Disco de Tonic: “Lemon Parade”

I actually wrote a review of "Sugar", Tonic's second album when it was initially released, but realized I had never shared this one...this is where it started.

At first glance, it seems like Tonic hasn't really done anything new musically, but this couldn't be further from the truth. They have taken classic guitar rock and modernized it with a great beat and sound, with just a touch of country. They've also thrown in thoughtful and honest lyrics that don't pull any punches. This is an incredible album.

There is something for everyone, really. "If You Could Only See" and "Lemon Parade" are radio-friendly and very catchy tracks. "Bigot Sunshine", "Celtic Aggression", "Wicked Soldier", and especially "Casual Affair" rock very hard. "Mr. Golden Deal" and "My Old Man" are quieter and more introspective. And "Mountain" and "Soldier's Daughter" (my personal favorite) have a little bit of everything. I don't think I'll ever get tired of listening to this CD. Buy it now. :)

While you are doing it, get "Sugar"...it is awesome too. And finally, if you have the chance to see these guys live, DO IT. They seriously rock.

There's a very classic feel to Tonic's "Lemon Parade," with its straight-ahead rock (with a teeny bit of country and a sprinkling of other areas). The songwriting is very good, the music is a mix of good ballads and simple rock songs like "Bigot Sunshine."

"Open Up Your Eyes" starts off with a guitar-tuning buzz for twenty seconds, before launching into a catchy rock melody; the harder-edged "Casual Affair"; the insistent and softer "If You Could Only See"; the less intriguing but likable "Lemon Parade"; the more country-ish "Mountain"; "Mr. Golden Deal" is unusually lackluster and slow; "Celtic Aggression" is a haunting tribute to the roots of the band members ("So we came across the water/From the shores of the isle of green/Speaking separate tongues/In the death of culture").

Tonic has something that many bands don't have and spend years trying to make up for: Musical talent. It's all about the music. Their songwriting is steady and enticing, with that slight note of dreamlike quality that really good rock songs have. The guitar and percussion are fantastic, hard-hitting and fluid. The music isn't drowned out by electronics. And Emerson Hart's vocals are excellent.

While it's not ultra-heavy rock, it's not fluff either. "Lemon Parade" is a satisfying rock album, well-written and well-performed. Definitely worth a look.

This band is SO under appreciated. They should've sold a TON of CDs. ALL of their releases are excellent. Don't just listen to "If You Could Only See". Listen to all of the songs. Great albums, all of them. This one and Sugar are my favorites. Head on Straight is also good.

I really enjoyed this CD. One of my students once wanted to do a solo to If You Could Only See, so I spent the money and got the album so I could choreograph to it. I was totally blown away by the talent this group shows. The songs are all top notch, and I can really listen to the whole album through. Listeners to adult contemporary radio have probably heard If You Could Only See and Lemon Parade before, as they were both played a lot, especially If You Could Only See. But there are some other great tracks on here. Wicked Soldier and Casual Affair rock harder than the radio choices, and they really show their song writing abilities on My Old Man and Soldier's Daughter, which have great meanings and lyrics. If you are looking for some fresh music that isn't sugar pop, but isn't super heavy rock either, then this is the album for you. I still listen to this one, and I bought it a long time ago. Definately give it a shot. It's totally worth it.

This album truly touches your soul if you have one. It is great album that is in touch with the real world, real emotions, and culture. The people that don't like this album can't identify with with those that have had to dance alone (Soldier's Daughter), werent' best lookin, hid behind their books and forced to find secret friends (Lemon Parade), loved and been with the ideal perfect girl that they just couldn't end up with because the girl found somebody else (Mr. Golden Deal), appreciate and respect culture and history (Celtic Aggression), and were let down by your father (My Old Man). If you are like I am, this album will speak to you. Not to mention the music is great. This is far from the typical crap in the alternative rock area that is being put out today. I wish there were more bands like Tonic out there.