05-13-2009, 12:03 AM
This album is a departure and with anything new, there is bound to be controversy and disagreement. The problem with WATS is not that the Hip wanted something different, it's that Bob Rock different is no damn good.
The HIp built their reputation and loyal following through basic guitar driven compositions. Unfortunately, members of the band felt a need to"evolve". Enter Bob Rock and his vision of a bigger, better Hip. Rock is more interested in show casing his production rather than putting the basic Hip components front and center. Rock buries the guitars, drums and vocals under orchestral accompaniments and overblown backing vocals. The Hip need to be stripped down not built up. Just look at the response to their acoustic set on this tour as proof. With this band, less really is more.
The good news is that in another album or two, the Hip will see the error of their ways and hire Rick Rubin to take them back old school (see Metallica). Until then, I will only listen live versions of songs from WC and WATS.
The HIp built their reputation and loyal following through basic guitar driven compositions. Unfortunately, members of the band felt a need to"evolve". Enter Bob Rock and his vision of a bigger, better Hip. Rock is more interested in show casing his production rather than putting the basic Hip components front and center. Rock buries the guitars, drums and vocals under orchestral accompaniments and overblown backing vocals. The Hip need to be stripped down not built up. Just look at the response to their acoustic set on this tour as proof. With this band, less really is more.
The good news is that in another album or two, the Hip will see the error of their ways and hire Rick Rubin to take them back old school (see Metallica). Until then, I will only listen live versions of songs from WC and WATS.