Who Is Saying What About VALENTINOS PIRATES:

Originally released in the former Soviet Union (as it slowly began to drift into oblivion) and finally making its debut worldwide, this hidden treasure reinforces the excellent credentials of pop journeyman Dave Rave (nee DesRoches). Displaying an eclecticism that is expansive and enjoyable, this re-issue boasts the gamut of rock styles - from vintage rock 'n' roll ("Do It All Over") to folk rock ("Welcome To The Next Generation"), from poignant vignettes ("Father Be Brave") to breathy balladry ("All Over The World"). A wonderful piece of obscure pop history.

(Kevin M. Mathews, "Power Of Pop")

Originally released only in Russia in 1989, this 19-track goldmine reissue proves why ex-Teenage Head member Dave Rave earned the reputation as Canada's Nick Lowe. Songs like "Weight Of The World" and "When Patti Rocked" show that Rave excelled at creating XTC-style acoustic power pop and had a way with making sad songs sound happy. He may have been part of Canada's punk kings, but this release showcases songwriting abilities that make you wonder why Rave didn't become a huge star all over the world.

(Tim Melton, "Chart" Magazine)

The term "lost classic" has become an overused cliché when discussing obscure rock albums. VALENTINO'S PIRATES, however, is an album that truly deserves the title of lost classic. All in all, this is a textbook example of the way a reissue should be done. Don't let this classic remain lost any longer - check it out now.

(Geoff Cabin, "Rock Beat International")

After breaking down some international barriers by being exclusively released ten years ago on the Russian Melodiya label, Dave Rave is finally back home. I must say that it was really worth the wait, because it would be too bad for a timeless pop jewel like this to be forgotten, or, even worse, in some cases left unknown. VALENTINO'S PIRATES surely deserves its place in the pop history, so don't miss the chance to join in!

(Goran Obradovic, "Popism")

VALENTINO'S PIRATES is easily the best album that Dave Edmunds or Marshall Crenshaw never made.

(Eliot Wilder, "Amplifier" Magazine)

Even if only as the answer to a fascinating trivia question ("What was the first North American album released exclusively by a post-Soviet state?"), the position of VALENTINOS PIRATES in the annals of pop music history would be secure. The album, however, far exceeds footnote status; in fact, on its musical merits, it demands and deserves acknowledgment as one of the most accomplished pop albums of the 20th century's final two decades, on a par with masterworks by eccentric peers like the Go-Betweens, XTC, Crowded House, and Guided by Voices.

(Stanton Swihart, "All Music Guide")

Hamilton's Dave "Rave" DesRoches can peak interest just with his life story: he's a one-time member of local Canadian punk legends Teenage Head, collaborator with members of the Washington Squares and Television, a part-time New York City resident and friend to many a well-respected, famous musician, Daniel Lanois included. None of this information, however, is the point. The point is that Rave made records - with Teenage Head, the DaveRave Conspiracy, and long-time musical partner Lauren Agnelli - and of all these projects, though each had a different tone and style, VALENTINO'S PIRATES stands out as Rave's best.

(Jamie Tennant, "The View")

These are songs that are too good to be forgotten. For example "Farmer Needs Rain," which sounds like a lost Big Star song, or simple and beautiful folk songs like "Freedom" and "All Over The World." VALENTINO'S PIRATES is, like one of its tracks says, "Good News."

(Robert Pally, "Opussy")

Is this THE long lost power-pop album? VALENTINO'S PIRATES reminds me of the GOOD albums that Nick Lowe used to make! In another Nick Lowe comparison, Dave's "Weight of the World" is as instantly magnetic as "Cruel To Be Kind." Although the album is over twelve years old, it doesn't feel like you are "stepping back." Maybe that's the sign of great pure-pop songs, they are timeless. Just like Dave's songs.

("GPR," "Ear Candy")

One often hears of this band or that band's "lost classic" album, but one rarely hears a lost classic that is actually worthy of being called a classic. The more I listen to VALENTINO'S PIRATES, originally released in 1990, the more I think that it may have earned true classic status.

(Mike Bennett, www.Fufkin.com)

Dave has toiled in the folk-pop duo Agnelli and Rave and played with Teenage Head back in the day, but VALENTINO'S PIRATES certainly contains the best material he's ever written.

(John M. Borack, "Amplifier" Magazine)

Dave "Rave" DesRoches is a highly gifted songwriter and a great singer. It is completely incomprehensible why this album did not get him a major label deal in the USA or Canada during its original release.

(Mike Korbik, "Guitars Galore")

This is the Dave Rave album to buy if you're only buying one.

(Howard Druckman, www.SOCAN.ca)

One never gets tired of listening to primo pop - and there's plenty of it on VALENTINO'S PIRATES.

(Eric Sorensen, www.Fufkin.com)

A delightful collection of crunchy, guitar-driven power-pop, slow ballads, and mid-tempo rockers, The Dave Rave Group shines, proving that guitar-pop when done right, with a decade-old album sounding fresh and alive today as much as it did back then, I'm sure. I'll give it an A-.

(Alex Steininger, "In Music We Trust")