The Celibate Rifles Albums (5)
'Mid-Stream of Consciousness'
Release Date 7/30/2001
Tracks 14
Label Oracle
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
After slapping A Mid-Stream of Consciousness into your CD player, the first impulse is to shout "Hosanna! The Celibate Rifles are back!" But of course, the Rifles never really went away, they just didn't make a record for about seven years, and out of the box A Mid-Stream of Consciousness makes it clear this band has lost nothing in the way of flash, fire, or smarts during their time away from the studio. If you're looking for lean and mean rock & roll, the Celibate Rifles have still got it in spades, as the swaggering "Storm," the fifth-gear rocker's tale of "The Paddo Sharps," the proto-punk "Wake Up," and the final full-bore rave-up of "Tripping at the Mall" prove beyond a doubt. But the Celibate Rifles are one band who can slow things down, shift stylistic gears, and still sound as if they're firmly in control; the moody piano-led remembrance of "G's Gone" and the gentle acoustic song of devotion "Child of Mine" are just as passionate and committed as the turn-the-amps-up-to-ten stuff, even as they express themselves in different ways. And unlike a lot of bands who've been around for close to 20 years, the Celibate Rifles sound fresh, fully engaged, and full of ideas; A Mid-Stream of Consciousness isn't the work of a veteran rock group proving they've still got what it takes, it's an album from a working band who are still working at the top of their game. Great stuff which richly rewards being played at high volume. ~ Mark Deming, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Starting off with one of the hardest, fastest, ecstatic bursts of rock they've ever recorded ("Spirits"), Spaceman is a resounding assertion that this band's career is far from over. In fact, this record wipes the floor with nearly every note issued by the endless succession of post-Nirvana, MTV-approved alternative rock bands. Like the Ramones (and perhaps Motorhead), the Rifles seem to get better with age, and for all of us punks way past 30, that's life-affirming news. ~ John Dougan, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Although it isn't a greatest-hits collection (like 1993's Sofa), Platters du Jour presents a more well-rounded picture of the Celibate Rifles' talent and versatility (which has only increased over the years). It gathers together all of the Aussie clan's singles -- A-sides, B-sides, alternate takes, remixes, and live versions -- onto one convenient disc. All four tracks from their hard to find 1982 EP, But Jacques, the Fish?, are even included in the mix. The basic sound is hard-rocking punk-pop. The mood is positive, unpretentious, occasionally humorous, and -- just when you least expect it -- socially conscious ("Rain Forest"). Taking their inspiration from the Ramones, the Saints, and the Rolling Stones, the Rifles add a little twang ("Out in the West Again") and surf ("Summer Holiday Blues") to the equation. Covers include a faithful take on the truck-driving classic "Six Days on the Road" (Dave Dudley), a garage-y "Dancing Barefoot" (Patti Smith), and a speedy -- downright exuberant -- "I'm Waiting for the Man," which drains every drop of darkness from the Velvet Underground original. The Australian LP came with a bonus single (sporting the tracks "Instrumental," "Disco Death," and "Junk No. 2"). ~ Kathleen C. Fennessy, All Music Guide
