Eureka

I'm giving this 5 stars even though I like O My Heart better. This Cnadian group deserve to have wordwide acclaim, and I can't wait to see them.

I am a huge MM fan and have been waiting for some new music from them for over 2 years. The band's 2 earlier releases `Touch Up' and `O My Heart' are both indie rock classics(esp. Touch Up)that would both make my top 10 `desert island discs'. Having said that "Eureka' simply doesn't measure up to the brilliance of the earlier releases. This doesn't mean it is a bad disc, as there arestill 5 or 6 solid songs, but it is clear the band is pursuing a more straightforward rock/pop sound as opposed to the artsy and quirky mostly acoustic approach that made Touch Up and O My Heartso endearing. Ryan Guldemond has considerable talents as a songwriter and I can understand his wanting to expand the band's sound and appeal. There are lots of good hooks and catchy momentson Eureka. Of course the flip side is that fans are free to complain that we liked this band better the way they used to sound.Overall, this record has a more electric and harder sound than the earlier releases. Fortunately, the vocal and harmonic excellence that gives MM its unique sound is still largely present on Eureka. The vocal interplay between Ryan and sister Molly and new vocalist Jasmin Parkin still offers some fun moments. MM is one of those bands that can really be appreciated with a good set of headphones where one can really pick up some of the subtle nuances of their music, especially the vocals. Unfortunately, the way this album was mixed and produced seems to have deemphasized the vocals quite a bit in the mix in favor of a more guitar and keyboard/synth sound that comes off as a little too slick and at times overproduced(go back and listen to just about any song on Touch Up or O My Heartand see how much more prominent the vocals are and you will see what I mean.). On the positive side, MM has always done a great job of properly sequencing and segueing the songs on their CDs. Best songs on Eureka include `Oleander', `Calm me Down', `Chasing it Down' and Baby Don't Dance'. `Problems' will grow on you after a few listens. There is some filler here too, such as `Aspiring Fires', `Simply Simple' and the annoying `Getaway'.If you've just heard about MM, first go back and pick up `O My Heart' and then `Touch Up.' I read some reviews where people really like OMH but can't get into TU. I don't get this, although I tend to go for more unusual sounds. Touch Up would get 5 stars, OMH gets 4, and Eureka gets 3. Let's home MM can regain some of their original quirkiness on their next release.

This is one of my desert island discs.

I LOVE THIS BAND!!I don't know why I hadn't discovered them sooner. The CD was in perfect condition and its case is so cool looking. If you enjoy this band or just happened to stumble across this somehow, BUY IT! You will have no regrets.

When I was first recommended this band, I thought they were unique but just OK. After a few listens, I have grown to really appreciate the whole album. I do really like the song, The Stand.

This band is a sideways hoot of 3 part harmonies, shifts in melody and tempo, lyrics that are cringing and hilarious. Great pop melodies subverted into some smart, engaging songs. Its Christine Lavin with a full band and cheekiness, and Of Montreal without the 80"s Prince funk but with even greater humour.