Fingernail Moon - Jim Hunter

Advantages: A return to form for REM
Disadvantages: Nothing

...When REM were asked to score the recent Jim Carrey movie. Man on the Moon, they were also asked to produce a song which sounded fairly similar to their 1992 smash hit. Man on the Moon, after which the movie is titled. That song was a tribute to the late comedian Andy Kaufman, who is portrayed by Jim Carrey brilliantly in the movie. Anyway, REM came up with this gem of a song. It is also a tribute to Kaufman. It is very reminiscent of their latest cd Up, but it also wouldn't have sounded too out of place on their melancholy gem, Automatic for the People, from which came Man on the Moon. It is classic REM and some fans and critics have said it is a return to form for REM. I most certainly agree.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Textured songs with a groove.
Disadvantages: Sounds dated.

...Described as "aural wallpaper" when it was released, this L.P. is much more than just musical textures. Lyrically, Jim Kerr was maturing since the early days of "Empires And Dance", and the songs show the majestic sweep of Charlie Burchill's guitar, especially on the single "Promised You A Miracle". Other tracks, such as "Hunter And The Hunted", "King Is White And In The Crowd", and "Colours Fly And Catherine Wheel" show a band on the cusp between early experimental work and international stardom. Later works would be more successful, but rarely did they capture this level of innovativeness coupled with killer songs.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: brilliantly appealing to a wide audience
Disadvantages: not much variety of instruments etc

...This EP is catchy and definitely leaves you wanting to hear more, so is an excellent pre-cursor to the full-length album, Texas. Electro-pop may not be everybodies cup of tea, but if you like bands such as HelloGoodbye and A Rocket to the Moon, you cannot help but be entranced by this one-man band from Texas. Daniel Hunter may have been signed before he even left college, but his music and production skills are of someone with many years of experience in the music business. With songs like Confines of Gravity with its the sad, haunting undertones and the upbeat Complement Each Other like Colours, Daniel Hunter has definitely proved himself as worthy musician. A definite must-have album if you like electronic music or are just openminded, and may be a good investment even if you've never heard anything like it before.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful