Fine China plays beautiful Brit pop straight out of Phoenix, Arizona. Their second release on Tooth and Nail is entitled "You Make Me Hate Music."
Fine China's first album "When the World Sings" seemed to have a strong electronic influence due to the production of Ronnie Martin. But with Jason Martin at the helm on "You Make Me Hate Music" the Starflyer 59 comparisons have begun. As for other influences, fans of The Smiths will also appreciate "You Make Me Hate Music."
There are no ifs, ands or buts about it, "You Make Me Hate Music" is a wonderful record that is worthy of being played in the car or while you nap. The pop hooks are just everywhere and there is honestly not one lousy song on the record. Some of the best tracks are: "Hug Every Friend," "The Unsuccessful," "Boo to the Freaks," "The World Wants Me Dead" and "Your Heart Was Made of Gold."
Possible criticism might be that the music is "from the 80's" or that it all sounds alike, but that's really digging on this one. True it does have that 80's sound to it, but if all 80's records sound like this, then maybe everybody should throw all their punk, emo and hardcore CDs away and start listening to more music like Fine China. As for it all sounding the same; it does, but only in the sense that every song is excellent.
Somehow this record seems to have slipped through the cracks, but it is just too good to ignore any longer. A lot of people are bound to write this off because it has a strong 80's influence, but those people should have their music listening licenses revoked and be imprisoned with no music until they change their ways and stop disrespecting Fine China along with all the other great pop bands out there. For those who are waiting for the new Starflyer EP: buy this because it may be the best record you've never heard all year.
A
Other coverage for this album
Art for the Ears 2002Reviewed by Marco PovervestDreamy acoustic rock with modest vocals. That defines Fine China on their upcoming album You Make Me Hate Music. It's music in the vein of Starflyer 59 but not as nostalgic. Sometimes it reminds me of eighties rock bands like The Cure but Fine China is not at all dark. The basis of the music is the strumming of the guitar adorned by keyboards/organ while sometimes an electric guitar weeps along.…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Trae CadenheadThe title of Fine China's new album may be a bit deceiving. After thoroughly digesting You Make Me Hate Music, I found that it helped me to develop a love of good music and only hate the cliché, pop/rock music that clutters the airwaves of popular radio. When the title is taken in that context, this latest composition from a band based on originality and using music as art, You Make Me Hate Music…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Kerry MaffeoIn the realm of garage bands, some make it out of the garage and into the studio while others remain behind, playing to groupies. Tooth and Nail has historically pulled little known bands with a large local following and thrust them into the national spotlight. Some of these bands have been really good -- some of them have not. Fine China is not one of these bands. While production lifts this…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Dr. Bruce L. ThiessenFacing a Bull In Fine China All too often a critic will act like a bull in a china shop, recklessly tearing up everything in harm's way. Yet on the other hand, to borrow an album title from 70s Canadian rock band, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, a good band is "Not Fragile." A good band must be prepared to take on any bull, just like the one that recently trampled Lyle Lovett, as he was heroically…Similar sounding releases
2003Wayne EverettKingsQueens
1999SupergrassSupergrass
2002ColdplayA Rush of Blood to the Head
2001Vigilantes of LoveSummershine
1995The Boo RadleysWake Up!
2005Jesse SprinkleUnnoticed
