The iconic band from the Pacific Northwest is now nearing thirty years of making intelligent, hard-to-classify music since releasing a home recorded album, Failure initially as a self-released cassette, in 1988. From their early 60s-tinged retro pop, to their latest work, Solid States, the Posies have always been pushing the boundaries. Folky long before deerskin vests and beards became the standard costume of Seattle; bookish and sensitive long before Death Cab For Cutie had driver's licenses...the Posies have pursued their craft with an unwavering commitment to excellence and experimentation. Musicians from all genres hold the Posies as a touchstone for songwriting craft; indie nerds regularly include the band's 1993 landmark album Frosting on the Beater as a highlight of the decade. Following such major life changes as a move to France for founding members Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow, and the tragic loss of drummer Darius Minwalla last year, the band has reinvented their sound again with swirling programmed beats & dark synth tones, while still representing their uncanny ability to harmonize and pluck heart strings. Think Kings of Convenience backed by the Books and you have a taste of what this album is about.
D**D
Pure Pop Majesty!
I've been a Posies fan for many years, but this one was even better than expected. I don't know whether to laugh or scream after reading some of the negative comments that two reviewers made about this new Posies album, calling it everything from "uninspired" and "pop fluff" to "ho hum music." Rest assured, that is hardly the case. This is an inspiring, captivating collection of songs. Pure pop majesty!All of the songs on this album were written by Jon Auer (if you haven't done it yet, check out his excellent solo album, "Songs From the Year of Our Demise"), and they rank among the best things he has ever written. Yes, the guitars are no longer the dominant force in the arrangements, but the lack of that doesn't dilute the power of these radiant songs. Honestly, this is an incredible album, one of the best that I've heard all year.Lack of guitars or not, I can't imagine any Posies fan not loving this new album. It's packed with gorgeous songs that will stick in your head for days at a time.
J**D
Keep the great music coming
I'm really enjoying this CD. It has some clever, original sounds on it. Very much a Posies album. The overall sound is a bit reminiscent of the old days (Dear 23) but simultaneously fresh. I think it's one of those albums that starts off really strong and maybe gets a bit weaker toward the end, but that's an extremely minor complaint. Keep the great music coming!
J**M
Far from solid...
Great talent and arranging couldnt help this often uninspired collection of pop fluff. Jon Auer seemed to be M.I.A. on this cd as Ken's new found direction seemed to take over the whole project. The songs seemed painfully self indulgent and bordered on boy band pop which is everything anyone would want to stay clear of. Perhaps he is looking for a gig writing for One Direction, who knows. Also going by Ken's output in recent years you wonder if a Posies cd was just an after thought as well as a way to still cash in on the Posies name. You put on "Frosting On The Beater" where the melodies and the lyrics are fresh and intriguing and delivered with melodic gusto and then listen to this cd of lifeless vague melodies and dreadful lyrics full of tired and worn cliches that even Mitch Easter wouldnt touch. This cd was a true fall from grace and Im stuck with an over priced clay pigeon. As far as disappointment by a group I like, this cd ranks up there with "Endangered Species" by KLAATU.
F**I
another perfect release from the band
another perfect release from the band.They have found a away to remain fresh with all that the world changeswhen i listen i just want more
R**N
Five Stars
A very solid, late-career release for the Posies. Their writing and harmonies are in full force on this release.
C**E
This one is so beautifully written. Welcome back boys
This album is 5 stars. The Posies incredible harmonies on this album make me smile. I have their entire catalog. This one is so beautifully written. Welcome back boys!!!!!!!!
G**G
I love this!
I love The Posies! I should have this gotten earlier.
J**S
Two Stars
I prefer their early 90's work.
O**Y
Accomplished Song Craft From Long Serving Power Poppers
The Posies are a long-serving combo, whose brief flirtation with potential fame came around a quarter of a century ago, when they were signed to the Geffen Records label. Their bracing power pop shapes struggled to find a large audience, and the core duo of Kenneth Stringfellow and Jon Auer busied themselves with projects like the reformed Big Star and intermittent Posies release. 'Solid States', their latest offering, shows a greater immersion on electronic soundscapes and textures, as well as a goodly serving of their classic Pop material. As such, it may snag a few more listeners, but, good as it undoubtedly is, I think that it's unlikely to be much more than that. Which is a shame, because their cultured song craft and melodic appeal is undimmed. Please prove me wrong!
H**8
Welcome Back
Another great album from Ken and Jon
K**H
Five Stars
Excellent power poperama!
M**D
Five Stars
PERFECT
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