The Grapes of Wrath Albums (5)
What The Critics Say
And then it's like nothing ever happened. The Grapes of Wrath split up very acrimoniously following the release of 1991's These Days album, casting serious doubt on the possibility of a follow-up release. It took nearly ten years, and the fact that both of them had recently become fathers, for Tom Hooper and Kevin Kane to dispense with the lawyers, remember their long friendship, and get back to the business of making music. When the first song hits the speakers it seems like time has changed them ("Black Eye" is far more hard rocking than anything that had come before), but everything that follows sounds like vintage Grapes. In fact, after only a couple of listens the songs seem like ones that you've known for years and years, even though it's really only Hooper and Kane left from the original lineup (both Chris Hooper and Vince Jones declined the opportunity to rejoin the band). For those that thought the Grapes were one of the best things to come out of Canada's music scene, it's a welcome return. As a bonus on the first run, a six-song EP is included, featuring reworkings of four older tracks and two cover tunes. ~ Sean Carruthers, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Early comparisons to R.E.M. are clearly justified on Treehouse, a jangly folk-pop masterpiece. On this, their second album, the band seem considerably more confident and focused. Crisp and bright production, courtesy of Tom Cochrane (ex-Red Rider), compliment the glorious harmonies and melancholy, introverted songs perfectly. A sadly overlooked classic of '80s guitar rock. ~ Chris Woodstra, All Music Guide
'September Bowl of Green'
Release Date 1/1/1986
Tracks 14
Label Capitol
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Their first LP shows a band unsure whether to follow R.E.M.'s folky lead or post-punk's dreamy abstraction. Fortunately, the jangly guitars and harmonies win out for a pleasing, though unspectacular, debut. Highlights include the single "Misunderstanding," as well as "Love Comes Around" and "A Dream (About You)." The CD version adds two previously unreleased tracks. ~ Chris Woodstra, All Music Guide
