Search - Silos :: When The Telephone Rings

Silos
When The Telephone Rings
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock

Track Listings (11) - Disc #1
1. The Only One
2. Whistled a Slow Waltz
3. Ready for Anything
4. Holding On To Life
5. Innocent
6. When the Telephone Rings
7. The First Move
8. Don?t Wanna Know
9. 15 Days
10. Dumbest on Parade
11. Take a Hit

CD Details

All Artists: Silos
Title: When The Telephone Rings
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Dualtone Music Group
Release Date: 9/14/2004
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
Styles: Folk Rock, Roots Rock
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 803020116122

Synopsis

Amazon.com

While at least one source refers to the Silos as a key early band in the alternative-country field, Walter Salas-Humara's vision has kept the group above genre. The wisdom of When the Telephone Rings' rootsy rock inheres as much in its sound and groove as in lyrical injunctions to "keep your heart innocent of your world" and "the world doesn't owe you a thing!" Adding players and singers such as Television guitarist Richard Lloyd (who burns on the opening "Only Love," providing the most notable music here) and Amy Allison on various tracks, the trio offers a friendly album that's modest in comparison to early classics such as Cuba or the two albums combined on Ask The Dust. Midway through track seven ("The First Move"), longtime fans will be settled down with the Silos essence--modest and classic. --Rickey Wright

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CD Reviews

Return To Form

Sigmund | 09/27/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Walter Salas-Humara's tenth album as either a solo act or with The Silos is a good one. I no longer distinguish between his albums released under just his name('Lagartija' & 'Radar') or the eight studio efforts as a member of The Silos. This current lineup featuring Drew Glackin and Konrad Meissner was also responsible for the previous 'Laser Beam Next Door', which I found dissappointing.

'When The Telephone Rings' opens with the fantastic "The Only Love" which is probably the most radio friendly/accessible song Walter has done in about a decade. It is classic Silos in the vein of "Find A Way" or "I'm Over You". The second track, "Whistled A Slow Waltz" is the most country or blue-grassish song in his twenty plus years. I never liked the Alt-Country tag the Silos got as only Bob Rupe's(to correct the prior review Rupe left in the very early 90s) voice and I guess the fact they had a violin in the band ever indicated a country sound. However this track, and it's a good one, deserves the tag and it is the only one of its type on the album.

Most of the tracks are very much in the classic Silos vein complete with female supporting voice and violin or keyboard flourishes. There is some experimentation with congas and different voice stylings but that is very limited. The songwriting is not particularly strong but the title track stands out as a poignant tribute to a post 9-11 NYC.

All things considered, I think old timers to The Silos will like this quite a bit and those unfamiliar with them could start their journey here. Walter Salas-Humara is one of the absolute best rock and roll artists of the last quarter century. Yes, he probably peaked in that capacity in the late 80s with the releases of 'Cuba', 'Lagartija' and the production of Vulgar Boatmen's 'You And Your Sister' which are all masterpieces of American Art but Dylan probably peaked in the late 60s and he made some great albums in the 80s and 90s."

Welcome Back

Kelly Street | San Francisco, CA United States | 09/27/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the best Silos release since Cuba. (Has it really been 17 years?) Every Silo release contains essential tracks, but some vary widely in consistancy and occassionly veer into self-righteousness (It's Alright) and over-production (Find A Way)

This release is tight and focused, much more so than Laser Beam Next Door, and it ignores that trip-hop grooves that popped up on Heater. It's nice to hear Mary Rowell front and center again, especially on the rousing The First Move. The Only One crackles with electricity. Whistled A Slow Waltz contains great lyrics. Overall, not a weak track.

There is a lot of gloomy and doomy pronouncements coming from artists these days. I tip my hat to Salas-Humara for creating an album that needs to be heard and one that holds out great hope for the future. We are ready for anything."