Umphrey's Mcgee - Anchor Drops
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Free Music Notes for Anchor Drops
Free Music Review: The Bottom Line...
Hit: 5 Stars
The first time I saw these guys I was at this festival in the middle of nowhere and had no idea what I was in for. It was around noon during a hot summer day, and I was already exhausted. Once Umphrey's came on stage, my total attention became fixated on the band for the next 2 hours because I was completely floored. The lead and rhythm guitarists blend their styles perfectly through their songwriting, and they can actually sing; which is a seemingly increasing rarity within the free-form rock genre. Actually, it would probably be erroneous on my part to say lead and rhythm guitarists, because they seem to trade these duties off at regular intervals during their shows as well as in the studio. Finally, the one comparison I have no qualms making towards Phish is the approach they take to doing covers. They do the artists justice and perform very admirably, not to mention picking some great tunes. (Any band that can cover both Lionele Richie and Van Halen successfully in the same show is worth a listen in my book.)
That being said, I'm pretty positive that you'd be doing yourself a strict disservice by not giving this album a listen. If you are in any way a fan of Phish, Zappa, Yes, Steely Dan, The Allman Brothers or even The Dead I guarantee there is a lot to love here. The album is very melodic guitar-wise, and there is a surprising depth to the lyrical content. The only preceding negative reviews you may read have to do with the fact that some buddy of theirs probably told them they were a jazz-rock band (to which they have influences) and wrote them off as a jam rock band instead. If you read about someone complaining about a genre of music in a review instead of actually reviewing the album, this should be a hint to write it off because they're obviously trying to prove a point instead of giving an opinion. This album is immaculate, pick it up by all means and go see a show while you can still get tickets.
Free Music Review: They Finally Dropped the Anchor in a Very Technical Sea
Hit: 5 Stars
I first came across Umphrey's McGee at a Deer Creek Phish festival back in 2000. It was after a Phish performance, and to say the least, my state of mind wasn't quite together. However, I was able to develop an opinion for a band with shaky vocals and a sincere love for triads and frampton-like guitar tectonics. I wouldn't go on to see them again until late 2002 after being persuaded by a friend. Something changed...
Now if you've heard Umphrey's play live anytime between 2000 and 2002, you know exactly what I'm talking about. There were signs of extreme improvement with the release of "Local Band does OK," a perfect title for a wisening group of musicians. Post-release, an ever-diversifying crowd began to follow these guys across the midwest (and beyond). The band swapped drummers in early 2003 and so the tale unfolds.
Umphrey's Mcgee have become a dynamic phenomenon who are so far outside the box it's cliche. The live shows are turning into bombastic improvisations that serve the crowd like a buffet of top-shelf narcotics. Umphrey's toy with every genre: Some thunderous drum work that pays dividends to Zeppelin, dualing guitar solos that resurrect the late Lynyrd-Skynyrd, accoustic progressions that touch even Simon and Garfunkel, and cunning keywork E(merson)LP style. In a concert favorite, the triplewide, shades of techno are brought to life on stage. But it would not do this band justiice if I continued to describe every ping of their music in words. If you haven't seen them live, pack your bags folks, because music's not in Kansas anymore.
Meanwhile, pick up a copy of Anchor Drops and turn up the volume. You'll hear singalong pop melodies, galloping hard rock (via Jake), folk-tinged blues, epic soundscapes, and swooshing climaxes all in just under 70 minutes. If this music ceases to impress, check your CD player in case you left one of your other discs in it.
Free Music Review: Hope for the Heartland!
Hit: 5 Stars
Every time I listen to Anchor Drops (and to a slightly lesser extent Local Band Does O.K.), I simply glow - which I'm sure I could verify if I had a mirror near my stereo.
I'm 40-something and fairly new to the "Jam Band" scene, not to mention well into my fourth childhood. Whenever I press play on this CD I flush with memories of me and my gang of teenaged Southern Illinois outlaws setting up our rudimentary "walls of sound" in park pavilions and back yards to rattle our eardrums and neighborhood windows to the latest or deemed-classic releases from our rock idols. Exercises in pagan worship that I continue to try and live down in my prayers for mercy to this day.
The tightest and most original of the classic and legendary progressive rock bands of the late 60's and most of the 70's have nothing over UM - in fact, UM has taken it to much more than the next level, from both a song-writing and musicianship standpoint. If UM stepped into a wayback machine, the record books today would now illustrate that Yes and Rush and 10cc and King Crimson and ELP and ELO and Todd and Ambrosia and Camel and Tull and Genesis and Traffic and maybe even Zappa...(blah blah blah) had been given a run for their money. I challenge anyone of my advanced years (defined above) who did not come of age in a monastery to listen to "jajunk" and not immediately think of Yes circa Close to the Edge and Fragile.
I regret that I got in on Jam Bands too late to weep for the passing of Phish (as much as I am now a Phish fiend). And I am well into great talents such as Moe and String Cheese and Big Wu and Railroad Earth and solo Trey and Widespread Panic...(blah blah blah). But I relish the fact that I got in on the "ground floor" of UM - just in time to hopefully monitor with joy their rise to the legendary status that they so richly deserve to ultimately achieve.
These guys are freaking out-of-control!!
Free Music Review: Sophomore Album Marks Journey Towards Greatness
Hit: 5 Stars
Umphrey's McGee doesn't need a catchy music video or a repetitive chorus to capture my attention - their outstanding musicianship and lyrical prowess are evident throughout their second studio release, Anchor Drops. With the addition of Kris Myers on drums, their sound has grown more mature, ambitious, and richly textured. Anchor Drops' first track, Plunger, is an impressive intro to a smooth-flowing album that hones and perfects the complexity of a live UM show, proving that these guys have the chops to not only be outstanding live musicians, but diligent and committed in the studio as well. Standout tracks - Anchor Drops is an intoxicating, lyrically and musically strong piece with a sly jazz groove and soothing lyrics; In the Kitchen; Bullhead City, featuring Elliot Peck on vocals, is the kind of song that makes grown men weep, and highlights Jake Cinninger's underrated vocals and songwriting skills. Mulche's Odyssey maintains its same live intensity with fast, crisp guitar riffs that often cause drivers in surrounding vehicles to eye my headbanging with concern; Wife Soup, with Karl Denson on tasty sax, is a triumphant celebration of Umphreys' ability to soar. While those just getting into Umphrey's might be looking for the new songs of the past six months, it is a testament to this band that they have the ability to crank out so much solid material that they can't keep up. This is prog rock for ALL who rock - or relax, or jam, or twirl, or just sit still, close their eyes, and tap their toes. Everytime I get in my car or reach for my IPod on the subway, I can't play anything but Anchor Drops - it's too satisfying to miss an opportunity to hear it again.Free Music Review: Ear candy to the rescue!
Hit: 5 Stars
This is the third Umphrey's CD I have bought since "Bottoms". This you have to buy! Talk about a pleasing smile and a band that down right KICKS! Its the meter or time you have to listen to. One some of these tunes,the turn of the time so gracefully,but have not lost any groove! The bass player and drummer are so together rhythmically it is not funny. It went to their site and all these musicians were schooled in music. The drummer has a masters in music,the two guitar players have degrees also.Each tune is like a creation, it starts but you cannot predict the outcome. Anchor Drops I have named the jazz fusion CD. Its like listening to the tightest Brand X or Zappa tune,that brings you to the highest point and gently fades you away. The order you need to get ,if your interested and will keep your interest for UM, to almost get every CD is;
1. Bottoms UP(a two Cd set,that you can hear how they make different tunes. Very interesting)
2. Safety in Numbers ( this one will blow you away)
3. Anchor Drops
4. The new live CD(lots of good jams ,both acoustic and electric)
These will definitely keep you grabbing for more of this fine band. Go to
their website,go to U TUBE, these guys are pros at their best. And I thought that music in this era was Buy this please,your
ears will be wanting more. Amazon has the lowest prices anywhere,so get them all right here!