Venus On Earth - Dengue Fever

Advantages: An album for guitarists and music fans alike
Disadvantages: Johnson is often overshadowed by more "popular" guitarists

...Eric Johnson is somewhat of an oddity. A great guitarist, a talented singer and, most importantly, a first-rate song-writer, he is often overlooked and overshadows by his peers. A self-confessed perfectionist, Johnson can spent months (sometimes even years) working on a project. His technically brilliance on guitar is equal (if not beyond) that of the likes of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen; however, whilst these three made their career in the eighties for "shredding" (for anyone who doesn't know, "shredding" is a style of guitar playing where the basic aim is to play as many notes as quickly as possible), Johnson reserved his abilities and instead crafted songs that are both powerful and thought-provoking. "Venus Isle" is Johnson's forth solo album and was released in 1996. I personally wouldn't class this solely as... Read review

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Advantages: Laid back groove that is unique amongst peers. Definately a grower.
Disadvantages: Not quite up to the standard of their earlier work

...I have been a fan of the Super Furries for a while, and I have noted their gradual progression from loud young men with guitars and lyrics about buying chip pans and sailing them to the Isle of Man, and having one Welsh track per album, to something more mature, considered and laid back, with more than a hint of a nod towards Brian Wilson/Beach Boys. Hey Venus continues that progression, although lead singer Gruff Rhys himself says that they have made it faster due to what live audiences favoured recently. The Furries are now on the Rough Trade label having ended their deal with Epic. The first notable thing is that the cover art is no longer done by Pete Fowler, a Japanese artist called Keiichi Tanaami has taken over. Personally I really liked Pete's "Monsterism" so I find it hard to be objective about this new look. This change... Read review

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Advantages: Top Album. Quality song writing, catchy tunes.
Disadvantages: None to speak of!

...In all honesty I have not always been a fan of the Super Furries but was introduced to them by my girlfriend (she is from N.Wales and Gruff Rhys brother was her tutor at college - name dropping...sorry!). I had a listen to her stack of albums - including the Welsh language one: and was instantly hooked. HEY VENUS! is no exception to the consistent stream of quality, inventive and catchy music the Furries seem to churn out year after year. Considering they never had the mainstream success of other bands around at the time, they have certainly stood the test of time and one could argue that with the list of really good albums they have been the best band to come from that era. In terms of sales they will never reach OASIS levels, but, time and time again they have released albums with fantastic repeat-listen value which is more than... Read review

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