Search - Bikeride :: The Kiss

The last bikeride...

Erik | Cedar Falls, IA | 02/21/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bikeride's "The Kiss" was released in 2007; lead singer/songwriter, Tony Carbone died a year later of cancer. Having been a fan of the band since 1999's "37 Secrets..." I had enjoyed this album for a few years before I started to wonder why there was no new rumors of a new album, why their website was no longer working, and so on. It took a google news search to find out that Tony had died of cancer in 2008 and this is the last Bikeride album to bless the ears of those who understand and appreciate great music.



The album itself is an extreme eclectic mix of different genres but it still hearkens back to the classic "Bikeride" sound of Phil Specter's 'wall-of-sound' meets the Beach Boys meets. Included on this album are a pirate shanty and a sitar harmonization number that would give George Harrison a run for his song-writing skills. However, the album absolutely shines when Bikeride perform as Bikeride, presenting such straightforward and heartfelt numbers as "Hideaways," "And We Will Come Back as Dogs," and "Trouble."



Poignant moments on this album stick with the listener. As Tony knew that he might not be long for this world, songs such as "Hole In My Eye" (in which he refers to his early health troubles) and especially "Destinitis" bring the listener back to the real world; the real world in which listening to Bikeride music allowed listeners to so easily escape.



I was heartbroken when I learned of Tony's death and am slowly realizing that such a great songwriter (easily comparable to Brian Wilson in terms of sheer catchiness and feel-good songwriting) is being largely ignored by everyone. (His death was even overlooked by [...], a site that claims to be on the pulse of all things related to non-corporate music)



So, if you stumble across this album and read this review, I can only tell you that it would be in your best interest to check out this album while it's still available (I noticed that their earlier albums are not being manufactured anymore) and listen to a style and perfection that will not be seen again any time soon in American culture."