Another album you ought to own - Ear Candy

Classic Albums You Missed

Ear Candy - King's X

Buy One Now

HM Magazine by Brian McGovern

As I drove home from work today listening to Ear Candy, I could not help but be impressed. I'll admit I had always written off King's X as just another "musicians' band," thinking they were for picky perfectionist guitarists and bass players -- not a big deal for your basic, every day music fan. Whack me in the head! This is a truly great album. Not only is it superb musically and sonically, but there is enough emotion and pop feel on Ear Candy to impress those who don't necessarily care about hearing a great guitarist like Ty Tabor lock into a kick butt groove, stay there for a while, and then launch an ear tickling solo. In other words, it's a lot of fun to listen to. The band seems to have taken the metal bite out of most of its songs, without stripping them of the awesome power that King's X has come to be known as. For musical reference, look at any song on the fourth King's X album minus the slick production. Be sure and check out the first track, "The Train," in which you'll need the ear phones cranked high to fully appreciate the stereo spread. Rarely have I heard such an arousing guitar tone. Doug Pinnick and Jerry Gaskill hold the rest of the thing together, as Pinnick's vocals soothe and caress the vibe. One will notice a lot of Beatles-influenced BGV's, as on previous records. The only drawback on Ear Candy is a repetition of the chorus in more than one song ("Sometime" and "Looking For Love"). But I don't care. The rest of the CD is so chicken flippin' cool! So, to be as happy as the average kid locked overnight in a candy store, strap on the headphones and listen to Ear Candy.

F Magazine by Mark Mendez

In a perfect world, King's X are a multiplatinum rock act, bigger than both Pearl Jam and Hootie & the Blowfish combined (and deservedly so). Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is that King's X remain virtually unknown, despite the fact that they've been around for over ten years and released five brilliant albums. Hopefully new album Ear Candy will change all that, but don't hold your breath; bands this good are usually doomed to perpetual cultdom. Here they once again craft songs overflowing with both lush melodicism and instantly appealing hooks that stick to your memory like glue. Check out "Looking For Love," "The Train" and "Run."