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ali | washington d.c. | 12/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"after several comparisons to their previous bands, i found that the real value of this record had little to do with june of 44 or rodan. while those are both good bands, shipping news combines nautical imagery with pure emotion of instrument-playing and structure. "Steerage", by far my favorite song on this album, starts out sort of fast and anthemy eventually developing to a drone mixed with drums that really make me feel like i am on a boat that is swaying in "inclement" weather. you feel the bass drum and the crash symbols as you feel waves smashing against the side of a near-capsizing boat. this is analog at its best. the whole album twists and turns like this with quiet moments adn loud moments. jason noble's monologue abpout "A true-lover's knot" is recorded with lots of intended static. while june of 44 was about sailing the seas, they are their own unit and they only share jeff mueller with the shipping news. rodan has jason noble as well. rodan was more punky. shipping news seems a little more experimental to me. but this is one guy's opinion who bought the record despite the fact that a certain record store in houston, texas described it as "yet another way for the guys in rodan to make money". obviously there isn't an earwax shortage. but that record store rocks. anyway, i can't wait for "Very soon, and in pleasant company" Save everything rocks."

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Jesse G | chicago | 12/08/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"shipping news is a mix of the best sounds of rodan and june of 44, but this disc does not limit itself. unexpected samples and guitar technique make for an exceptionally original listen. jeff mueller is one of the most emotional guitarists and vocalists i have heard, and he really shines here. a bit on the short side, this disc takes one on a bipolar trek across the sea. highly recommended."