XUK: Reviews
A work of art. The originals blow the covers away.
David Bowie is good company to strive for and in 'Janine' Simon and the crew of XUK not only blow the original away, but in honest retrospective show that the cover is one of the weakest tracks on the first 'side' of the album. Not because it is in itself weak, but because the original works with telling lyrics written by Simon Holden, are that much more powerful and dynamic than might be expected in a DIY effort. The music itself, speaking of dynamic, makes you believe in classical string instruments again if you've been losing faith. Violas are made to soar in rock arrangements in a refreshing revealing of the player's emotions and love for what they do... and that is really what is at the heart of this double album's success (and I do call it a blazing success)... not for a moment do you believe that any less then their best and most driven efforts were poured into each and every song. With stand outs like "Unzip" and "New Way" opening the first side, songs that should already be playing on college radio stations across the country, and soon enough national/local radio stations. Then there are songs like "Crashing in a Jet", quirky songs that, despite their lyrics that almost dare the listener to fall out of the trance caused by the in depth lyrics of all the songs up to that point, make you really listen to the song and realize that it's point is just as valid and 'important' to XUK as any other. It is important, too. This album needs a label, indy or otherwise. This album needs to be heard by the masses, so fans... spread the word.
Cricket At Lords - The Perfect Collection, April 25, 2006
The two CD's are packed with great songs and there are no fillers!! Every track is a gem. Considering this is a "Do It Yourself" cd; written, recorded, produced and promoted by the band themselves, without any help from a major. It makes their achievement all the more impressive. This is a "must have" collection and anyone buying this will not be disappointed. Highly Recommended.
Knocked for a six!, April 25, 2006
Just go out and buy this album, its a real double album songfest. Great lyrics, great songs and Fab arrangements. This should have been two albums, but hey, the guys must be feeling generous. Catch it while you can!!
One of the great 'undiscovered' bands of this decade, April 25, 2006
The more you listen to this album, the more you wonder...
You wonder how such great music can be so (relatively) unknown.
You wonder how one person can write such a range of engaging lyrics.
You wonder what the record industry is doing when these guys haven't got a multimillion $ contract.
Still, at least you can buy it - a double album that gives you almost everything that this band has recorded...
...except that I hear they are writing new songs right now, they have been touring in the US and there's talk of a UK tour. Check out their website and buy the CDs. If you listen and like the sound, then contact them and BEG them to tour, because this band plays LIVE, like a cricket bat out of hell!!
XUK has a great sound that is classic without sounding dated. They sure don't cave in to any modern commercial demands, but make up for it with sublime arrangements and intelligent lyrics. These guys would be a goldmine for indie films looking for great music that conveys a strong mood without pretense.