Artist: The Gufs
Listenability Scale: 50%
Released by: Atlantic Records
A Review by:
– The Dude on the Right
The Gufs. They’re a band, it’s a CD, and the name comes from The Bible, and maybe just as important, a Demi Moore movie called “The Seventh Sign.” Where does one come up with a connection? Well, like all good band names it can come from just about anywhere and religious or not, The Gufs decided that was the name for them after seeing the movie. But, what about this midwest group of college buddies trying to make their break into the giant world of music. It seems it’s been a pretty dedicated journey culminating in the release of their self-titled CD, The Gufs, on Atlantic Records.
This CD comes about as a compilation of songs they released on a CD they put out called “Collide” as well as some newly recorded tracks for the major label folks. Pretty simply put, The Gufs are pretty much pop rock, guitar and melody influenced, with messages thrown in their for good measure. And it’s a good CD, kinda catchy, and some almost great sounding songs, but, and I really hate getting technical, or maybe it’s just me, but my main problem with this CD is you can’t really understand the singing: either the vocal mix is too low, to reverbed, or the lyrics get mumbled. I’m used to unintelligible lyrics, and hell, as I’m singing to myself a lot of times I’ll make them up as I go along, but as for The Gufs CD, even trying to follow the lyrics in the CD booklet seemed a challenge. Seeing them live is a different story, they come off much more crisp and lyric based, but this review is about the CD, and, well, I’m finding myself liking The Gufs for their music but wishing I could only understand them.
As I read the lyrics with the CD, I saw a lot of potential. From relationships to some social messages, The Gufs pretty much have it covered. But I was really looking for that hook, maybe that one song that I could listen to over and over, find myself sick of but still play, and be able to say I’ve been listening to them for years. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find it. “Crash (into me)” was alright, but I couldn’t find myself singing along, “Out Somehow” kinda reminded me of Crosby, Stills & Nash with the harmonies the guys put together, and I would have to say my favorite track was “Sunday driver” except the guitars seemed to overpower the lyrics. Hmmm, it’s hard to explain but I guess it’s a good CD only missing something, and other than the lyric problem I mentioned before, I can’t figure out what.
The Gufs have been developing a great fan base in the midwest for years, starting from their college days in Wisconsin to their touring between classes and jobs. I can see why the crowds flock to them, their live show is pretty cool. I only wish the crispness of the music during their live show translated to the CD. It’s kind of like their are two ratings I have to give this CD. One is based on the music: I’d say there are about 10 cool tracks out of 13 for a factor of 77%. On the other hand, on the mix and singability of this CD, I’d give it a 3 out of 13, ouch, a 23%. I guess, in the end, I’ll split it for a 50% on the Entertainment Ave! listenability scale.
That’s it for this one! I’m The Dude on the Right!! L8R!!!