Stars Of CCTV - Hard-Fi

...album, and the title track, Stars of CCTV, is self-explanatory really. A perfect choice to end the album, due in part to it contrast with Living for the weekend (this has a much slower tempo), but also by carrying on the theme of the whole album. It about how we're constantly being watched, dressing up for the government, and holding up shops for the sake of fame. Like many other songs on this album, it sounds beautiful superficially, but once heard ...
...quite difficult to sit through. This album is, in my opinion, the best of the year so far, and had I any say, it'd win Mercury by a mile. You can probably tell just how much I loved this by the volume I've written, but please, if you've read this, buy it! Everyone need to own this album, it's the "Definitely Maybe" for the ASBO generation! ...

lewisskinner 23.07.2005 · Read full review
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Review of Stars Of CCTV - Hard-Fi

A greatly convincing first album, stars of CCTV jumps out with its excellent music; it sounds nothing like other bands what you have heard before and the current bands you are are hearing. The sound of hard-fi comes as a massive surprise. It was HMV which I bought this disc with my gift card. The disc is common one to buy with the gift cards; It is like the new future of money since the last time I used gold coins. The CD I buy - Stars of CCTV starts ...
...that it becomes slightly loose. Stars of CCTV is like the above but I will say it has a hard sound with of a surface much like punk music of the late 70's only the very late ones, and it also breaks out like you would hear of the time when it was the early 90's. Its is an integration of the elements belonging to the two different styles like a cross of independent rock and independent dance. The singers voice is a vibrating mixture, an unashamed ...

lovelyben 19.09.2006 · Read full review
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Review of Stars Of CCTV - Hard-Fi

***INTRODUCTION*** I bought the Stars of CCTV album the other day because of the seemingly unstoppable flow of adverts on channels 3 and 4. The "Q" magasine describes Hard-Fi as "the next major British band," and I have to agree with them. I bought the album in one of my study periods (tut tut!) in the supermarket, Tesco. I couldn't wait to get home and play it because of the great things TV ( and television NEVER lies) and my friends had told me ...
...The four lads in Hard-Fi are Richard Archer, Ross Kemp, Kai Stephens and Ross Phillips. They are from a very poor background, and indeed some of their songs express what it is like to have no money. ***FURTHER DEPTH*** But don't get me wrong, this is no melancholony gothic-type CD only for those hell-bent on being miserable. No, this album appeals to anyone with a sense of rhythm! Each song provides a strong riff pattern that renders the listner ...

Hardyhardnut 29.01.2006 · Read full review
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Review of Stars Of CCTV - Hard-Fi

...me that was any decent Stars of CCTV by Hard-Fi was probably the best (the rest of the time it was take take take), so with memories (and my phone playing the album) I've decided to share with you one of the gems of the indie revolution of the early 21st century in Britain. Hard-Fi were formed in 2003 in Staines (yes the home of Ali G), as a 4 piece ( Richard Archer (vocals and guitar), Kai Stephens (bass guitar), Ross Phillips (guitar) and Steve ...
...has been mooted yet). Stars of CCTV featured 11 tracks of which 5 found their way onto the UK singles chart between 2005 and 2006 and all getting into the top 20 (1 top 10 hit too). Which faired significantly better than the follow up album which featured 3 top 50 singles, 2 top 40 and 1 top 10. The album opens with Cash Machine which tells the story of a cash strapped protagonist living life by scraping the barrel, from not having money for a ...

iamasadlittleboy 21.09.2009 · Read full review
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Review of Stars Of CCTV - Hard-Fi

...his weekend is saved. Stars of CCTV (3.58) This last track from which the album gets it’s name is about the role of CCTV cameras on the streets and how the youth see these are there cameras. The song is very mellow and does not have the loud or fast tune that the others song have. It is very acoustic and the ability to end on this song is a triumph to the boys. The album offers intense (but not punky) alternative rock as well as incorporating influences ...

Davidhutt 22.05.2007 · Read full review
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Review of Stars Of CCTV - Hard-Fi

...fool and like shouting Stars of CCTV - The intro takes you to a Mexican bar doing tequila shots - I don't like this song solely because falsetto vocals freak me out big time. It does have a catchy chorus though Overview: If half way through this album you think - this sounds like its been recorded in a taxi rank - you are right - it was! Puts all those production fiends to shame. This is a great album and deserves all the recognition it got at ...
...is a good thing - being their signature sound, or bad - meaning they aren't maximising their potential. It doesn't seem like a very long album either - I downloaded mine and got 3 bonus videos with it, so if you aren't bothered about having the physical CD in your collection it may be worth looking into that (plus ladies you get to see Archers sexy smouldering eyes!) I would definitely recommend this album, before they release a mediocre follow ...

beckle_82 14.01.2007 · Read full review
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Review of Stars Of CCTV - Hard-Fi

...the album. 9/10 11) Stars of CCTV - I was expecting the album to go out on a bang, but was disappointed by this song. A poor effort I feel, lacking any sort of musical talent they clearly show in the rest of the album. Seems as though they only put this song in so the album could be named after it! 4/10 Well I hope this has helped you decide on whether to get Stars Of CCTV. Despite several songs sounding some what similar, I would still strongly ...
...best Indie bands on the scene in the UK at the moment. If you haven't heard any of their songs, give them a try! For those of you wanting some bands to compare to them, I would say the Kaiser Chiefs have a similar sound to them, but without all the "OOoooooohhhhh"'s the Kaiser Chiefs have! Overall Rating for 'Stars Of CCTV' - 8/10 - Very good debut album, and am looking forward to their next album. ...

Djmilesno1 23.01.2006 · Read full review
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Review of Stars Of CCTV - Hard-Fi

Hard-Fi's debut album Stars of CCTV is a stunning album. It is one of those albums that can be listened to over and over again and you will never get bored of it. The catchy guitar riffs, groovy and funky drum beats and the awesome lyrics make this album ideal to listen to anywhere - be it in the car, at home chilling out or doing work. As well as the well known Hard-Fi songs such as Cash machine and Hard to Beat and Living for the Weekend, all ...
...out and party. 10/10 Stars of CCTV - I don't normally like slow songs to end an album, but for me this song works. It's not very slow, but slower than the other songs. Again, brilliant guitar and chord changes with good lyrics. 8/10 Overall, Stars of CCTV is an awesome album. It is a great Indie / Rock album and if you like bands such as The Kooks, Bloc Party, The Killers, Kasabian and Razorlight, then I strongly reccomend that you buy this album ...

sbutler1 01.11.2006 · Read full review
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Review of Stars Of CCTV - Hard-Fi

...and pressed 500 copies of Stars Of CCTV, their debut album. And, quite simply, it's a masterpiece. It does have a few weak links in my opinion but most of the songs are amazing and I can't wait to hear their next effort. After being inundated with thousands of major label offers, they finally chose Atlantic and re-recorded Stars Of CCTV again, making the original copy a collectors item for all those that can see that Hard-Fi have an amazing future ...
...first song again. 'We're the stars of CCTV, can't you see your camera loves me?' This song has to be one of my favourites to be released (or re-released) this year, because I can put it on whenever and wherever I am and still be struck by the fresh new sound of these boys from Feltham. Despite still being slightly patchy in some areas, the crafty songwriting definatly wins through. The question I want to ask is, why aren't they as famous (and critically ...

ellastar 03.08.2005 · Read full review
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Review of Stars Of CCTV - Hard-Fi

...on the tin, really gets you buzzing for the weekend. 11. Stars of CCTV - Pure WOW factor really does hit the spot everytime.Like nothing you'd have heard before. As i said this is an album so listen to it as an album and you will definately enjoy. ...

chillygreece 31.05.2007 · Read full review
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Review of Stars Of CCTV - Hard-Fi

As my title here suggests this is one more cd that I just can't stop listening to. It's just fantastic!! The sounds are upbeat and heavy - none of this student music nonsense that's being banded about at the moment!! Generally when I buy an album I'm sceptical. Usually they end up being about four really good tracks tops (not mentioning any names) followed by a load of slow fillers, or the type of music that would sell to an American 14 year old ...
...ready for a journey expecting that I would have to skip maybe 6 of the 11 tracks, but no!, each track was different enough from the last, and yet interesting both musically and lyrically. There's maybe one track that I have to skip when I'm driving because it's a bit boring (not what you want when you're stuck in traffic at 7.30 in the morning) though I can't remember which song it is. I think the two main points that I like about this album are ...

topher2604 01.01.2007 · Read full review
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Review of Stars Of CCTV - Hard-Fi

Mike Skinner, now there's a chap and a half. And I think Hard-Fi would agree with me on this point. Listening to this album for the first time in a friend's car when driving though the suburbs of Portsmouth at night., I felt uneasy. I'm was not in the least sure why this is so here is my analysis of the problem: I get the feeling that the boys of Hard-Fi were most impressed with Mr Skinner's work and felt that they could try and add something to ...
...it. Unfortunately for these lads, though, they have neither the wit nor the smarts of the aformentioned Mike. Also I got the feeling they were trying to be more suburban than they actually are. There is just a general feel which comes from this album and that is that it's a doppleganger - it IS a surburban album, but it feels like its written looking into the suburbs, rather than the close observation evident in The Streets' debut. The lyrics, though, ...

djing 13.09.2005 · Read full review
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Review of Stars Of CCTV - Hard-Fi

The songs on this CD are ones that will stick in your head all day and whatever you try they won't get out. There are songs full of rythm and beat that will get you up and dance. The songs are fast and pumped with sound. Whenever I get the time I try to listen to this CD ...

26laaa 17.10.2008
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Review of Stars Of CCTV - Hard-Fi

In my opinion Hard-Fi are the best 'indie' band ever. This album is the most played out my whole collection by a long shot. 'Better Do Better' and 'Cash Machine' will never let your hype go. :) Each song is useful in a different situation, and it has too be said, this is the motivation I need on a Friday night. Ha. I rate this album better than their most recent, it seems more original, and the songs more powerful. Because 'Once Upon A Time In ...

Scotie360 16.06.2008 · Read full review
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Review of Stars Of CCTV - Hard-Fi

A few guys from staines spent very little money putting this album together. And considering this, this is a superb compilation of tracks. However, personally, i feel the interesting cash machine and middle eastern holiday are not the strongest way to kick off this album. They are certainly are for acquired tastes, and personally, i am not too keen on them. However, i feel the album picks up with the thrashing tied up too tight, and continues too ...
...probably their most famous song; hard to beat. It then slows up with until track 10, with songs such as the superb piano backed move on now and unesscasery trouble. Then, the incredible living for the weekend kicks in, it sums up my view on friday evenings, and combines superb drums gutiar and violin to create an anthemic style track. By far and away my favourite on the album, and certainly worth buying as a single as i think it is due for release ...

ploddy100 15.09.2005 · Read full review
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Review of Stars Of CCTV - Hard-Fi