Gracious Few reviews in Media Options

[SJN1279]

http://reviewfix.com/2010/09/closer-by-the...he-week-review/

Closer’ by The Gracious Few: I-Tunes Free Single of the Week Review.
Posted by Nadia Vega on 9/17/10 • Categorized as Music


Formed in 2009, The Gracious Few is an American rock band that consists of members from two separate older groups; Live and Candlebox. Individually, both bands were having difficulty with keeping a steady line-up. Just-so-happen, once they found each other, their similarity in style and ideas were able to fit the description in what they all wanted.

Chad Taylor (guitarist), Patrick Dahlheimer (bassist) and Chad Gracey (drummer) originally belonged to Live, while Kevin Martin (lead vocalist) and Sean Hennesy (guitarist) were a part of Candlebox. Conjoined together as one, this group of highly experienced musicians create melodies that associate with the genres of hard rock, alternative rock and post-grunge.

When the arrangements of official members and style were chosen, The Gracious Few wasted no time in making tunes.

In September of 2009, they began rehearsing and eventually recorded their first self-titled debut album. This particular CD was produced by Jerry Harrison (member of Talking Heads) and mixed by Tom Lord-Alge. It was released sometime in 2010.

The eighth track off of “The Gracious Few” is titled “Closer.”

It’s one of those typical rock and roll-esque songs that can easily be mistaken for one of the same genre.

Martin’s vocals are strong and stern, but does not contain an original sound. On the other hand, he still manages to offer a sense of heartfelt emotion while singing.

When it comes to the background music, Hennesy and Taylor demonstrate mediocre guitar riffs that contain a large flavor of grunge and distortion.

One thing that stands out during this track is that the bass is more recognized than it usually would be in any other song. Dahlheimer’s style can be compared with that of the bassist from Chevelle.

Gracey’s drumming is nothing special, but it does suit the hard rock aura that The Gracious Few was going for.

Overall, “Closer” is something not to get over excited for. It has potential and should be given a chance, but The Gracious Few certainly has some work to do. Hopefully, in the their case, the other 12 tracks are able to make up for what they lost in this one.

[PurdueSteve]

http://reviewfix.com/2010/09/closer-by-the...he-week-review/

Closer’ by The Gracious Few: I-Tunes Free Single of the Week Review.
Posted by Nadia Vega on 9/17/10 • Categorized as Music
Formed in 2009, The Gracious Few is an American rock band that consists of members from two separate older groups; Live and Candlebox. Individually, both bands were having difficulty with keeping a steady line-up. Just-so-happen, once they found each other, their similarity in style and ideas were able to fit the description in what they all wanted.

Chad Taylor (guitarist), Patrick Dahlheimer (bassist) and Chad Gracey (drummer) originally belonged to Live, while Kevin Martin (lead vocalist) and Sean Hennesy (guitarist) were a part of Candlebox. Conjoined together as one, this group of highly experienced musicians create melodies that associate with the genres of hard rock, alternative rock and post-grunge.

When the arrangements of official members and style were chosen, The Gracious Few wasted no time in making tunes.

In September of 2009, they began rehearsing and eventually recorded their first self-titled debut album. This particular CD was produced by Jerry Harrison (member of Talking Heads) and mixed by Tom Lord-Alge. It was released sometime in 2010.

The eighth track off of “The Gracious Few” is titled “Closer.”

It’s one of those typical rock and roll-esque songs that can easily be mistaken for one of the same genre.

Martin’s vocals are strong and stern, but does not contain an original sound. On the other hand, he still manages to offer a sense of heartfelt emotion while singing.

When it comes to the background music, Hennesy and Taylor demonstrate mediocre guitar riffs that contain a large flavor of grunge and distortion.

One thing that stands out during this track is that the bass is more recognized than it usually would be in any other song. Dahlheimer’s style can be compared with that of the bassist from Chevelle.

Gracey’s drumming is nothing special, but it does suit the hard rock aura that The Gracious Few was going for.

Overall, “Closer” is something not to get over excited for. It has potential and should be given a chance, but The Gracious Few certainly has some work to do. Hopefully, in the their case, the other 12 tracks are able to make up for what they lost in this one.

Why would someone review one track? The reviewer is probably looking for something more modern, I would presume, but still. One track? At first listen Closer didn't grab me either, but it did over a few listens. If one is to review a single song on this album, it should be Honest Man or Crying Time.

e: nevermind, I see the blog site simply reviews the iTunes SOTW and nothing more. Hardly a professional "in the media" review. You could've just as well linked to my blog!

This post has been edited by PurdueSteve: Sep 20 2010, 11:41 am

[SJN1279]

http://www.venuszine.com/articles/music/76...he_Gracious_Few
The Gracious Few
The Gracious Few (Questionable Entertainment)
By Catherine McCarthy
Published: September 15th, 2010 | 7:00pm
Two Stars

Regarding the mythical phoenix, the poet Ovid wrote, “[It] builds a pile on which it deposits itself, and dying, breathes out its last breath [...] a young Phoenix issues forth, destined to live as long a life as its predecessor.” And from the ashes of commercially successful ‘90s rock groups that have met their demise, so too will supergroups and solo projects rise. When Live disbanded nearly two years ago, lead singer Adam Kowalczyk set off to support his brother (and former Live frontman) Ed Kowalczyk’s newest solo endeavor and start his own. This left Live’s Chad Taylor, Patrick Dahlheimer, and Chad Gracey with the basic workings of a tight band with over two decades of recording and touring experience, but lacking a voice. Upon recruiting Kevin Martin and Sean Hennesy from ‘90s hard rock outfit Candlebox to head up lead vocals and lead guitar, the Gracious Few were born.

The Gracious Few are the lucky few, who, upon euthanizing bands that went past their prime, managed to salvage their collective talents and mold them into a cohesive front. Their debut eponymous release is nothing new: think the standard mix of rock ballads, hopeful anthems, and gritty forays into nu metal, and unfortunately, the dozen tracks run a little long at times. “Silly Thing” is exactly that: it’s hard to take seriously an angry man growling, “I am the harvest moon, my autumn sprite.” “Tredicim” holds great promise—structurally sound with the hopeful hook potential to grab the attention of a radio audience, along with the album’s closer, “Sing.” “What’s Wrong” could be a B-side from Live’s breakout album The Distance to Here, or a one-off track co-written ten years ago with Collective Soul.

The Gracious Few get points for effort: it’s clear they didn’t keep their rock family together because they were chasing the glory days of yore. The passion comes through, but it’s hard for fans to muster enthusiasm over songs that show little growth. It’s rare that a band falls comfortably between trying to grow and failing, and not attempting out of laziness: instead, the Gracious Few are happy exactly where they are, doing what they do best. As long as their core audience doesn’t get too hungry for innovation, they’ll enjoy as much longevity as the bands from which they came. If you’re looking to relive the early post-grunge era, spend time with this album. If you’re looking for something new, set your sights elsewhere.

[+Ed+]

Nick maks it so easy to hate him with all the heart. Thank you so much SJN, I hardly had a human being to waste my hatred on before I saw you posting here and fucking lying on the board. You;d better stay away from MUSIC, as you can not simply know what good music is

Fucking retarded moron is what you are. People like you nake heartfelt fans hate Ed for he has so idiotic and stupidly stubborn followers

[Nobody Knows]

For someone who has no interest in TGF's music, why bother looking for reviews?

You seriously don't have a life, if you just look for negative reviews to post here.

[SinfulEyes]

Nick maks it so easy to hate him with all the heart. Thank you so much SJN, I hardly had a human being to waste my hatred on before I saw you posting here and fucking lying on the board. You;d better stay away from MUSIC, as you can not simply know what good music is

Fucking retarded moron is what you are. People like you nake heartfelt fans hate Ed for he has so idiotic and stupidly stubborn followers

Has anyone posted bad reviews of Alive? I'm sure that would make Nick real happy.

[PurdueSteve]

Since Nick is on a fuck-stick mission to post nothing but negative reviews, I'll counter balance the ignorance.

The Gracious Few (Candlebox and Live)

by J Simpson

.
Take three parts of the band Live add in two parts Candlebox, mix in bowl until you get a melodic consistency and you now have The Gracious Few. Although this band could easily be labeled a super group as all of these musicians have sold millions of discs in their careers, this band is not about their past successes, it's about the present here and now. A group creating contemporary music, proving to themselves that they still have it in them to flourish in their profession.

The Gracious Few is made up of guitarist Chad Taylor, bassist Patrick Dehlheimer and drummer Chad Gracey all from disbanded group Live with guitarist Sean Hennesy and singer Kevin Martin from former group Candlebox. On September 14th TGF will be releasing their debut album through their record label Questionable Entertainment. The disc contains 12 original tracks all written by the group as a whole.

It's impossible to deny the heavy blues influence in TGFs music. The lead track "Appetite" is a Zeppelin like hard rock tune where sometimes Martin even sounds like a young Robert Plant. The next track "Honest Man" is the first single released off the album and again bluesy feel with raunchy guitars and fever driven beats that keep the throttle pushed forward. The rest of the disc flows along with the same canorous energy and power. Even two of the slower songs in the collection, "Crying Time" and "What's Wrong" have a vivacity to them with a slower tempo but remain intense.

If I had to describe this disc in one word I would have to use impassioned or dynamic. It seems like all the members in TGF had a chip on their shoulder and something to prove. They have succeeded.

http://www.antimusic.com/reviews/10/The_Gr...d_Live%29.shtml

[SinfulEyes]

For someone who has no interest in TGF's music, why bother looking for reviews?

You seriously don't have a life, if you just look for negative reviews to post here.

He hates it when people troll Ed, but then he does it to the TGF forums. Everything that people say about Nick is absolute truth.

[SinfulEyes]

Well, since we are posting reviews from "blogs"

http://www.antimusic.com/reviews/10/The_Gr...d_Live%29.shtml
by J Simpson

Take three parts of the band Live add in two parts Candlebox, mix in bowl until you get a melodic consistency and you now have The Gracious Few. Although this band could easily be labeled a super group as all of these musicians have sold millions of discs in their careers, this band is not about their past successes, it's about the present here and now. A group creating contemporary music, proving to themselves that they still have it in them to flourish in their profession.

The Gracious Few is made up of guitarist Chad Taylor, bassist Patrick Dehlheimer and drummer Chad Gracey all from disbanded group Live with guitarist Sean Hennesy and singer Kevin Martin from former group Candlebox. On September 14th TGF will be releasing their debut album through their record label Questionable Entertainment. The disc contains 12 original tracks all written by the group as a whole.

It's impossible to deny the heavy blues influence in TGFs music. The lead track "Appetite" is a Zeppelin like hard rock tune where sometimes Martin even sounds like a young Robert Plant. The next track "Honest Man" is the first single released off the album and again bluesy feel with raunchy guitars and fever driven beats that keep the throttle pushed forward. The rest of the disc flows along with the same canorous energy and power. Even two of the slower songs in the collection, "Crying Time" and "What's Wrong" have a vivacity to them with a slower tempo but remain intense.

If I had to describe this disc in one word I would have to use impassioned or dynamic. It seems like all the members in TGF had a chip on their shoulder and something to prove. They have succeeded.

The Gracious Few (Candlebox and Live)
Rating: 4 Stars

Looks like a good review to me.

[SinfulEyes]

Here's another review:

http://allaccessmagazine.com/2010/08/05/the-gracious-few/

Every once in a blue moon there comes a rock and roll band that breathes new life in a music scene that has all become all show and no substance. A band that wears theirs hearts on their sleeves and serves up rock and roll music the way it’s supposed to be served up. Straight from the heart with attitude, passion and energy that is guaranteed to, put it simply, rock your asses off! Ladies and gents let me introduce you to The Gracious Few.

The band is fueled and powered by guitarist Chad Taylor, bassist Patrick Dahlheimer and drummer Chad Gracey from the band Live, along with lead vocalist Kevin Martin and guitarist Sean Hennesy from the band Candlebox.

What these “Gracious Few” have created is an rock and roll album that is destined to be a classic. Good music is hard to come across and these gentlemen hit the nail on the head. With an influences that range from Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Black Sabbath and the Rolling Stones, it’s hard to go wrong. As is evident on tracks like, “Appetite” loaded with its Led Zep vibe that would make John Bonham proud. Then there is the lead off single, “Honest Man”, a song dedicated to all the hard working people of the world. While tracks like, “What’s Wrong” and “Crying Time”, show that even when the boys downshift they still can make the hair on your arms stand up. Honestly, there is something for everyone. Rock out with your parents, your younger siblings, and, hell, try it on your aunts, uncles, grandparents! This debut outing by The Gracious Few should be, wait, will be, owned by every rock fan in the world. Its great guitar riffs, amazing vocalist, and rock on attitude will inspire millions. Are you ready?!

BOTTOM LINE: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

[SinfulEyes]

BOTTOM LINE: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Actually the bottom line is that TGF rocks and Ed steals from his band mates and releases girly rock designed for 45 year old women.

[Wildman]

Nick maks it so easy to hate him with all the heart. Thank you so much SJN, I hardly had a human being to waste my hatred on before I saw you posting here and fucking lying on the board. You;d better stay away from MUSIC, as you can not simply know what good music is

Fucking retarded moron is what you are. People like you nake heartfelt fans hate Ed for he has so idiotic and stupidly stubborn followers

Yeah Nick,...you are soooo trying soooo hard to post negative info about TGF that it is very easy to be post negative thoughts about you.

But I won't, you cannot change the Rock Hearts around here with your negativity, the real rockers have spoken already about the soft pop rock album from Ed which is one of a 12.000.000 in a dozen.

I have tried this album but I couldn't give my ears this bad sour candy, where TGF just gave me joy fo hours already. Don't het me wrong, I love Ed's voice, but I'd wish he had delivered much more Rock Quality.

Nick, some advice, if you don't like TGF then don't post anything about them, focus yourself on positive things, so if you like Ed's stuff, post positive at his thread.

[Nobody Knows]

http://sonicdissonance.com/TheGraciousFewST.aspx

[jclive]

Nick, some advice, if you don't like TGF then don't post anything about them, focus yourself on positive things, so if you like Ed's stuff, post positive at his thread.

This entire forum could greatly benefit from taking this logic to heart. Its beyond old.

[OutToDry]

I don't need to make a silly comment on the kindergarten kid trying to throw snowballs. His post is totally laughable.