Flock

Review

Common Sense Media says

Smart, cynical, somewhat violent, and even funny.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

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.

  • Positive messages0
    Complex messages that use visceral images and cynical religious references to make serious points about self-knowledge and relationships.
  • Violence3
    Some 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.
  • Sex3
    Some innuendo ("cute whores on every corner...putting out" and "your flesh it melts in my mouth") but nothing really explicit.
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What's the story?

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.

Is it any good?

 

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").

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What families can talk about

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?

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
 
Amazing album, and right choice for teens!
This is definitely to be one of the next big albums. Although some material is a little iffy, kids as young as 11 may find it enjoyable.
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This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:Bell x 1
Release date:February 19, 2008
Label:Yep Roc Records
Genre:Indie Rock
Parental advisory:No
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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