Great sound. It's good to hear a band so creative in this area
346494
Of course you could hear some pieces of Joy Div, Sisters, Psych Furs or DM, but I think that they have their own specific sound and it's good to have a new band of this type. They did a great job for their first album, it's really mature, the lyrics are pretty creative. I am looking forward for their second album I think I'm going to order as soon as available with no questions.
4607029
These guys rock.  Cannot wait for their next album.
951098
Great sound, creative and original. These guys are absolutely outstanding.
I heard their song stressed out through a friend just before it came on the radio and I was already impressed.
As soon I saw this on Amazon, I immediately added it to my library and listened straight through. I don't remember the last album I actually listened to straight through like that...AND hit the repeat button on a few songs. I couldn't help but get into their music.
It took me back to the underground indie/punk/hip-hop stuff I used to listen to in school, I guess alternative is the only way to classify that. Great album.
2449571
I live in Silver Lake where this band hangs out but I don't attend many live music shows.  Someone raved about this album and I bought it and I love it.  It's got the combination of a good strong beat (it got me exercising again!) and words you can actually hear.  Whatever you call it, folk/rock/pop or whatever, it seems to me its appeal should be really wide, and a hoot to see and hear in person.  Great guitar riffs, smooth stylings, gorgeous harmonies.  Cool, to put it more technically.
3874983
Was directed to this band on Facebook, and was quite impressed, I checked a couple of other tunes of theirs and I was surprised at their range. Actually the word I used was 'awesomated'. If you like rock or blues or ballads this band can play it and play it well.
4446752
Usually my first listens of a new album (even from bands I love) are done with a skeptical ear and things don't really click till many listens later.  It's like i get caught in the "eh but it's not as good as they're last or the one before".

But this was a total blast from the get-go!  Some seriously catchy stuff here (Rock and Roll???).  Toby's vocals sound better recorded in the mix than ever.

I LOVE THIS BAND
828169
Not just brilliant rock music, these guys have fun doing it and that comes accross through out their music. The first time I can honestly say that there simply isn't a single track they have recorded that I haven't thought is pure brilliance.

Can't think of another way to put it. These guys are quite a step up beyond brilliant and I have no idea why they haven't got greater recognition. I'm still waiting for a UK tour though, but when they come I'll be going to more than just one night.

Pure brilliance, fantastic music and fun too.
3028173
This band has a rich and exciting sound. Their songs are meaningful. Their musical training shines through along with the joy they have put into creating and sharing their songs.
1810287
Big thanks to those who wrote that the live performance was worth having... Yes definitely,this is a band that really opens up live and throws a lot of tasty extra bits that turbo charge the songs...almost making the originals sound sterile by comparison. For a recorded live performance the sound quality is great.
1095827
Great band with such a unique and captivating sound! I've been enjoying this!
1538625
I had to chime in with a review here because I can't believe all the reviewers that call this wonderful new band derivative and unoriginal.  Sure they are influenced by the Police and Paul Simon and perhaps several other great artists, but at least their influences aren't Justin Timberlake, Britney, or Eminem.  This is far and away my favorite new group of the last few years(Cat Empire is a not too close second), and the great thing about this young band is you can tell they have the talent and the chops to be around for a long time and continue to experiment with a host of great sounds.  Since I find the whole disc a pleasure I won't comment on the discs best cuts, but instead say that I find only 2 cuts less than superior, and those are Mansard Roof, and Campus.  Even those cuts aren't bad, just not classics. Now I will let you know this is a new version of the review I wrote about this band 2 months ago.  This disc has really grown on me.  I can't get enough of it.  So I even upped my former 5 star review, and got more gushy on these guys.  Exceptional band.
1350878
Oh yes - this is the good stuff! A much more focused effort compared to their debut with some great arrangements, terrific sounds, excellent vocals and unique beats - what else could a white, middle-class, self-confessed metal-head want?! (hed) really came into their own with this album. What I particularly like are the computerised beats and sudden flourishes of human drumming over the top - really creative and, if I can get away with saying this, showing something akin to what Peter Gabriel did live with Manu Katche on the Secret World Tour. The two songs on Broke I'm referring to here are `Pac Bell' and `Jesus (of Nazareth)'. Everyone goes on about the song `Bartender', but I don't rate it as high as some other stuff on here. I can't really fault any of the tunes on `Broke' but I do particularly like `Killing Time', `Boom', `Swan Dive', `Stevie' and `Jesus'. The thing I've learned most to admire about this band is Mawk's sparse basslines. Most players would lace these songs with monstrous riffs, but his playing shows some damn fine maturity. I'd recommend this album to anyone because it's not overly obtuse, and it showcases a band that is top of their tree. To be honest, I don't think much else compares in this genre.
40045
Very talented band who also have great people recording and mixing their records. I was concerned how they would write an album without Rev, but they definitely answered the bell.
2804050
Really talented, and I really enjoy it. I'd love to see them in concert now. A new fan for me.
1180014
I was at this show in September 2010. The sound quality on the disc is amazing. The band is at their improvisational best throughout this high-energy performance. A perfect mix of new jams, old hits and a few rarities. Definitely worth picking up.
4460671
These guys are from my era.  I had a couple of their records on vinyl.  This is a great opportunity to own 5 records for about the price of a couple of CDs.  It startles me how fresh this music still sounds.  They totally belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  They are strong musicians, they all are decent vocalists, and they really get into the music.

This band did mostly covers in their early years, as did the Beatles and many other bands from the same era.  Their Satisfaction and Time Is on My Side don't compare vocally to The Rolling Stones, but instrumentally both are very good.  These guys were musicians.  Mark Lindsay on vocals and sax, Paul Revere on the organ, Mike Smith "Smitty" on drums, Drake Levin on guitar, Phil "Fang" Volk on bass - this was quite a talented lineup, and every one of them could take a turn at the mic and do a respectable job.

They also had a great sense of fun.  I love to listen to Smitty on I Know, trying to find a key he could sing in, and being encouraged by his bandmates.

The songs they wrote themselves also translate well to the present.  Hungry, Good Thing, Kicks - this is good stuff.  Also, maybe not for everyone, but Little Girl in the Fourth Row from Midnight Ride is a song that still appeals to the teenaged girl in me.

I have really enjoyed rediscovering this music.  It reminds me of a simpler time when making music was pure enjoyment.  I highly recommend this collection.

Edited 3/28/13 - I had a few songs left to listen to when I originally wrote this review.  Unfortunately, I feel compelled to remove a star.  For me the last album Revolution lacks the sparkle of the earlier records.  It is gloomier, less energetic.  In some cases the band (which had lost several of its most recognizable members by this point) seems to be trying to reinvent itself, exploring psychedelia and protest music, occasionally trying retreads of earlier hits, and suffering by comparison.  I don't think I ever listened to Revolution in my teenage years, although I do remember the hit Him or Me - What's It Gonna Be? (which frankly seems out of place with the rest of the songs on this album).

What I loved and still love about this band is the sound of pure joy in making music.  For the most part, when they got all serious, they lost me.  Still a recommendation - I quite like the idea of showing the evolution of a band over 5 albums, even if I don't agree with the path they ultimately took.
4214526
Great Video.  Not quite the concert experience but enjoyable to watch.  You also have the ability to switch angles in some songs.  "Crash" and "Watchtower" are wonderfully performed.  It's not so amazing that they've become so popular recently.  The mix of sounds is such good ear candy.  And you have the chance to see them jamming, having a good time.  All without going and parking in some massive field.  Definitely buy the video if you like their music.