Comments for Sugar, File Under: Easy Listening

Whilst agreeing that 'Copper Blue' is a more accessible album, it must be said that F.U.E.L. is a more mature and more exciting album in many ways. Four Tracks in particular are worth comparison to an earlier work: 'Gee Angel' with it's tense guitar and vocal melodies; 'panama Hotel' for it's breazy claustrophobic atmosphere; 'Believe whay you're saying' for it's clasic pop and the final tracks on the album ;Explode and make Up' is possibly the best song Bob Mould has ever written - few songs can scale the heights of emotion and musical compactness that this track does. Perhaps it's a personal thing, but everyone should check the whole of this album out as a welcome release from the punk/indie wannabee's. Forget the rest, listen to the best !

**** (5 star scale)-- While Copper Blue just flowed with brilliant songwriting, and Beaster just brutally beat the crap out of you, FUEL just rocks. From the opening guitar crunch of "Gift" to the torchering ending scream of "explode and makeup", this third great recording is solid throughout. Bob's songwriting is compelling, but, heh, what a song by side-man, bassist David Barbe. Make sure to catch 'em when they come to your place on the tour; it'll be worth whatever else you were planning to do that evening. Also, I have never seen anybody perform a song with so much passion and emotion then the way the band did "Explode and Makeup" and "The Slim". It was so intense that I was surprised that I didn't have to empty my shorts after the show. PRIME CUTS-- "Gift","Company Book","What YOu Want it to Be","Gee Angel",and "Explode and Makeup"-- J.teel

Good album: "Gee Angel" rules.

"Believe What You're Saying" = song of the year. Yep.

Beautiful, fully-realized songs and very fresh presentation. The second-side''s acoustic-tinged numbers are a welcome departure from Sugar-as-usual. And "Your Favorite Thing" has my vote as one of the best songs I''ve ever heard.

Although not as strong as their debut "Copper Blue" or thefollowup ep "Beaster," FU:EL is nonetheless a solid, compelling setof songs from guitarist and songwriter Bob Mould.