Goldfinger - Hang Ups > Reviews > No Hang Ups With This CD

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it rate alongside the competition	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	Almost All The Songs Are Of Good Quality
Disadvantages:	One Very Poor Track (S . M . P . )

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

• About The Band •
The Quartet formed in 1994 and comprised of John Feldmann, Simon Williams, Darrin Pfeiffer and an un-named 2nd guitarist who left before any recording was done, and got replaced by Charlie Paulson. In '98 Simon left the group and was replaced by Kelly Lemieux. Then in '01 Charlie left and was replaced with Brian Arthur.

• About The Music •
The best way I can generalise the music is an equal mix of Ska and Punk. The music has a very Ska, upbeat feel to and the lyrics are stereotypically Punk, generally quick and sometimes a bit 'shouty'. Most of the tracks range in tempo, either starting slow and quicker in choruses or vice-a-versa. Generally the lyrics are very good and show allot of feelings.

• Track Listing •
I'll give a brief description of each track and a score out of 10 at the end.
1) Superman : A really good start to the CD, good lyrics that is all about being in a relationship and trying to do the best. (9)
2) My Head : An upbeat song with very catchy lyrics and music. (8)
3) If Only : Singing about all the characteristics missing that might make a girl not want to be you, very good lyrics "If only I was 18, and had the courage of the A-Team" (9)
4) This Lonely Place : An average track really this, nothing to distinguish it from the others on the CD. (6.5)
5) 20c Goodbye : A good, lively song. All about trying to get in touch with that special someone, and some of the difficulties that you could face (7)
6) Question : The fastest (in tempo not time) song on the CD, feels full of energy and is a very good song. (8)
7) Disorder : The lyrics in this one deal with the pain experienced going through life, a good song but nothing special. (7)
8) Carlita : A good song that's kinda got a Jazz feel to it with the music due to some of the brass instruments used. (7)
9) Too Late : A Very thoughtful song this, all about a father/son relationship. Where neither the father nor son truly know how deep their feelings for each other are, then the son dies (at least I think so) and the regretful feelings with the things that weren't said. (8)
10) I Need To Know : Another good track, a little on the slow side. The lyrics deal with how hard it can be to express your feelings for a lover. (8)
11) Authority : A good song that is unfortunately stronger musically than lyrically. The lyrics are OK but not as strong a theme as other tracks on the CD. (7)
12) S.M.P. : Definitely the weakest track and something of nothing. Slow to get going and even when it does all it is is just screeching down the mic. Thankfully only 1 minute is wasted on this. (2)
13) The Last Time : All about a previous relationship and the regret felt even though the other person was lying. Very good, heartfelt lyrics. (8)
14) Chris Cayton : A very personal song telling us of the relationship with a childhood friend and band mate. Not a bad finish to the album. (7)

• Summary •
I slightly prefer this album to their self titled debut, I think only because this one feels more polished. Some of the songs on 'Goldfinger' sound a little rough around the edges. Definitely a worthy buy this one that should appeal to most people, be aware however that there is the odd 'F' word here and there.

• Discography •
Goldfinger (1996)
Hang Ups (1997)
Darrin's Coconut Ass, Live (1999)
Stomping Ground (2000)
Open Your Eyes (2002)
Live At The House Of Blues (2004)

• Similar Artists •
Sum 41
No Doubt, except Goldfinger aren't quite as 'Poppy'