 |  | Seems Like a Century Ago Instead of a Decade |  |
I'm converting all my CDs to computer and selling off the CDs. Somebody just bought this one and I listened to it while ripping and, though it's only a decade old, the guitars, harmonies and tired, as in physically, yearning vocals make the GBs sound like something out of the early sixties. I actually liked it better on this hearing than the last time I played it -- and that's been years. Highlights: Day Job, My Car, I Can't Figure You Out, and Competition Smile.
June 14, 2007 | | Decent second album (3.5 stars) | |
The Gin Blossoms released their second album, Congratulations...I'm Sorry, in 1996. This was made during a troubling time for the band as they not only had to follow up their very successful debut, New Miserable Experience, but they also had to do this without one of their chief songwriters, guitarist Doug Hopkins, who was dismissed from the band and would later commit suicide. Their first single, the catchy "Follow You Down", along with the non-album track, "Until I Hear It from You", showed promise as it became a double-sided Top 10 hit. Unfortunately, the album is a bit of a disappointment as it plays like a collection of decent to very good songs that don't grab your attention, even after repeated listenings.
The album starts out strong as "Day Job" is a great rocker while "Highwire" and the aforementioned "Follow You Down" are both very good. After this, the album is solid but not spectacular with the best tracks being "Virginia", "I Can't Figure You Out", and the pretty ballad "As Long As It Matters." Other tracks like "My Car", "Perfectly Still", "Competition Smile", and "Not Only Numb" are decent but don't contain the hooks or the passion that made New Miserable Experience so great. All told, while there's nothing bad on Congratulations...I'm Sorry, only the first three songs are on the level of their debut. The band's latest release, Major Lodge Victory, is a return to form as the catchy melodies from their heyday return.
December 30, 2006 | | Solid Album from a Solid Band | |
I'm probably what you'd call a casual fan of Gin Blossoms. I have their two major-label '90s releases ("Congratulations..." and "New Miserable...") but didn't know they had lost one of their founding members BEFORE Congratulations was released. I don't see major differences in the "GB sound" or quality at_all b/w these two discs. Both are favorites in my listening rotation.
These guys have a lively, engaging, upbeat sound. Fans of early-to-mid R.E.M. and other "jangly alt rock" have an incomplete music collection if they don't have GB's stuff. I'd talk about individual tracks, but it wouldn't matter as every track on this album grabs you both lyrically and musically. It's just THAT good.
In case you're interested in more GB, they are now reunited and touring (Summer '06) with a NEW ALBUM called "Major Lodge Victory" slated for release 8/8/06.
June 5, 2006| | | A Marriage Only The Gin Blossoms Could Make | |
In spite of what the "critics" have said about Congradulations...I'm Sorry, I think it's a fine CD. The marriage of country music on Memphis Time was nothing short of brilliant (even though I don't care for Country Music). While the CD may not have been as widely successful as Miserable New Experience, the boys from Tempe, Az still put together a superior effort...
June 25, 2004Congratulations Im Sorry is a top-notch album. Its that simple. Their first album was wonderful and this is too. Competition Smile is one of the best songs Ive ever heard. I bought this record when I was 15 years old. I am 23 now and it is still one of my favorites. I cant wait for the next Gin Blossoms album. It should be soon because they re-united in 2002.
June 23, 2004More reviews at Amazon.com ...
