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The Gufs
The Gufs
A CD Review |
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The Gufs. They're a band, it's a CD, and the name
comes from The Bible, and maybe just as important, a Demi Moore
movie called "The Seventh Sign." Where does one come up
with a connection? Well, like all good band names it can come from
just about anywhere and religious or not, The Gufs decided that was
the name for them after seeing the movie. But, what about this
midwest group of college buddies trying to make their break into the
giant world of music. It seems it's been a pretty dedicated journey
culminating in the release of their self-titled CD, The Gufs, on
Atlantic Records.
This CD comes about as a compilation of songs they released on a
CD they put out called "Collide" as well as some newly
recorded tracks for the major label folks. Pretty simply put, The
Gufs are pretty much pop rock, guitar and melody influenced, with
messages thrown in their for good measure. And it's a good CD, kinda
catchy, and some almost great sounding songs, but, and I really hate
getting technical, or maybe it's just me, but my main problem with
this CD is you can't really understand the singing: either the vocal
mix is too low, to reverbed, or the lyrics get mumbled. I'm used to
unintelligible lyrics, and hell, as I'm singing to myself a lot of
times I'll make them up as I go along, but as for The Gufs CD, even
trying to follow the lyrics in the CD booklet seemed a challenge.
Seeing them live is a different story, they come off much more crisp
and lyric based, but this review is about the CD, and, well, I'm
finding myself liking The Gufs for their music but wishing I could
only understand them.
As I read the lyrics with the CD, I saw a lot of potential. From
relationships to some social messages, The Gufs pretty much have it
covered. But I was really looking for that hook, maybe that one song
that I could listen to over and over, find myself sick of but still
play, and be able to say I've been listening to them for years.
Unfortunately, I couldn't find it. "Crash (into me)" was
alright, but I couldn't find myself singing along, "Out
Somehow" kinda reminded me of Crosby, Stills & Nash with
the harmonies the guys put together, and I would have to say my
favorite track was "Sunday driver" except the guitars
seemed to overpower the lyrics. Hmmm, it's hard to explain but I
guess it's a good CD only missing something, and other than the
lyric problem I mentioned before, I can't figure out what.
The Gufs have been developing a great fan base in the midwest for
years, starting from their college days in Wisconsin to their
touring between classes and jobs. I can see why the crowds flock to
them, their live show is pretty cool. I only wish the crispness of
the music during their live show translated to the CD. It's kind of
like their are two ratings I have to give this CD. One is based on
the music: I'd say there are about 10 cool tracks out of 13 for a
factor of 77%. On the other hand, on the mix and singability of this
CD, I'd give it a 3 out of 13, ouch, a 23%. I guess, in the end,
I'll split it for a 50% on the Entertainment Ave! listenability
scale. |
