Search - Klaatu :: Klaatu/Hope

Fantastic collection of songs

B. E Jackson | Pennsylvania | 01/28/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I actually share the opinion that Klaatu *deserves* to be mentioned in the same breath as the Beatles.



The Beatles are, of course, originators of creativity, and innovators for many generations to follow (and will most likely be known as the best rock band of all-time 300 years from now when kids are taking music classes in school and learn about rock history).



However, to be completely honest, when people bring up a band nowadays and claim they are like the Beatles, or said band was influenced by the Beatles and therefore sounds exactly like them, I feel I HAVE to hear what all the fuss is about and listen to them.



Most of the time I end up disappointed when I believe I hear generic, second rate songwriting that the Beatles NEVER would have fallen victim to. That's the one thing that separates the Beatles from... most of the other rock bands out there.



You might even say no two Beatles songs sound the same, which is definitely the highest compliment you can pay to ANY band. Klaatu might "might" fall under the same category.



With the first two Klaatu albums... I can honestly hear some Beatles comparisons. It mostly has to do with the bands willingness to experiment and take MAJOR chances just as often as the Beatles used to do, and you know, the fact Klaatu's very first album is quite the experimental delight is actually a step above the Beatles. The Beatles didn't actually explode with creativity on their debut album, did they? Nope, not until a little later.



The most obvious connection to the Beatles would be the songs on the debut album that sound quite similar to Paul McCartney such as "Sub-Rosa Subway".



I firmly believe Klaatu is one artist (and specifically this set of the bands first two albums featured for the price of one) people should DEFINITELY check out. It's diverse, exciting, colorful, creative, and, in my opinion, just a fair comparison to the legendary creators of innovation, the Beatles.



Yes, as a child my parents would constantly tell me that back in the mid 70's people were absolutely positive Klaatu was actually the Beatles in disguise. Now that we know the truth and that they AREN'T really the Beatles... well, now we can take the music for what it is, and what I believe to be quite the experience.



However, a part of me also believes had Pink Floyd made a career out of taking their music in the direction of Piper at the Gates of Dawn, by the mid 70's they *may* have attempted something like what Klaatu has done here... but I guess Pink Floyd was destined to take their more serious atmospheric experiments to a new level of innovation (and popularity).



Also, there's a couple songs on Hope that sound *identical* to any number of ballads from Electric Light Orchestra. As many people know, ELO was strongly influenced by the Beatles and some people even believe their songwriting is only SECOND to the Beatles, so that's a pretty high compliment as far as Klaatu's songwriting skills are concerned.



Check out Klaatu and don't be surprised if you happen to be floored by each and every moment of this collection. I can't be 100% certain you'll like it. After all, some people believe the Beatles are the only band that matters, and therefore, you can't please these type of people no matter how hard you try, BUT!!!



If you're willing to open your ears and allow a highly experimental band that *I* believe occasionally reaches the same level of brilliance the Beatles did on albums such as Magical Mystery Tour, The Beatles (White Album), and Abbey Road, you should give this collection a shot. The songwriting is seriously some top-notch stuff, and Klaatu deserves more credit than just being tagged another Beatles wannabe band."