Under The Influence Of Giants reviewed
Under The Influence Of Giants
Under The Influence Of Giants
(Island)
Some of the best songs on Under The Influence Of Giants’ self-titled debut take the exact same approach that much of Justin Timberlake’s solo album took: they both ripped off Michael Jackson’s classic Off The Wall at every possible turn.
Not so coincidentally, many of these tracks also make stellar dance cuts, like “Faces” and the opening number, “Ah Ha.” Much of the rest of the disc, though, falls abysmally short. There’s a reason post punk bands like Joy Division, new wave acts like Echo And The Bunnymen, and dance/pop artists like Madonna are heavily borrowed from today, and the likes of Hall And Oates and Olivia Newton John are overlooked. Annoying and uninspired pop/R&B tracks like “Stay Illogical” and “I Love You” litter this disc and, unfortunately, outshadow even the best of what this album has to offer.
— Dean Ramos
Appearing: July 28th at Double Door in Chicago.
I couldnt disagree more with this article. I dont think that the writer “gets it”. I think its witty and daring to admit that you like a song by olivia newton John. They are obviously kind of kidding. I met them and saw that they were serious but really funny. The record is great, every song is a listen. I nor do any of my friends ever have to skip any songs. That’s rare! I saw them live in Dallas and they were Far better then any other supposed rock band, that plays now a days. I also hate all the Joy division bands that pretend they are english and are from the U.s.a. UTIOG are real and fun. Pick up the record and rock yourself to sleep.