The Systematic Dumbing Down Of Terry Constance Jones
When People Are Mean
It's Cool Dude
Dreamtime
Please
Former Dada members Michael Gurley and Phil Leavitt return here as the key musicians behind Butterfly Jones. A couple of these songs recall Dada's obnoxious 1992 modern-rock hit "Dizz Knee Land" in their spoken-verse/sung-... more »chorus patterns, but the album makes clear that Gurley, Leavitt, and coproducer Scott Gordon have more than that single trick up their sleeves. If early-'70s lite-rockers Bread had started their career 30 years later, learning to politely crank the guitars when a chorus comes along, add the occasional drum loop, and indulge in a bit of modern-day self-protective cynicism, they might have ended up sounding a bit like Napalm Springs. "Anywhere but Here" blossoms from a quiet beginning into radio-ready glory; similarly, "Sunshine and Ecstasy" could be a Jellyfish outtake, carrying its knowing "ba ba ba" refrain into full-blown production-number splendor. So are the Jones boys anything more than the sum of their devices? Probably not, but those devices are much more effective than much of what passes for catchy on 2001's pop-rock radio. --Rickey Wright« less
Former Dada members Michael Gurley and Phil Leavitt return here as the key musicians behind Butterfly Jones. A couple of these songs recall Dada's obnoxious 1992 modern-rock hit "Dizz Knee Land" in their spoken-verse/sung-chorus patterns, but the album makes clear that Gurley, Leavitt, and coproducer Scott Gordon have more than that single trick up their sleeves. If early-'70s lite-rockers Bread had started their career 30 years later, learning to politely crank the guitars when a chorus comes along, add the occasional drum loop, and indulge in a bit of modern-day self-protective cynicism, they might have ended up sounding a bit like Napalm Springs. "Anywhere but Here" blossoms from a quiet beginning into radio-ready glory; similarly, "Sunshine and Ecstasy" could be a Jellyfish outtake, carrying its knowing "ba ba ba" refrain into full-blown production-number splendor. So are the Jones boys anything more than the sum of their devices? Probably not, but those devices are much more effective than much of what passes for catchy on 2001's pop-rock radio. --Rickey Wright
Marc R Rossi | Bremerton, WA United States | 07/25/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Former singer/songwriter/guitarist Michael Gurley of dada fame, re-teams with dada drummer Phil Leavitt to create Butterfly Jones. And former bassist for dada Joe Calio sings on one song. And what do I think...Is dada back? Well, kindasorta.Nobody seems to know what the real status of dada is; the band says they are just taking a break to do some solo stuff. But with the release of "Napalm Springs", maybe I don't really care anymore! At the top of his game, it's obvious that Gurley can carry the torch on his own.There's a little bit of everything in there: rock, alternative, pop, blues, sampling, strange sound effects. Real drums, electric drums, organs, piano, catchy harmonies. I don't even know half of whats in there, but like all 4 dada CDs, it comes together to form a potent mix of undisputable talent. Overall, the songs on this effort are slightly more upbeat than previous dada work. I would, however, compare many of these songs to the last dada CD, which was simply named 'dada'. I hear this CD as a natural extension to that one, since Mike Gurley wrote and sings most of the songs on both.I like every song on this release, with the possible exception of that last one...a little too slow for me. But for the rest, about the only thing I can criticize is the mixing. There are several guest backup singers; a couple of female vocalists and as I mentioned, Joe Calio. But for some reason, those background vocals are very depressed in contrast with Mikes wonderfully cynical-as-usual voice. I sure wish someone would have bumped the volume on Joe's mike in the song 'Sophie' so I could actually tell it was him.Even if you don't know much about dada (hearing "dizkneeland" does NOT count), but like rock/pop/alternative music and appreciate raw musical talent combined with intelligent lyrics, this CD may be for you."
Super Pop Sing Along Verses
Marc R Rossi | 07/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If this album doesn't become the soundtrack to late summer 2001, I don't know what will. There are at least 4 hit singles just waiting to hit the airwaves from this album - from Sunshine and Ectasy, to Are We In Love Again and Anywhere But Now, to It's Alright. It brings to mind what a young Lennon and McCartney would be doing now if they were hanging with Beck and jamming on the psychedelic vibes of Travis and Coldplay all combined into one brilliant collaboration. I am already addicted to this record and expect anyone who appreciates great guitar licks, super sing song vibes, clever lyrics and smart production touches. Buy it and put it in your car stereo now -- you'll want to go on a road trip and sing along!"
Oh..My..God..
E. F. Dassing | Caldwell, NJ | 10/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The first time I heard of Butterfly Jones, i was listening to a sample CD sent out by my local college radio station. The song they had picked was Suicide Bridge, and it alone influenced me to buy the album. Once I got the entire disc, I was happy at once. The sound of the music had me up and groovin', and it didn't stop there. The first three songs, from Napalm springs to Anywhere but now, are simply amazing, then in some strange art of CD compilation the album droops for two tracks, then picks up at Are we in love again, then droops, and flies and corkscrews through every other mood possible in the human experiance. In short, this is simply an excellent album, a definate must-have."
The next best thing to DADA!!!!
Christine M. Petrie | Port Washington, Wisconsin United States | 04/30/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First off, I've never written a review about ANYTHING I've bought off Amazon, but I've always loved reading other people's reviews. After listening to this cd though I felt compelled to share with the world how amazing this album is. Honestly, I've been searching for information about Dada since their last release "Dada" in 1998 (I have all 4 of their albums, *yay*)...and when I heard about "Butterfly Jones" I was skeptical, but bought the cd in a hurry. I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED! All the tracks are great, and sound very "Dada". (I know that sounds bad, but there's no other way to put it!) Sure, you should get all the "Dada" albums because they're all incredible in their own way, but this is the next best thing. Don't hesitate! If you LOVE and miss Dada as much as I do, you won't be sorry you own this cd. It won't leave my cd player for a looooooong time!"
Dada may be gone, but this is the next best thing
Steve Marshall | St. Louis, MO USA | 10/31/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ever wonder what happened to dada? Their last album went virtually unnoticed by the record buying public (which is a shame, since there were a number of great songs on it), and the band eventually called it quits. But fear not, dada fans. Former dada frontman, Michael Gurley and drummer Phil Leavitt are back, this time as the core of Butterfly Jones--a new group that's as modern as it is nostalgic. Featuring a bevy of strong guest performances from Mark de Gli Antoni (Soul Coughing), Julie Ritter (ex-Mary's Danish), and former dada bassist Joie Callo (who sings backup on "Sophie"), Napalm Springs is an immediately catchy assortment of trippy Brit-rock melodies, resolute rock rhythms and introspective lyrics. Gurley explains the album best. "It's a contemporary rock album, but it definitely has a lot of different flavors," Gurley says of Napalm Springs. "We pooled from all our influences. There's Led Zeppelin and the Beatles, but there's also little homages to Cole Porter and more modern groups like Nirvana. To me, 'Sunshine and Ecstasy' sounds like the Association meets the Who at a Las Vegas rave. It's just a really eclectic record." It's also a very hopeful album. "There's a lot of reflection on this record about difficult times and coming out on the other side of it. Don't worry though, there's plenty of twisted sarcasm and cynicism on there, too, but overall it's a more upbeat record than I've ever made." OK, enough of all this talk, let's get to the music. The title track is one of the best on the disc, with all the things that made dada such a great band--excellent musicianship & production values. It's one thing to have a great song, but when it sounds great as well, it's even better. "Suicide Bridge" features a string section (similar to The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony"), a catchy chorus, and great guitar work from Gurley. "Anywhere But Now" is the first single from the disc, and another great song. "Alright" is a textbook dada tune (similar to tracks like "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow" or "Bob the Drummer," etc). It's readily apparent how much Gurley & Leavitt contributed to the dada sound by listening to this song. "Are We in Love Again" fits the bill as well. A string section sets the perfect stage for the beautiful and reflective ballad, "Wonder." "Sunshine and Ecstasy" takes things to the opposite end of the spectrum, sounding like a cross between The Beach Boys and The Who."The Systematic Dumbing Down of Terry Constance Jones" is another highlight and a typical quirky/humorous dada-type tune. Once again, Gurley (one of the most underrated guitarists around) turns in some outstanding fretwork. "When People are Mean" and the feel-good tune, "It's Cool, Dude" are perfect for all the wannabe hippies out there, capturing the California mentality perfectly. Napalm Dreams quietly comes to a close with "Please." The song's lyrics and glimmering harmonies bear a striking resemblance to the sounds of Simon & Garfunkel and Harry Nilsson. Contemporary yet retro, innocent yet intelligently sarcastic, Napalm Springs is a consistent record from start to finish. Butterfly Jones has emerged as a thing of rare beauty--a rock band that dabbles in hope and happiness, with just the right amount of thought-provoking cynicism to keep the sap factor in check. If you're a dada fan, or just the type of person who appreciates great guitar licks, clever lyrics and smart production touches, you'll love this disc. Don't be the last on your block to discover this band."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1
