Worth Every Penny of the Import Price.
Reviews No More | 06/10/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been listening to this Sneaker album on vinyl since I got it in 1981, and am so pleased to own this Japanese import after nearly 25 years. So nostalgic, too, is the fact that it comes in a miniature cardboard case that mimicks the original full sized LP jacket, complete with a sleeve that we used to shove our vinyl into to protect it. The original LP, however, didn't include lyrics, a jacket foldout interview with Mitch Crane and Michael Carey Schneider about the inspirations for the songs, or 4 bonus tracks.
Do you remember their first hit "Don't Let Me In?" It was a Steely Dan song Becker and Fagen never recorded themselves, but this band had modest success with it back in the day. On this song's heels quickly follows their second hit, and a modest staple of FM adult contemporary pop called "More Than Just the Two of Us." While this lovely arrangement, rich in harmony and warm keyboards sounds like it would make a great wedding song, it's actually about a pending divorce for Mitch Crane, which was surprising to discover.
Other highlights on this album include: "Jaymes," a rich and well-produced track with a sweet jazzy saxophone that was written for Jaymes Foster, uber producer and composer David's sister.
"Get Up, Get Out": Savvy light fusion track that has a hell of an instrumental break and the great line, "You'd trip the dancer for a chance to be inside her shoes."
"Looking for Someone Like You": A song that's been near and dear to my heart since I first bought this album. You will notice (also admitted by Michael Carey Schneider) a similarity in the piano and melody line of this song to something off Joni Mitchell's Blue album, including references to gardens and the sea. This song is so breathtaking and haunting that you will come back to it over and over against your will!
"No More Lonely Days:" Luscious keyboards and slow bass groove that are extremely resemblant of the title track to Steely Dan's Aja masterpiece as much as Ambrosia's darker early tunes, it is quite obvious that most of their musical influences lie there and in Michael McDonald era Doobie Brothers.
The demo version of "More Than Just the Two of US" is almost better than the finished product of track two, but you definitely will appreciate the full circle outcome of "Don't Let Me In" after hearing the bonus offering. "Easy with Your Love" is the rockin'est thing on here and, recorded in a living room, also the most dated sounding thing. "Lazy Lady" is charming and is an attempt to do a song in the style of McCartney's first solo album--the one with the cherries on the cover--and it succeeds to some degree, but the keyboards are far more prominent than Macca would have done at that time. It's a cute, sweet song however, and a breather from all the gloss of Jeffrey Baxter's nearly immaculate production.
If you like bands like Steely Dan, the Doobies, Ambrosia, and Player you will be more than pleased with Sneaker's debut album. I also recommend their second and final studio offering, Loose in the World, which is just as worthy if not better than this one.
"
Excellent CD
Roy Blair | 02/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've wanted this album on CD since CD's came out. It was originally released in 1981. Sneaker has a smooth, easy sound that you can't help but enjoy. A mix of bluesy country rock with catchy choruses and excellent execution of instruments. The most popular single was "More Than Just The Two Of Us" which is a ballad. The next one was the more upbeat "Don't Let Me In". These songs always make me think of a time when life was alot simpler and not so hectic. Summer nights were made for this CD. The other songs that are definetely worth mentioning are "One By One", "Jaymes", "In Time" and "No More Lonely Days" all of which are excellent. This CD was better than their follow up "Loose In The World" although I really liked that one as well. If you want music that will bring you back to an easier time or just make you feel good, this is the CD to get!"
Should have been famous
Nor Olegnad | Rochester, NY | 04/25/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I only bought this for the nostalgia of "More than Just the Two of Us", which I remembered from high school dances. That and the Climax Blues Band's I Love You made some great memories for me. So I ordered this CD 25 years later, and I really love the music. It is almost a crime this band didn't become as big as Toto and others. I mention them because a casual listen will conjure names such as Toto, as well as Steely Dan, Gino Vanelli, Supertramp, Kenny Loggins, in other words, some of the best of the late 70's/early 80's songwriting. The playing is precise, the vocals are in-tune, and the production is slick without being overly sterile. The music is also easy on the ears without being simpleton and dumbed-down. This may be one album that could give you nostalgic feelings for music you never heard."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1