Well in case anyone is tallying up the reviews, I'll just say that after one complete listen I am loving this album. Slight preference towards the softer songs (ie: the first half), but the whole thing rocks. As has been mentioned before, lots of "wow" moments that made me smile. Some very different and unusual chord/key changes in some songs that will keep the songs interesting after multiple listens (but that may sabotage the chances of many songs becoming hit singles).
Gord does some very different things vocally here, there is a CRAZY solo by Baker, and there are some longer, epic songs. The chorus to Now the Struggle Has a Name is instantly appealing and sounds like it could have been a hit power ballad from the mid nineties....in a good way). The whole album sounds like a step forward for the band. And as for the effect of Bob Rock, If there is a difference between "crisp"/"polished" and "overproduced", I think this album trends towards the former. Alright, time to go listen again.
CB
I am actually waiting this out. Real talk.
This album is a masterpiece, IMO, the bos have never sounded better, or more on their game, who cares who produced it...
Third listen and I am just so pleased to be a long time fan of a band who can release an album this good.
Loving the acoustic stuff with all the strings and whatnot, but the last four songs are going to be fecking mental live. :jump :jump :jump
Wrong or right, better or worse, I could'nt stop myself. Just cranked the entire thing on my living room stereo!
SOME THOUGHTS:
There is a great deal to digest with this album. A lot going on. Tons of alternate musical instumentation. Strings, mandolins, choirs, keys all over the place, various percussion, Odd chord changes.
*People who want Road Apples might not be that into it but that doesn't mean it does not rock because it actually does in many spots.
*Downies voice is angelic. Hands down the best singing he has ever done.
*Many standout tracks for different reasons. "Now the Struggle is amazing", "Exact Feeling" is very radio friendly and very classic Hip sounding to me. "Queen of the Furrows" is very decieving from the sound clip...this song really rocks!!
*The only song I don't care for (maybe it will grow on me) is "Frozen in my Tracks". The odd timing and mediocre melody line just can't be saved by all the layers of different instuments and vocal tricks. I will have to revisit this one in a couple months!
*** I am sure (as was mentioned, rumored) that the Hip will have to tour with a backing musician/keyboard player this tour. I don't see how many of these songs would ever be able to be played live without some keyboard and extra vocal help.
*I almost get the feeling that the album was more of a Sgt Pepper to the guys than a stab at radio or comercial appeal. Many experiments on this record. I would not blame/or compliment MR Rock either. The band has the say in what kind of production they want as much as anyone does (if not final say on all of it!). I think they just wanted to do this at this point.
*I can start to fantasize about the setlists now!!! lol.. I was thinking how cool a one-two punch of Speed River and Little Bones would be to end a set!!!!!
Very good album! I'd give it a B+ or an A-.
just my 2 cents :thumb:
The people who complained about Gord's "screaming" instead of singing on World Container should be incredibly happy. I honestly don't think he's ever sounded better than he does right now. When he does that falsetto in the chorus of "Honey, Please" I get goosebumps. Does that song remind anybody of a peppier "Throwing Off Glass," by the way? I totally get that vibe.
screw_ball Wrote:I am actually waiting this out. Real talk.
Hell no, dude - you have to get it, then get on AIM later and nit-pick it with me.
spottrax Wrote:*The only song I don't care for (maybe it will grow on me) is "Frozen in my Tracks". The odd timing and mediocre melody line just can't be saved by all the layers of different instuments and vocal tricks. I will have to revisit this one in a couple months!
just my 2 cents :thumb:
funny, i thought that was one of the best ones...along with Morning Moon, and Recluse.
Sure sucks to read about songs you want to listen to, but can't.
sure you can...
ps: there is a a mini-rant on the album. :thumb:
The Horrible Esthete Wrote:Sure sucks to read about songs you want to listen to, but can't.
Yeah, I actually think we should have a "Leak Discussion Thread" so folks with better self-restraint don't have to see pages of "oh my god Queen of the Furrows/Speed River/etc."
The Darkest Canuck Wrote:spottrax Wrote:*The only song I don't care for (maybe it will grow on me) is "Frozen in my Tracks". The odd timing and mediocre melody line just can't be saved by all the layers of different instuments and vocal tricks. I will have to revisit this one in a couple months!
just my 2 cents :thumb:
funny, i thought that was one of the best ones...along with Morning Moon, and Recluse.
I knew someone would chime in with the "i really dig frozen in my tracks" opinion... Great thing about us Hipfans... we can dissagree peacefully :rambo: ha!
I do agree that Morning Moon and Recluse are fantastic... :thumb:
Let me say this: I'm encouraged.
I'll wait for my copy to hear, though.
"I'd sell a giraffe and give you half."
This album is fucking awesome. :thumb:
I was listening in my car, and Coffee Girl's bassline is funky and loud as hell. Great driving music.
Is it just gonna be me Screwball and Esthete who are gonna hold out? I've rarely been more jealous, but I always make a promise myself not to listen until it's released. At least this way there's gonna be some sweet surprises in for me with live from Bathouse... Bastards. :wink: