Vigilantes of Love Albums (9)
What The Critics Say
Having released an album nearly every year since coming together, Vigilantes of Love show a remarkable lack of atrophy in either songcraft or musicianship. If anything, the group has learned to do more with less, leader Bill Mallonee contributing some of his most concise songs yet. "Galaxy" is a tender ballad of consolation which Mallonee sings in a weary and loveworn tone. "Stand Beside Me" may be based on a somewhat derivative riff, but "Making It Up" and "You Know That" sound like the perfect marriage of early R.E.M. and any number of good alt-country bands. With tough but engaging riffs and just enough rootsy kick to keep things grounded, Summershine is a bright light of an album. ~ John Duffy, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
The rootsy, Athens-based Vigilantes of Love return with Audible Sigh, a personal, passionate collection of poetry and music. Emmylou Harris joins the group on "Resplendent," an electric, fingerpicked ballad; Harris also co-produced the album with Buddy Miller. Other songs on Audible Sigh include the cowpunk of "Extreme North of the Compass" and the jangly "Starry Eyed." Emotionally real and musically diverse, Audible Sigh presents a new, welcome look at the Vigilantes of Love. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide
'To the Roof of the Sky'
Release Date 7/7/1998
Tracks 15
Label Meat Market
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
To the Roof of the Sky, released independently in 1998, is full of homespun textures and country tinges: a dobro here, lap steel there. With a strong set of songs, leader Bill Malonee has fashioned what is arguably Vigilantes of Love's finest outing to date. Some songs rock ("But Not for Long" and the rollicking, Dylanesque "Opposite's True") and some are so mournful and quiet they create a certain stillness ("On the Verge"); mainly, Malonee keeps things at a pleasant midtempo. Struggles with nature are amplified and explored allegorically as the struggle with what Malonee later calls "the cloth of life." There is depth and maturity here and an almost stubborn faith; and only one nit to pick: printed lyrics would have been preferable to Malonee's liner notes. The recording was financed on Malonee's credit card and sold well by mail from his kitchen, but nothing about its quality belies its modest origin. This is an album to set alongside the best of Petty, Springsteen, and Mellencamp -- not bad company to keep. ~ Doug Dwyer, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Vigilantes of Love's first live album is docked half a star for its sound quality, which is pretty good considering it was recorded straight off the board at the Athens, GA club. The set leans toward fiery material well-suited for a rock crowd, and culls a good deal from To the Roof of the Sky and Audible Sigh, which, back to back, are arguably the band's best albums. Bill Mallonee's faith comes to the fore during this show, which seems an unlikely context for evangelism; the concert ends with him unassumingly offering to stick around if anyone wants to talk. Those who know the Vigilantes' work will need no introduction and are encouraged to snap this one up. Others may want to grab this as an alternative to the V.O.L. compilation, which does not include any of the material from the splendid Roof or Sigh. ~ David Dwyer, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Slow Dark Train gives us fourteen cuts, which are all highlights. From the religious overtones of "Judas Skin" and "Love Cocoon" to the folk-rock of "Version of the Truth," Vigilantes of Love sing songs of experience that come directly from the heart. Nothing here will disappoint, and while lyrics are included, one will soon find themselves singing along without any prompting. ~ James Chrispell, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
A folk surprise, it has twisted cathartic lyrics. ~ Robert Gordon, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This is singer-songwriter Bill Mallonee's fifth album under the Vigilantes of Love moniker (and the fifth VoL band lineup). Producer John Keane has moved away from the glossy rock sound of the last VoL record, but he has moved in two opposite directions: half of the songs are harder and noisier, and the other half are mellow acoustic numbers. Unfortunately, the unplugged numbers have been given an overly sentimental pop sheen, and lack the grit and heart of the early VoL folk (with the exception of "Skin," a spiralling ode to VanGogh which ranks with the best VoL songs). Keane's production choices are dominated by cliches, and so are Mallonee's usually incisive lyrics. ~ Darryl Cater, All Music Guide
'Welcome to Struggleville'
Release Date 5/17/1994
Tracks 13
Label Capricorn
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Shortly before signing his first major label deal, singer-songwriter Bill Mallonee had assembled a full rock band, and plugged in the once-folky Vigilantes. This is their first rock album. Producer Jim Scott (Sting, Mark Heard) aimed for a Gin Blossoms gloss. The band is more subdued here than in concert, and some of these tracks feel pretty lightweight. There are a few great, radio-friendly songs here (the title track is easily the highlight), but the new electric sound adds little to Mallonee's razorsharp cultural critisism. The only Christian in the band, his literate lyrics are at their best when layered with Biblical references. They are at their worst when layered with clichés ("The distance grows wide between the glory and the dream"), but that doesn't happen often. ~ Darryl Cater, All Music Guide
'Killing Floor'
Release Date 1/1/1992
Tracks 16
Label Fingerprint/Sky
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Producers Mark Heard and Peter Buck of R.E.M. seem to be trying to get the biggest, most aggressive sound they can while using acoustic string instruments almost exclusively. The result is a terrific set of Power Folk. The Vigilantes rip through the fast numbers with punk intensity, and perform the slower ones with an almost cinematic sweep. Singer-songwriter Bill Mallonee's stories echo Flannery O'Connor in their colloquial evocation of empty lives and gracious redemption. His only bandmate is mandolin virtuoso Billy Holmes, who also plays organ, piano, sitar, trumpet, bass and electric guitar. In the last years before his death Heard had developed uncanny prowess in engineering acoustic recordings, and every note rings with shimmering definition. ~ Darryl Cater, All Music Guide
