Low Watts - Full reviews
Sam's Review
First off Paula is doing a public service second to none,she's getting
the
word out on these guys.If you like the tape let her know,most people
only
give lip service to a group they like-she's digging into her own pocket
to
insure these guys get heard and develop a fan base.Ok off the soap box
and on
to the review.
Low watts rocks. They play with an energy beyond the GB.,yet retain the
melodic underpinnings of that group.Jess is in fine voice and gives
inspired
runs at both new material and Ginners standards.It is refreshing to hear
Jess
on the lead instead of Robin and gives a new vitality to the classic Gb
songs. The new songs preformed live make you wonder why they haven't
gotten a
record deal yet. The quality of these songs is every bit as good as any
GB
song and most have a harder edge to them.
They are more guitar driven,yet without the "Byrds" type of jangle in
the
GB.The main
idea is for YOU to listen to this fine band and form your own opinion
and to
be VERY vocal about it.Let everyone in on our little secret,Low Watts
could
be bigger than the Ginners. Support these guys.Their music speaks for
itself.On the down side-they need to get some permanant members and play
some
more venues. I'm sure if Low Watts got out and played like P2K they
could
get a record deal. Of course if all else fails the Ginners could
re-unite
make millions and finance all the other projects .Now there is a thought
for
the New Millennium.
Ron's Review
The Low Watts rocked on the tape. I am so happy to have
recieved it
because now I know how good they really are. I personally think that
they
are much better than Robin Wilson's new band because they don't have to
hide
behind the distortion that the guitars create. I always thought that
Jesse
was the best songwriter in the Gin Blossoms, and this just solidifies my
opinion. Jesse and Daryl harmonize so well together, and their
songwriting
is awesome. I have just recently seen the Low Watts without Scott, and
I
think they still perform just as well without him. Hopefully they can
find
another drummer, because this band has so much potential ahead of them.
If
you have ever heard any of Jesse's songs, you know that they are very
poppy
and upbeat. The Low Watts have that exact sound, but with a little
country
flavor mixed in. I still think they rock, and I don't care what anybody
thinks, because I think Jesse can sing just as good as Robin, if not
better.
Chaco's Review
Take away the Gin Blossoms songs. Take away Robin Wilson's distinctive
tenor. And what are you left with? Well, in the case of the Low Watts,
probably more than you might have thought.
Although he's not likely to make anyone forget that Robin was voice
behind all of the Gin Blossoms hits, Jesse Valenzuela has one talent
that keeps the Low Watts well above being just another bar band. The
ability to craft a hook--and from this tape (Nita's Hideaway 7/4/97),
it's obvious that he doesn't need the Blossoms behind him to do it. "Bad
For You," "Heart So Fine" and "Can't Go Down There" cozy up to older
tunes like "Virginia" and "Mrs. Rita" without a drop-off in quality. Of
course, the consistency is a little troubling, too. Because while the
songs themselves are finely crafted, the backing of the Low Watts
doesn't push the songs outside the well-trod path of country-flavored
rock and roll that the Gin Blossoms already perfected. However, this
failing probably owes more to the fact that the Low Watts aren't
necessarily a cohesive band that's developed a recognizable sound (like
Pharoahs 2000 have) but rather a live outlet for Jesse's songs.
Hopefully one day we'll see a fully-realized version of the Low Watts,
until then this tape will have to suffice.
"Golfdawg's" Review
As for a review....heard a lot of Gin Blossoms songs and, based on the date
of the tape, that was to be expected. I know it is hard to compare, but I
feel the material on The Pistoleros CD "Hang On To Nothing" is stronger. Of
course, I am baseing this on a tape recorded in a nightclub versus a
professionally-produced CD.
Hope to see the Low Watts get a contract and produce a CD. Still would be
interested in seeing what they can do.
Diane's Review
Now, down to business about the Low Watts sound - they've got that sound
like they've been around for years yet still a fresh small town band
quality. Many influences can be sensed in the music but it leaves you
with that feeling that you "just can't put your finger on the name" of
who. Certainly, though, it sounds like influences from classic artists
we all love. And I think probably because of the quality of the
recording, Jesse sounds little like John Lennon on vocals. "Virginia"
is an instant "I love this tune!!" song. And like it, many of the songs
have all of the catchy-ness of the Gin Blossoms with out all of the
tambourine. There's just enough latin influence in some songs to make
you want to get up and dance but not too much that those without good
diverse musical tastes would just file them away in the latin music rack
at a Virgin Megastore.
Joe's Review
The tape, aside from being of audience recording quality, was great. I wasn't expecting a big departure from the typical Gin Blossoms thing. I was under the impression that Jesse had written most of their songs on the last album, and that CIS was a good indication of his songwritting style. Turns out, he was almost writing down for the sugary pop audience. Don't get me wrong, a lot of Gin Blossoms tunes he wrote were great (My Car, Mrs. Rita, 29), but "I got it Bad For You" is just as good if not better, and I haven't even heard a good quality recording of it yet. I think it turns out Jesse's songwriting skills are better showcased with a more twangy pop a la the Eagles, or even Wilco. Actually, when I listened to "Vamanos Pues" the music of the song reminded me of "Hotel california". Please listen to it thinking of that, and tell me I'm not crazy. I really think the Eagles and Low Watts share a lot of similarities that can't be solely accounted for by the influence of Arizona... similarities that have more to do with solid guitar-based songwriting. It will be a shame if these songs aren't heard anywhere outside of small bars in the Phoenix area. They deserve to be recorded and mixed with care, and showcased on a cd, so that everyone can hear them.
Megan's Review
Hi there and thanks for the tape. I had heard the band a few times after they lost Winston, and loved them. The shows I saw where also at Nita's and Long Wong's. The sound quality on the tape pretty much sums up the sound quality at the clubs. Even bands like the Pistoleros who I love, sound warped at Nita's. I have no idea why. The actual songs of the Low Watts are terrific. There's actually a wider range than what was on the tape. They might just be newer songs though that they didn't play then. I think the comparison to the Eagles warrants some consideration. I tend to agree. Their sound is sort of a country/rock hybrid. Twangy, but just to the extent that you can tell they aren't from, say... New York, or something. Overall they are definately a great project, and to echo everyone once more, THEY SHOULD PLAY MORE SHOWS!
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