Split the Difference [Import]

Product Description
Japanese edition includes two bonus tracks 'Blind' & 'Butterfly'. Virgin. 2004.

Split the Difference,Gomez,EMI/Virgin,Rock,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating: A great indie rock album by Gomez! Don't give up on this CD! New and wonderful direction It takes a few listens Disappointing

Split the Difference Gomez Manufacturer: Virgin Records Us ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: In Our Gun Liquid Skin Bring It On Out West Five Men In A Hut (A's, B's and Rarities 1998-2004) ASIN: B0001QNO4M Release Date: 2004-05-18

Tracks:

1. Do One
2. These 3 Sins
3. Silence
4. Me You And Everybody
5. Don't Know Where We're Going
6. Sweet Virginia
7. Catch Me Up
8. Where Ya Going
9. Meet Me In The City
10. Chicken Out
11. Extra Special Guy
12. Nothing Is Wrong
13. There It Was

Amazon.com

It can't be said enough: Gomez is probably the most unlikely name for a five British kids who worship Tom Waits and the Grateful Dead. But that's nothing compared to their sound, a growling brand of blues-rock that sounds like it originates on the Mississippi rather than the Thames. The group's previous album, 2002's In Our Gun, was all about experimenting in the studio. Split the Difference, then, is Gomez getting back on track. The band makes a decent attempt to revive the homemade feel of its early recordings, turning up at least two winners in "Extra Special" and "Sweet Virginia," but it seems like a compromise. While the three-part harmonies soar, a distinct lack on inspiration suggests the band would rather have another go at pushing buttons and name-checking Kraftwerk. "We Don't Know Where We're Going" seems to say it all. --Aidin Vaziri

Customer Reviews:

A great indie rock album by Gomez!.......2006-01-07

Gomez's "Split The Difference" is a great indie rock album with a lot of catchy and fun tunes. Tom Gray and Ben Ottewell do a very goob job on the vocals, though they're not perfect. One of them (I'm not sure which one is which) has a really good voice, but the other has a rough voice which is a little questionable. This second singer might turn some people off, but I think you'll get used to him over time. Every song here is very good, and there's also a couple hitworthy songs ("Silence" and "Sweet Virginia" are the most notable). The musicianship is pretty interesting and always catchy - you definitely won't get bored listening to this. If you like indie rock then chances are you'll like this album a heck of a lot. Absolutely recommended!

Highlights include:
"Do One"
"These 3 Sins"
"Silence"
"Sweet Virginia"
"Chicken Out"
"Extra Special Guy"

Don't give up on this CD!.......2005-08-02

I had never heard of Gomez, but one day I happen to come across the group on the internet. I'm always looking for new artists to check out. I love all sorts of genres and artists.

I was curious and looked at Vh1.com and Split the Difference happened to be their most recent effort at the time so I clicked on it and listened to it.

At first listen, I only gravitated to a few songs. I immediately took to "Sweet Virginia" and "These 3 Sins", but not much else.

I decided I wasn't giving it a fair try, so I listened to it again...and again. Slowly, I began to love the CD.

My absolute favorite tracks are: "Catch Me Up" (I really, really love this song), "Sweet Virginia", "These 3 Sins", "Silence", and "Extra Special Guy".

Now I'm really interested to check out their previous efforts to see if I like it as much as Split the Difference.

This is a really solid effort, and I love it!! Definately give it a try.

New and wonderful direction.......2005-05-01

After a few spins, the album grew on me (much like Liquid Skin). The sound is diverse and lovely - and they are amazing live!

Standout tracks are "Sweet Virginia," "Extra Special Guy," "There It Was" and "We Don't Know Where We're Going." It's a great CD.

It takes a few listens.......2004-12-31

Dont give up on it. Much like In Our Gun, it took me a few listens to really appreciate it. To be honest, the first couple listens I really didn't like it and was rather disappointed. Now I am a believer. Gomez is one of the best bands around and gets better with age.

Disappointing.......2004-12-12

Gomez has carved out its niche among UK bands by avoiding the retro pop bandwagon (think Badly Drawn Boy), the electronica bandwagon, and the knob-twitching pop bandwagon (think Radiohead)--heck name your bandwagon and they avoid it, which is good. Instead, Gomez goes for progressive hard rock. At their best, Gomez sound annoyingly like Pearl Jam ("Do One," "Where Ya Going?"). At their worst, Gomez regularly serve up stale riffs and a healthy dose of meandering bull----. I dare anyone to make it through the CD's finale without lunging for the remote and punching mute.

Standout Tracks: None, though if a gun were held to my head, I'd choose "Do One."

For more reviews, visit http://unpaidrockcritic.typepad.com

Average customer rating:

Silverstein / Glasseater: When Broken Is Easily Fixed / Everything Is Beautiful When You Don't Look Down: Split Ep Silverstein , and Glasseater Manufacturer: Victory Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music | Vinyl Records | American Punk | British Punk | Emo | Garage Punk | Hardcore | Post Hardcore | Proto Punk | Punk | Punk Revival | Punk-Pop | Riot Grrl | Ska Punk | Straight Edge ASIN: B000QUFR9S

Product Description

Tracks: 1. Silverstein - Giving Up; 2. Silverstein - Smashed Into Pieces; 3. Glasseater - At Your Own Risk; 4. Glasseater - Art of Communication. Limited Edition Split EP CD between Silverstein and Glasseater.

Average customer rating: Eyestrings ready for Consumption

Consumption Eyestrings Manufacturer: Split Difference Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Rock | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Burdened Hands Milliontown Revolution Road Fear of a Blank Planet Sola Scriptura ASIN: B000BVCTPM Release Date: 2005-11-01

Tracks:

1. All Sales Final
2. Valid For A Week
3. Stagnant
4. Code of Tripe: i) Ground Zero \ ii) Feast \ iii) Omega Land \ iv) Fallout
5. Slate Clean
6. Groove Seven
7. Lifelines: i) Tangles \ ii) Intervention \ iii) Puppet \ iv) Traces \ v) Cordpuller \ vi) Vox Populi

Product Description

"Consumption," the 2nd album by Metro Detroit-based Eyestrings, is a complex blend of the aggressive and the delicate, thematically and musically. Songs deal with external and internal restraints, struggles within a society who values the impersonal and the gluttonous, habitually ignoring suffering. 7 tracks over 64 minutes vary greatly in stylistic approach and mood, a dark comedy brimming with musical passages that stick like tar-infused treacle.

Customer Reviews:

Eyestrings ready for Consumption.......2005-11-05

If you bought Eyestrings' debut album Burdened Hands released last year, then you must have been as impressed as I was when you discovered its amazing artwork, booklet, lyrics, production - the whole package that is. I was personally astounded by their perfect presentation, considering they were just an independent band. Things aren't any different on their new release, Consumption, also released through their independent label Split Difference, with an equally haunting cover art done by main man Ryan Parmenter, excellent songwriting which is a bit darker and more developed, and remarkable musicianship.

With two former Discipline band members, Bob Young on drums and Matthew Kennedy on bass, Eyestrings seems like a more mature band with a great rhythmic anchor, soaring vocals that border on a melancholic delivery, and excellent lead guitar by Parmenter's longtime friend Alan Rutter, along with lots of piano, keyboard and percussion elements. Consumption is a darker, deeper and more realized album than its predecessor, punctuated by complex harmonies, incredible vocal lines that could only be rivaled by the likes of Spock's Beard and Porcupine Tree, and fluid guitar textures that range from nylon-string passages to cutting electric solos. Alan Rutter is surely an interesting guitar player. The way he wraps his guitar lines around subtle piano and bass tapestries evokes earlier day Echolyn to me, not necessarily musically, but stylistically he has a somewhat similar approach. He refuses to stay in the same chord longer than a few seconds, always experimenting and often diverting from the other instruments without losing his focus. Fans of Gentle Giant and Echolyn are sure going to enjoy his work on the lumbering piece "Valid for a Week", where he shifts between rhythmic and melodic interactions, playing both acoustic guitars through complex passages built by lucid analog synths and deeply growling bass patterns. Ryan Parmenter's vocals on this song are mournful yet at the same time remarkably passionate, as the rest of the song features excellent vocal melodies sung over sparse piano notes. The song concludes in an almost manic-filled restlessness where multi-tracked vocals move into a hauntingly dark passage filled with an undercurrent of jazz.

Matthew Kennedy is an exceptional bass player whose work with both Discipline and Matthew Parmenter (Ryan's uncle) lends him a lot of credibility. Since Matther Parmenter's Astray album, he has also been involving himself with darker musical textures, perfectly illustrated on the multi-passaged "Code of Tripe", which Kennedy co-wrote with Ryan Parmenter. This is quite possibly the gloomiest Eyestrings song to date, brimming with pretty instrumental breaks, dense Moog sounds, and textural guitar lines. The beautiful flow of the song is broken up by an ominous acoustic guitar and piano passage with a great tonal range. This interlude helps set the sombre mood the song is intended to possess and then abruptly breaks into a hypnotic guitar theme where Rutter's instrument wails madly inviting multiple layers of vocal harmonies, grey synth textures, and eerie cymbal work by Bob Young. Speaking of Young, this guy is truly one of the finest drummers in American prog rock nowadays. Not only does he play his instrument with plausible finesse, he also likes to enrich the songs with various African and other tribal percussion techniques. His amazing tabla and djembe work on "Slate Clean" really enhance the darkness of the piece, lending it an Indian rhythmic feel, with a full bass bottom.

On the instrumental "Groove Seven", we hear blaring organ leads, mood-intensive guitars which generate siren-like tensions, and funky bass rhythms that swiftly adapt to Ryan Parmenter's punctuated synth work. This is another song where the band display their subtle complexity merged into a jazzy context, utilising lots of percussion and drum beats. The last song, "Lifelines", is the album's undisputed epic, clocking in at 20 minutes and going through six movements all of which emphasize another brilliant aspect of Eyestrings. From the opening piano melody and cascading guitar phrases, and even Ryan's vocals, I am reminded of Spock's Beard's The Light period. Glistening cymbals and odd metered drum patterns underlie somewhat operatic vocals and huge Moog sounds. The transitions from one section to another are smooth thanks to the neat mix and production. The song's apex is "Traces" with a soaring guitar melody and excellent vocals that unfold effortlessly. Ryan Parmenter's deep voice which he sustains throughout adds to the atmosphere of the song. Consumption is mainly his creation, but at the same time this album wouldn't be as great as it is with different members or less artistic input by each and everyone of them. One of the finest discs of contemporary American prog rock.
____________
Tracklisting- All Sales Final . Valid for a Week . Stagnant . Code of Tripe . Slate Clean . Groove Seven . Lifelines

Average customer rating: A unique album The first listen, Pulled me in....

Burdened Hands Eyestrings Manufacturer: Split Difference Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Rock | Alternative Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Consumption Fear of a Blank Planet Sola Scriptura Milliontown Revolution Road ASIN: B00018RRT8 Release Date: 2004-01-01

Tracks:

1. Recovery
2. Itchy Tickler
3. Dead Supermen
4. Anachronism
5. Funnel
6. Just A Body
7. Slackjaw
8. Nothing
9. Time Will Tell
10. Empty Box

Album Description

"Burdened Hands" is the self-produced debut from Eyestrings, a 10-track, 66-minute album of original rock music with a rich spectrum of influences. [Warning: unauthorized name-dropping ahead...] You may hear hints of Peter Gabriel, Radiohead, Genesis, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Tom Waits, and some of your other favorites. The variety from one track to the next offers a welcome diversion for music lovers who long for an album that doesn't get bogged down in one thing. And somehow, this variety never betrays the cohesiveness of the album. But of course you should hear it and judge for yourself...

A quick synopsis:

1. Recovery -- Sad, pretty, scary, contemplative, aggressive, autonomous. Even at ten minutes that's a lot for one song, yet an appropriately-multifaceted introduction to the album.

2. Itchy Tickler -- A playful lament, if that is possible. A straight rock groove turns into a lunging chorus, with a lush guitar solo in the bridge.

3. Dead Supermen -- Wait a minute: progressive folk?! A tongue-in-cheek biography of fallen heroes.

4. Anachronism -- "I set a trap for me..." A story of evil-twin paranoia over a creepy electronic rock progression.

5. Funnel -- Complex piano patterns lead into a meter-shifting groove in this song about an uplifting descent.

6. Just A Body -- A fun song about the bleakness of human life, with perhaps the catchiest refrain on the album.

7. Slackjaw -- The sarcastic autobiography of a chauvinist in over-the-top swing style, complete with a chorus of trombones. Also, the end-jam has a satisfying apex.

8. Nothing -- Giving up, in a very pretty and sad song pushed along by rhodes piano and distant guitars.

9. Time Will Tell -- Giving up, in a very scary song driven by screaming guitar with a starkly-memorable chorus.

10. Empty Box -- The final track goes through peaks and valleys, with many themes intertwined. From somber piano & voice solo through waves of guitar melodies and moments of pure rocking-out, this epic follows to a most satisfying conclusion, and proves an appropriate closer for the album.

"Burdened Hands" is a truly diverse album. The attentive production and carefully-crafted (sometimes downright sneaky) writing promise you'll hear something new with each listening.

Customer Reviews:

A unique album.......2005-02-23

It is apparent from the first song that Alan Rutter has emulated the tone of Steve Hackett's guitar sound to the tee, but nonetheless, Eyestrings is a unique band with much to offer. Yes, they are a progressive rock band, but they are distinctive from the predecessors and that is an acomplishment in itself. After all, there are too many copy cat bands nowadays and why listen to them if you can listen to the original (which is usually better anyway). You will hear hints of Genesis, a dash of King Crimson, and even elements of rag time, but the sound is definitely there own.

As for the material, there are pros and cons. There are definitely some strong tracks on here. "Recovery" is beautiful track, and although the singing is in form, they should have left off some of it and allowed the music more room to breathe. Many of the songs on the first half suffer from this flaw. On the second half however, the band lets loose more often on numbers like "Empty Box" and "Funnel" and gives you more of an appreciation for there musical interplay. Even the song "Slackjaw", which is a rather hideous number, becomes more interesting when it switches to an instrumental work out at the end.

This disk certainly takes a few listenings to grow on you. But after that you start to get the catchy melodies of "Itchy Tickler" and "Anachronism" stuck in your head. There are plenty of strong songs on here to outway the weak spots like "Just a Body" and "Dead Supermen", but then again what may not work on me may be your cup of tea. If you a progressive rock fan and want to hear something new instead of "Trick of the Tale" for the billionth time I recommend you give this a try.

The first listen, Pulled me in...........2004-09-30

I thought this Cd, was really great. I got to hear it from my mom, she is a friend to Ryan's dad I belive. He sent us a copy and I asked who it was, and I had never heard Of Eyestrings, but I hope to hear alot about them soon!.... I really liked track two, it has a good beat and you can catch on fast to the words. Overall this Cd is really awesome and everyone should go out and buy it and give it a try!!!!!!! Ryan your voice is soooooooooooooooooooooooo sexy :)....

Average customer rating:

The Noble Knave Ryan Parmenter Manufacturer: Split Difference Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000LXHHE8 Release Date: 2007-01-02

Tracks:

1. Züccer
2. Keep Crying
3. Dating My Frankenstein
4. Starving
5. Diamond Eggshell
6. I Dig Your Head
7. All Ways
8. Sterilized
9. Dream
10. No Matter How You Spend Your Day
11. I'm Just A Guy
12. The Noble Knave
13. Come Along

Product Description

"The Noble Knave" is an album of favorite songs written by Ryan Parmenter from 1996 to 2006. A departure from the darker themes explored by his band Eyestrings, "The Noble Knave" is light, fun, and perhaps more immediately catchy. With songs about the ups and downs of relationships, favorite body parts, and even what an id would do if not confined by the limits of society and science, the album is sometimes quite silly and always memorably melodic.

Average customer rating:

Split the Difference Gomez Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B00022LZKA Release Date: 2004-05-24

Tracks:

1. Do One
2. These 3 Sins
3. Silence
4. Me, You & Everybody
5. We Don't Know Where We're Going
6. Sweet Virginia
7. Catch Me Up
8. Where Ya Going?
9. Meet Me In The City
10. Chicken Out
11. Extra Special Guy
12. Nothing Is Wrong
13. There It Was
14. Blind (Bonus Track)
15. Butterfly (Bonus Track)

Average customer rating:

Split the Difference Ep Manufacturer: MoreNYC ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CA3514 Release Date: 2004-11-02

Average customer rating: sounds a little like GreenDay

Split the Difference ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000008TLB Release Date: 1996-11-15

Tracks:

1. Dandelion
2. Fingergiver
3. Here's The Joke
4. Disco
5. Leper
6. The Old Bamboo
7. Perfume
8. A Ballad Of Frankie Machine
9. Candyass
10. Diner

Album Description

Mitch is no more, but they left us with one hell of a pop gem! Solid songcraft, sharp lyrics and excellent vocals make this album crackle with charm. Fans of Elvis Costello will appreciate this one, as well as anyone who digs hummable tunes.

Customer Reviews:

sounds a little like GreenDay.......2001-10-03

I know this guy in a different community. Good job on ur song. i like it. gl in ur pursuit of rockstar status.

Average customer rating:

Split the Difference Manufacturer: Never Enough Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music ASIN: B000CA8YWE Release Date: 2005-08-16

Average customer rating:

Split the Difference Gomez Manufacturer: EMI/Virgin ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britpop | British Alternative | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Indie Rock | Indie & Lo-Fi | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B0001W8JPK Release Date: 2004-05-15

Tracks:

1. Do One
2. These
3. Silence
4. Me, You And Everybody
5. We Don't Know Where We're Going
6. Sweet Virginia
7. Catch Me Up
8. Where Ya Going?
9. Meet Me In The City
10. Chicken Out
11. Extra Special Guy
12. Nothing Is Wrong
13. There It Was
14. Blind
15. Butterfly

Album Description

Japanese edition includes two bonus tracks 'Blind' & 'Butterfly'. Virgin. 2004.

Album Details

Japanese Release featuring a Bonus Track

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