The Hindu Love Gods - essentially REM with Warren Zevon replacing Michael Stipe - is be a must have for any Zevon fan.
Covering mainly old blues standards, the band shows a side project from their "mainstream" music that makes one wish they had continued with several more CD's.
The cover version of Prince's Raspberry Beret brings out the true talent of this collaboration, showcasing superior blues rock playing and Warren's distinct vocals. At once a recognizable cover of Prince's Purple Pop, it takes the song into a bluesy rock and roll dive bar atmosphere, much improved over the original. The band shows true musical genius by claiming the song as their own.
Definitely a must have for true Zevon fans, as well as those who enjoy bluesy rock as it is meant to be.

6 people found this helpful

Helpful

Timothy P. Young

Hindu Love Gods Play at Your Party

Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2009

Verified Purchase

I first bought this at the height of my initial Zevon fandom--1990. At the time, I didn't like it much at all. I thought it was rushed, sloppy, and ultimately forgettable, with the exception of their fun cover of 'Raspberry Beret.' What a difference a couple of decades makes!

When asked the question, "What do you get when you combine 3/4 of REM with Warren Zevon?" The answer is, rightly, Warren's great 1987 album 'Sentimental Hygeine.' When asked the question "What do you get when you combine 3/4 of REM with Warren Zevon, unused studio time, no specific songs to work on, and some booze for those still drinking?" The answer is 'Hindu Love Gods,' a damn fine example of a bar band-esque jam.

Yes it's disposable, but the sheer joy and energy of these takes makes it more than worth your time. At some points I was reminded of Alex Chilton's EPs...done quickly, but with so much native talent that the result rises above the mediocre mess it could have been.

Peter Buck and Zevon trade licks back and forth, Mike Mills provides rock solid bass work, and Bill Berry's drumming is perfect...never too busy, and keeping these tracks firmly rooted in the songs at hand. Highlights include the aforementioned 'Raspberry Beret', 'Crosscut Saw', and 'Vigilante Man.' Oh, and Zevon sounds like he's having more fun than he's had since the 70s. (RIP, Warren!)

This isn't essential for any Zevon fan, or REM fan, but it is too damn much fun to ignore. Grab a beer or other favorite adult beverage and turn it up at your next party!

19 people found this helpful

Helpful

mark yerskey

fast delivery

Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2022

Verified Purchase

Excellent!

One person found this helpful

Helpful

J. Blilie

Great Rocking Blues

Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2007

Verified Purchase

This is one of my favorite blues records. At the first listen, it seems a bit rough I guess. But, boy, did it grow on me. Every one of these songs is great. I play this all the time now, and really, it's one my favorite records with Warren Zevon (I'm a huge fan.) Good, hard-driving, straight ahead blues; nothin' cool, nothin' fancy. WZ is a SUPERB blues front man. A friend recently sent me MP3s of the other HLG recordings. They are fun; but WZ shines as front man.

If you like rock, blues, or WZ (specifically), you won't be disappointed.

10 people found this helpful

Helpful

M.Hobin

This work features Warren Zevon on vocals and I would ...

Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2016

Verified Purchase

This work features Warren Zevon on vocals and I would suggest the most memorable tunes on it are the covers of Raspberry Beret and Wang Dang Doodle! I'd say it is a must have for all die hard Warren Zevon fans in particular.

Helpful

David Kane

BLUES...?...REALLY...YOU LOSE....

Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2017

Verified Purchase

This was not as bad as some critics suggested. As an elderly Zevon fan I had to get it...Some of the songs with REM really gel and rock BUT...WHY?!?...The blues standards...and how do make a classic like WANG-DANG DOODLE sound tepid...and I am not an offended blues purist.Why cover these songs...Why not Frankie Valli or 1910 FRUITCOMPANY or....Leslie Gore!!!!...ZEVON DOES GORE!!!!! IT could have been a SMASH!!!!

Helpful

Old Goat

The result is a great album. I bought it for the cover of ...

Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2015

Verified Purchase

Warren Zevon makes a record with 3/4s of REM. The result is a great album. I bought it for the cover of Raspberry Beret and found some fine old blues tunes covered quite nicely. Get it and enjoy it!

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Mitchell Fournier

Do look back

Reviewed in Canada on December 26, 2013

Verified Purchase

This is a raw , energetic supergroup where the parts added up to something different and better than their solo sums.
You can hear these guys enjoyed playing together.
Tremendous fun! Highly recommended to REM and Warren Zevon fans , as well as hard rock / blues connoisseurs .

Philip E Labossiere

This Should Be In Everyone's CD Collection

Reviewed in Canada on August 4, 2014

Verified Purchase

Just an all around super album by some of my favourite musicians.

SeanO

Zevon + REM

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 24, 2019

Verified Purchase

Great covers from Zevon with REM backing him. Unfortunately it did not propel him to REM heights but this blues album is still a worthy investment.

Donnyboy

A legendary "lost album"

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 10, 2010

Verified Purchase

Warren Zevon meets REM on a seemingly live studio jam and they produce an emphatic album of mainly blues covers.

Essential for fans of either or both. Get it now while it is still available. Just do it!

4 people found this helpful

Kindle Customer

Brilliant

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 7, 2016

Verified Purchase

Fantastic ,glad I found it

One person found this helpful

See more reviews

Hindu Love Gods

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Editorial Reviews

Product details

Important information

Customer reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Top reviews from other countries