The Man Downstairs

the man downstairs

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Seattle's West Section Line boasts a pedigree that includes former members of SGM, Truly, and the U-Men, but the band sounds unlike any of its predecessors. The Man Downstairs is a dark, country-like landscape filled with plenty of slide and twangy rhythm guitar, deep vocals, and an understated yet potent percussion section. What distinguishes the West Section Line from the Bottle Rockets, Son Volt, and other bands of that ilk is the music's profound sense of melancholy. Though it may seem depressing, the dark-sounding minor chords give the band a unique sound. From the acoustic waltz in "Skyscraper" to the high-spirited closer, "Airliner," the West Section Line has created a bold, unique debut. --Adem Tepedelen

The Man Downstairs,The West Section Line,Rx. Remedy,Alternative Pop/Rock,Pop,Popular Music,Rock,Rock/Pop

The Man Downstairs

Average customer rating:

Lonely country meets minor chords meets..umm
SO excellent I can't EVEN believe myself!
Great Stuff !!!

The Man Downstairs
The West Section Line
Manufacturer: Rx. Remedy
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00000486X
Release Date: 1996-08-20

Tracks:

Intro
Knifed At The Saigon One
The Arsonist
What Businessmen Tell Me
If He Should Come
Her Life On Stage
The Man Downstairs
Segue
Skyscraper
The Boquet
There Was No One Left Around
The Snowy Day
Here In Los Angeles
The Great Lakes
Airliner
Outro

Amazon.com

Seattle's West Section Line boasts a pedigree that includes former members of SGM, Truly, and the U-Men, but the band sounds unlike any of its predecessors. The Man Downstairs is a dark, country-like landscape filled with plenty of slide and twangy rhythm guitar, deep vocals, and an understated yet potent percussion section. What distinguishes the West Section Line from the Bottle Rockets, Son Volt, and other bands of that ilk is the music's profound sense of melancholy. Though it may seem depressing, the dark-sounding minor chords give the band a unique sound. From the acoustic waltz in "Skyscraper" to the high-spirited closer, "Airliner," the West Section Line has created a bold, unique debut. --Adem Tepedelen

Customer Reviews:

Lonely country meets minor chords meets..umm.......2003-02-13

I felt compelled to write a review for this album after seeing the other two, um, let's call them 'vague' reviews. The West Section Line sounds like no other band I've heard. Its the sound of a bunch of guys who grew up in the 80s in the midwest listening to Joy Division and the Velvet Underground and Johnny Cash type country. There is a hint of what the kids are calling 'alt-county', with lonely slide guitar and lap steel. But that is perfectly balanced with an indie-pop sensibility that leans toward (as I've already said) Velvets and Joy Division.

But these are only extremely general reference points. The only similarity they have with Joy Division is the prevailing minor chord and a slight similarity in the singer's voice. They probably sound more like Interpol. But you shouldn't be worried, they really sound like no one else, and that's what makes it so interesting. The lyrics are quite simply amazing. Every song is a small tale of tragedy, but with really illusory lyrics about fire and snow and death and laughing business men. The lyrics really grow with repeated listening and put together a really cohesive story. The delivery is impecable and its perfectly complemented by the minor guitars and booming rhythm section. You really have to hear it.

This disc has been labeled 'legendary' and was thought to be long out of print by several articles I've found through google about the band. This is basically a weird supernova that blew-up for one record and then disappeared. You should check it out. I highly recommend it.

SO excellent I can't EVEN believe myself!.......2000-08-06

This is excellent rainbow love music for excellent chona love! I am loving this chona rock disc - it is supreme like Diana Ross! I love it SO much! FLAME on girls!! Chona Love Rainbow Warrior

Great Stuff !!!.......1999-06-16

I've listen to this CD and it really open my mind up. It had the greatest rhythm and vocals. this music rocks. If you are looking for a deep rush, chec out this CD.