"Bittersweet review:
This album (both albums, really) is an amazing cd. Their sound has changed as of summer 2002, so catch these CDs while you still can. The new sound isn't nearly as original as their work previous. The thing is that they have the talented voice of Rachael Yamagata up front on many of these songs. Her voice has been heard before, it's not nearly as amazing in its own right. When paired with the sound of the band, it can break into you and pull you into it. Spent many nights left in knots after listening to these guys. Now, the fem vocals are average at best. The music is good, but still average. I'm sorry, but if I wanted to heard music this dated, I'd go for the masters in my CD collection. This CD is while Bumpus was in it's best form. Remember them fondly."
Big Sound, soon to be big band
Angeli | Chicago, IL | 06/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I catch this group whenever I can, and regularly see them at the Cubby Bear North. I have both of the albums. It's well worth the investment. You'll hear original music full of funk and seasoned with some good rap. Through it all, you never loose the great melody and harmonizing that makes this band what they are. Check out their live shows, too."
Bumpus kicks ...!!!!
Jewels | Milwaukee,WI | 02/18/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bumpus is a really nice group of people putting out some stellar music! Their style is a nice blend of funk, hip-hop, and Jazz. They have some very interesting lyrics. Give them a listen, I guarantee you will like them! Stereoscope is probably their most popular album, but if you can, get your hands on their first album - It has a jazzier feel than the hip-hop flavor of Stereoscope. I have seen them about 10 or 12 times in both Milwaukee and Chicago and I have never been dissapointed. YOU HAVE TO SEE BUMPUS LIVE TO FULLY APPRECIATE THEIR MUSIC!"
The Best Album You've Never Heard
Matthew DuFour | Nashvill, TN | 02/03/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bumpus, Chicago's premier funk band, does it again. With its roots firmly planted in pre-disco funk, Bumpus has set out to create something completely their own. Rated the #1 local Album by the Chicago Sun Times, Bumpus shows that they not only have created something original but that they have created something extraordinary as well. Stereoscope is not just good, it's great. Songs such as "Face Gone" and "Some Kind of Lonely" speak of heartache and pain. "Living on the Floor" and "Oceanic" are songs about the struggles of an unsigned band trying to catch their big break. "Brass Ring" and "Momma" are straight up shake your booty cuts that will have you dancing all night long. One fan said, "If you can't dance to Bumpus, you must be dead." The heartfelt vocals, thoughtful yet abstract lyrics and great production aparant on the album make these songs, as well as the entire record well worth listening to. Bumpus is the best band you've never heard and definately won't dissapoint."