Search - Halo Friendlies :: Get Real

Halo Friendly power pop

Daniel J. Hamlow | Narita, Japan | 11/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Take 3 parts Go-Go's, mix in 1 part Donnas, 1 part Veruca Salt, maybe a smidgin of Bangles, and vocals that alternate between Belinda Carlisle, Nina Gordon, Juliana Hatfield, and Tanya Donnelly rolled together and you'll come out with the Halo Friendlies. The bite-sized songs, averaging 3 minutes in length, crunchy power pop, a perfect substitute for anyone who left their Donnas or Ramones CDs at home.The songs have a consistent overall sound and it's hard to tell one from another--only by chorus, and I'm not going to do that. However, let me give a few samples.Judita, the vocalist of "Sellout" sounds like Belinda Carlisle The lyric "Was it something I said that it went to your head" reminds me of a similar lyric in Elastica's "Stutter," although not as hard as that song. There is a hint of Elastica in this song as well.With "Over It" the guitar and rhythm is definitely vintage Go-Go's. Vocalist Ginger is more Juliana Hatfield-ish, although more potent and less cloying."I'm All Eyes" starts out like a distant cousin of the Bangles "In Your Room" before going back to Go-Go's sound."Just Like You" is one of my favourites here due to catchy hooks and an 80's style chorus which ends with "I'm just like you, only better."In the Belly-like "Don't Let Me Down", which is also reminiscent of the Murmurs' "Smash", the drums and chords hammer in tune to the words of the chorus--1-2-3-4 (Don't-Let-Me-Down), making this another standout track. A Go-Go's-like guitar solo follows mid-song.And "Selfish" has guitars that nearly match an Elastica-like snarl. One of the girls closes with the sweet acoustic ballad "Unsaid Goodbyes."Get Real is one fun anthem and catchy hook after another packed with punky guitars and sweet and sassy vocals. If the Go-Go's had made an album like this instead of Talk Show, they would have lasted another five years."

Unexpectedly good

Angel of the Future | Morgantown | 12/27/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When I first received this CD as a gift, I was excited because it looked interesting, but I was also a little hesitant at the same time. After listening to it, I discovered that it takes a while to really enjoy the songs, but it can be done. Here's a breakdown of some of their good songs:
2)"Over It"-While the lyrics for this song isn't anything I haven't already heard ("I know what you're thinking/I know just what you think of me...")and there's the occasional whining, this is one of the better "after the break-up" songs I've heard in a long time.
4)"Just Like You"-In this song, the girls sing really well (no whining can be found) but the rhymes sound forced ("I'm hesitant/Call the president/Maybe he will say a prayer for me..." This aside, it's an enjoyable song.
5)"Anything For You"-This is one of those songs that takes a while to like, but I now do. I especially like the lyrics for this song ("Summertime burned a hole inside your heart/Winter's bite froze the feelings deep inside...")and once again, the girls sing well.
6) "Milwaukee"-This "break-up" song, while having lyrics that aren't anything new, does have good description. Also, I think the girls' "angry" singing has improved because there's little whining. Definitely worth a listen!
9)"Don't Let Me Down"-This song surprised me by how upbeat it was. It's hard to describe the actual song than by saying that it's easy to enjoy.
11)"Selfish"-When I first listened to this song, I disliked the lyrics ("You messed up in so many ways I don't think that you'll understand me...") and found it in general to be annoying. Now I like it, but I recommend to NOT listen to it all the time.
My thoughts for this CD in general is to ignore the occasional whining and focus instead on the music and some of the lyrics. I myself hope that these girls will release a new, semi-improved CD sometime."

Go-Go's + The Donnas + Lillix = Great Girl Rock Band

Angel of the Future | 05/21/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're a fan of punk/pop girl singers this is the album for you. Combining voices of Belinda Carlisle and Tasha Ray-Evin, this comes out to anything but girl singers such as Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson. When I first heard of the HF's I thought girl songwiters and musicians so listened to the song clips and got the CD. The girls from Long Beach know how to rock. Sell Out and Nice Guys are my favorities. This band will appeal to you if you like Go-Go's, Donnas, Avril Lavigne, The Bangles, Skye Sweetnam and Lillix. Worth the money and a great buy!! :-)"