Search - Sean O'Hagan :: High Llamas

OK as a comparison to future High Llamas material

04/25/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This release of Sean O'Hagan is decent insofar as it shows off transition material for the High Llamas leadman. Songs such as "Perry Como" are poppy and mildly entertaining. But the record does not suffice as an artistic statement in that it does not contain the interesting instrumentation, electronic embellishments, surreal soundscapes, or depth of later High Llamas recordings. Thus, it is indeed interesting for comparison's sake, but it does not stand well on its own. In my opinion, it is recommended for High Llamas fans but is not the best introduction for new listeners."

Catchy, melodic, and foreshadows later High Llamas glory

Kevin Renick | St. Louis, MO. | 02/03/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is an unexpectedly pleasant recording, the first tentative steps toward what would later become the magnificent glory of the High Llamas. You could pretty much consider this their first CD, since Sean O'Hagan (the writer/arranger) is accompanied by musicians that all continued onto Santa Barbara, the first "official" High Llamas release. The song "Perry Como" is both catchy and amusing, and "Doggie" rocks out nicely. Also very good songs are "Half Face Cat," "Edge of the Sun" and the oddly country-ish but smooth "Pretty Boy." If you simply buy this out of the blue without knowing who Sean O'Hagan is, you will probably like at least a few of the songs, but if you are really into the High Llamas, and know the beautiful artistic aesthetic that O'Hagan was just a few years from perfecting, then this CD will probably impress the hell out of you. It also sounds great through headphones!"