Search - Silkworm :: Italian Platinum

Believe the non-hype

Jeffrey Hubbard | Murray, UT United States | 07/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Good Lord, this record is fantastic. It was my first Silkworm purchase (I've since bought "Developer," and anticipate buying more), and I have a hard time believing any of their other albums are better. If so, my brain will fry! I'm not sure that, barring Robert Quine or Marc Ribot, I've heard a better guitarist from the "alternative" world than Andy Cohen. I wish I knew which of their records had the most of his soloing, because I'd buy it instantly.As far as "Italian Platinum" is concerned, everything works magnificently. Albini's production is stellar, the songs get their claws into you on the first couple of listens, and the additional musicians add a nice touch to the proceedings (especially Kelly Hogan's vocals). This is an early contender for my rock album of the year, and I can't recommend it highly enough. Other than Spoon, I can't think of a band right now that shows more promise - but Silkworm's been at this for years now! Very impressive stuff, indeed."

Old and new

John L. Sheppard | Round Lake Park, IL USA | 12/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Silkworm is the modern equivalent of Mountain, a three-piece bombastic rawk band. Even when they take it down a half-notch, like in the excellent "Bourbon Beard," they retain a sense of bravado that most rock bands don't even bother with. The guitar solos aren't mindless noodling--they clang out with authority. It's rock that's both testosterone-fueled and thoughtful.Don't miss the chance to see them live. That's when Silkworm really shines. But for God's sake pick up this disc. The boys need the money."

One of 2002's most overlooked gems

Wearer of Pants | Burbank, Ca United States | 12/06/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Look, that other guy who reviewed this album and said it sedated him, he's on crack. Literally. I know him and I know he's on crack.Italian Platinum is a terrific album and is filled with something most indie bands eschew: guitar solos. And they're done tastefully and energetically. The album is structured in a way that reveals its elasticity and diversity; the manic songs (The Third, Dirty Air) put off an energy that will seep out of the speakers and infect you while the slower, more reflective songs ooze with sincerity and depth. The songs play off one another and give each other and the record a great intensity and liveliness. This is an album for the attached, so if your looking for detached, cute, ironic nonsense listen to an Eels album.Right now all these goofy, trendy critics are yelling "rock n' roll's back" but they're forgetting to mention Silkworm, one of the most overlooked bands of the last decade. When half the members of the Strokes are in rehab, these guys will still be rocking out."