Search - Camper Van Beethoven :: New Roman Times

What I mean is... 4 and 1/2 stars

Davdi Sutom | San Francisco, CA USA | 01/16/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Aside from the cover (a minor detail but hard to ignore compared to previous covers' glory) this is to me the best record of their career. It's got all the classic elements of their sound but takes into account what's happened sonically with the rest of the music world since Key Lime Pie and acts accordingly. In fact they push the envelope further than most and set the standard higher than it's ever been in rock music. So it's musically serious, and even a little serious lyrically, but overall it's funny and enjoyable, even if it's a little dark at times.



After hearing these songs live I have a better understanding of where they are coming from politically. It's more subtle than the lyrics let on, and not as serious as one may think from reading a review. I mean, it's obvious CVB (and a whole lot of other folks) are against the current right-wing atmosphere of today, and it comes through in the music, but don't mistake this CD for a political statement cause it's not. It's a rock and roll record that dives into fantasy and whim and as such is both silly and beautiful. And even a little pissed off.



Engineering and production are top notch, the record has a big, full presence pretty close to the glory of their live sound, and they put a lot of effort into making every little corner of the mix interesting.



Overall this is a fantastic record and a triumphant return, almost like they'd been rehearsing in secret the whole time and not split up all these years.



"

Holy Cow! This CD Blew Me Away

Tim Schmidt | Washington | 08/31/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since the mid 80's, Camper Van Beethoven has breaking all the rules in rock music. Who else would use a violin as a centerpiece to a rock band? This CD features all the classic CVB sound and brings a few new surprises.



I am a longtime Camper Van Beethoven fan and own most of their albums. When I purchased the CD, I expected to be disappointed - I feared that the new music could not possibly live up to their classic "My Beloved Sweethearts" or "Key Lime Pie." Boy was I surprised! This is a great album that I simply never get tired of listening to. While it has its low points, "Prelude" and "Come Out," its high points reach amazing levels. In particular, "51-7," "That Gum You Like is Back in Style", and "New Roman Times" are superb and I cannot listen to the "Long Plastic Hallway" without getting up and bopping around my office (and scaring my coworkers). It also includes several songs that are, frankly, bizarre. More bizarre, however, is that the songs like "I Hate this Part of Texas" seem to grow on you.



The songs are full of obscure references you will want to Google and symbolism that keep you listening again and again to decipher the meaning. Reminiscent to other great albums, each song fits together to tell a story. While not quite as obvious as The Wall, for example, it is there however.



This is a must have for any Camper Van Beethoven fan and is certain to create a few Camper Van Beethoven fans in the new generation of music lovers!

"

A bold statement

jokamachi | california | 01/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Neil Young said a few years back that he had been waiting for someone to record an album that would stand up to the war in Iraq. In the absence of such a record, he finally put out his own. I guess he didn't have a chance to hear New Roman Times, because, if he had, he might have stayed home altogether.



New Roman Times is a terrible and glorious vision. It is one of fear, and anger, and unity, and blind obedience in the face of terror. It is the wake of aggression, it is the rumblings of an awakened people, it is the horror we face as a result of our actions.



If this isn't one of the finest protest albums ever recorded, then I don't what is. It is more than just a three minute jingle. It is the long dark journey of a nation misled... one groping blindly in the dark.





It is also musically brilliant."