Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Bell X1 comes across as sweetly and emotionally revealing, while delighting in the occasional "arse" and "s--t" exclamation -- as well as a cynical take on Christianity. Many families will find the brilliant production and intelligent lyrics well worth it, but those who take their religion very seriously may object.
Families can talk about why this band is featured on popular TV show such as Grey's Anatomy. What about their music lends itself to the small screen? Do you think being on TV has helped their career? If so, why?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Bell X1 brings intelligence and imagination to the table with lyrics that will impress anyone with a love of poetry -- or irony -- but might not be appropriate for all families. One example: "Rocky Takes a Lover," a stand-out on FLOCK, describes a spirited he-said-she-said encounter. She said: "You weren't so nice last night/you're such an asshole when you're drunk." He said: "At least I'm OK in the mornings."
If David Byrne and Jim Morrison could have a child together, he might sound like Bell X1's lead singer Paul Noonan. Stylized, emotional vocals ride over energetically solid rhythm tracks and credible guitar work on songs that dare to question blind acceptance of the status quo while throwing in concepts like "seasonal affected disorder" and the name of at least one constellation ("Orion").
For more provocative, intelligent new music check out Nine Inch Nails or U2.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSome innuendo ("cute whores on every corner...putting out" and "your flesh it melts in my mouth") but nothing really explicit. |
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ViolenceSome violent images as metaphors: "I've got your blood under my fingernails," and "this is the kind of love that maims us and I won't be happy 'til someone loses an eye"; occasional passing mention of nooses. |
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LanguageA few four-letter words here and there. |
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Social BehaviorComplex messages that use visceral images and cynical religious references to make serious points about self-knowledge and relationships. |
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Commercialism |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoA couple of references to drinking ("you're such an asshole when you're drunk"). |
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