Search - Shepherd Knigs :: Rome Wasn't Built: 1992-1996

A stunning, harrowing, thorougly riveting work of beauty

10/11/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back in the early 90's, when the old school was dying its sad death and indie rock was churning forth from every dive bar and suburban rec center across this globe, the Shepherd Kings-- a little-known band from a little-known college in a little-known state-- were creating a new kind of music for the masses: a synthesis equal parts RuPaul, the "One Day At a Time" theme song, Sinatra, the Cowsills, and Led Zeppelin. This unlikely stew simmered for a while-- after being marinated-- and the end result is found here, in the ne plus ultra of the band's work: the non-self-titled "Rome Wasn't Built." It is an opus tremendous of out-takes, fave raves, trifles and other fun stuff. It stands as a testament and a monument to a time gone by, one now fondly remembered by college graduates who still make less than $20,000 a year, and who-- after all these months-- still live in second-tier cities with mildly deranged roommates in disgusting hovels with sickly cats imbued with Cobain-era cynicism. One FEELS the Shepherd Kings-- and through them, one feels again YOUTH. (ful)"