as garage rock is concerned, I still say this album is as much fun to listen to as any other. I still love the energy and these guys still produce beautiful, fun, old school rock 'n' roll with a touch of soul and blues (and admittedly some cheap pop), i.e. Messin' In the Dressin' Room, NY Girls, Shake That Bush Again, etc. Not to mention Graham Tyler (lead guitarist) sounds as good on this album as any other. This album might not be as dirty or rough around the edges as their previous ones, but I would still say it is just as much fun to listen to. I would say the raw energy of Suzuki still overpowers the Matrix on this album quite easily.

And if anyone gets a chance to see these guys live TAKE IT! They've got remarkable stage presence and the energy you leave with walking out of a Suzuki is unparalelled by any show I've been to.

I have to agree with another reviewer, if you know the Mooney Suzuki already, then you most likely will be disappointed. I loved these guys since i heard the self titled CD in 1999. Long Gone are the rough buzzing guitars heard in 'I say I Love You' and 'love is a Gentle Whip'. Now it's a cleaner too intentional 70's sound that seems all too contrived. While I do like a few tracks on this new album, such as 'Alive And Amplified', I found myself missing the signature sound I fell in love with in the beggining. Don't expect to find a great song with a sound like 'A simple life' had. I'm not one of these people that disregards a band because they sign to a major label, I let the music speak for itself. Unfourtunately, the music didn't say much with this release. It comes off as a sort of parody of themselves.