Search - The Beltways :: Stella on Mars

The Beltways
Stella on Mars
Genres: Pop, Rock

Track Listings (14) - Disc #1
1. Kissing Time
2. Trans Sister
3. True Romance
4. Pop Dreams
5. Breakup
6. Off The Cuff
7. Roller Coaster Girl
8. Mista Joe
9. The Put Outs
10. My Fiddle
11. Days Gone By
12. Don't Remember Her Name
13. Falling Apart
14. Tell Me

ROCK BEAT INTERNATIONAL * Spring 1999 — The Beltways "Stella On Mars" — by Geoff Cabin A couple of years ago, the Beltways released a very promising debut album that marked them as a band to watch. I doubt that anyone, ho... more »

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CD Details

All Artists: The Beltways
Title: Stella on Mars
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Original Release Date: 11/1/1998
Release Date: 11/1/1998
Album Type: Explicit Lyrics
Genres: Pop, Rock
Style:
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 795103110229

Synopsis

Album Description

ROCK BEAT INTERNATIONAL * Spring 1999
The Beltways "Stella On Mars"
by Geoff Cabin A couple of years ago, the Beltways released a very promising debut album that marked them as a band to watch. I doubt that anyone, however, expected the band to deliver such a great second album as Stella on Mars. With this album the band has made a giant leap forward and really come into their own. The Beltways are a three-piece band that consists of Jay Filippone on guitar and vocals, John Spokus on bass and vocals and Pete Kuhn on drums and vocals. The band plays a catchy brand of guitar-based pop rock that contains elements of power pop, punk rock and roots rock. The album kicks off with "Kissing Time," a typically catchy and energetic rocker. "Trans Sister" is one minute and 47 second blast of pop hooks and rock'n'roll energy. "Pop Dreams" is a song to which all pop fans will relate. On "Breakup," the band changes pace with a slow, country-tinged lament. "Falling Apart" is another strong ballad. "Roller Coaster Girl" showcases the band at its poppiest, with a catchy tune and ringing guitar. "I Can't Remember Your Name" has a melancholy quality that is reminiscent of early REM. The album closes with a killer version of the Rolling Stones "Tell Me." Stella on Mars is a fantastic album that firmly establishes the Beltways as one of the best bands on the indie pip scene. With a few breaks, these guys could really go far.

CD Reviews

Great Indie Guitar Pop !!!

Known as Toad | Baltimore, MD USA | 03/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although The Beltways are mainly considered a power pop band, they are stylistically more diverse than most artists in that genre. This CD, their second,is more in the the power pop vein than the debut which showcased their more rootsy side (Rolling Stones, Rory Gallagher, Chuck Berry)and garage/punk rock tendencies, amid the pop. "Kissing Time", "Rollercoaster Girl", "True Romance", and the cover of the Stones early hit "Tell Me, You're Coming Back" are The Beltways at their pop zenith. The rootsy side is still there; check out the alternative country flavorings of "My Fiddle" and the REM-ish "Don't Remember Her Name", both complete with mandolin and acoustic guitar. The fun country/punk shout - along "Mista Joe" also somewhat belongs in the same category. "Falling Apart" is another side of the group, a piano fueled ballad. "Transistor" is like surf/thrash in 7/8 time. "Off The Cuff" is a retro rocker in the league with Cheap Trick and Kiss. Another thing that sets The Beltways apart from most indie rockers is their playing chops,which feature actual guitar solos,that are tasteful and concise as well to fit modern times. They have two solid singer/ songwriters in the band as well. You won't be dissapointed with Stella On Mars"