I nearly didn't buy this CD because Rolling Stone magazine gave it a bad review and called them "uninspiring". Then, I read the review by Amazon who made comparisons to Spoon, whom I like very much. I must say after hearing One Time Bells, Amazon critic is 10 times smarter than Rolling Stone critic. The comparisons to Spoon is very accurate. You can also hear influence from Television as well. This is a very good record with great hooks, fine musicianship, and sounding fresh, original, and intelligent. Easily one of the years' best. Take it from fans who listen to intelligent music, not from people who follow up an "uninspiring" article by putting Eminem on their cover. Amazon should publish a music mag! Also, noteworthy, this gets my vote for #1 album cover of the year.

I just purchased One Time Bells from the French Kicks at a show and have listened to it non-stop. Crying Just For Show is probably my favorite right now, it has a very sexy feel to it.

Of course, every song has something to offer- from the awesome piano in Down Now, to the screeching riff in the title track, not to mention Lawrence's Stumpf's firm bassman groove running across every moment of this sweet sweet record.

I first saw the French Kicks as an opening band. I saw them perform three times. The first show I saw I thought they were terrible. The music sounded totally disjointed - the vocals were slow, the music was fast -it just sounded a mess. I went to see a second show and was not looking forward to seeing French Kicks open again. This time, the music did not bother me as much. Maybe they were having an off night during at the first show? Anyway, my friend purchased "One Time Bells" and let me listen to it, and they sound totally better on the CD. The music and vocals, which sounded so disjointed live, came together on the CD. I am not a fan of the entire CD, but I have some favorites, and those songs which are good are very good. I also find the singer's voice very soothing.

I would say to give the Kicks a chance. It may take a few listenings to grow on you, but it is worth the time.

I, as many here seem to have, found out about The French Kicks through Hot Hot Heat. The first time I saw/heard of them was at the Hot Hot Heat concert this past December.

To be honest, I wasn't really feeling the Kicks that night, but bought the album because it seemed special. It's really great.

I'm so glad I bought it, but it definitely mood music.

This album rocks big time on many levels. The grooves are hot, the vocal melodies are great, the instrumentation is original. The french kicks are unique but not pretentious. And it's not that retro bullcrud like the mooney suzuki. And Hans Greer couldn't be more on -- the bass playing is tight, sweet, and pumpin'.