Hello Again
So JJ and I went out to get a copy of Stand Up last night. Let me tell you, I was very skittish coming off the first listen. I didn't know how exactly I should review it (privately or in discussion among friends). JJ was, and this is an understatement, very pleased with the album - in fact, he was extremely excited about the new direction the band has taken. I, on the other hand, conforming to my natural habit and instinct to cling desperately to the old ways I love so greatly, was bordering on disappointment at this new change of musical course.
It was to the point where I only really outright liked about three songs on the album - "Old Dirt Hill," "Hello Again," and "American Baby." There were one or two others that piqued my interest. However, as I strode out of my apartment building today, I was determined to, at the least, give the album another good solid listen on my way to work.
And I am so glad I did.
This is perhaps one of the best albums I have heard from any band in several years. It's unbelievably fresh, energetic and smooth ... and exceptionally timely considering that the band hasn't really put out any (truly) new material since 2001's Everyday, which was followed up within a month by the leaked release of the album the band had been working on before that, what DMB hardcore fans refer to as The Lillywhite Sessions.
I am midway through my third listening of the album, having put it on an infinite loop that just restarts the whole thing once the last song plays out. On the way to work, I discovered I really, really like "Smooth Rider" and "You Might Die Trying."
For those out there who were disappointed immediately upon the first listen, I say this: PLAY IT AGAIN. If you aren't attracted to it upon a second listening, I'd be inclined to suggest you probably aren't going to like it on a third - but play it a third time anyway. It really is a good album, nay, a great album.
I'm a smooth rider baby
You know I just keep moving on
I don't know why I like to carry on
The way I do,
It's just that I'm in love with you
- DMB, Smooth Rider
It was to the point where I only really outright liked about three songs on the album - "Old Dirt Hill," "Hello Again," and "American Baby." There were one or two others that piqued my interest. However, as I strode out of my apartment building today, I was determined to, at the least, give the album another good solid listen on my way to work.
And I am so glad I did.
This is perhaps one of the best albums I have heard from any band in several years. It's unbelievably fresh, energetic and smooth ... and exceptionally timely considering that the band hasn't really put out any (truly) new material since 2001's Everyday, which was followed up within a month by the leaked release of the album the band had been working on before that, what DMB hardcore fans refer to as The Lillywhite Sessions.
I am midway through my third listening of the album, having put it on an infinite loop that just restarts the whole thing once the last song plays out. On the way to work, I discovered I really, really like "Smooth Rider" and "You Might Die Trying."
For those out there who were disappointed immediately upon the first listen, I say this: PLAY IT AGAIN. If you aren't attracted to it upon a second listening, I'd be inclined to suggest you probably aren't going to like it on a third - but play it a third time anyway. It really is a good album, nay, a great album.
I'm a smooth rider baby
You know I just keep moving on
I don't know why I like to carry on
The way I do,
It's just that I'm in love with you
- DMB, Smooth Rider
posted by Dave at 12:06:00 PM
1 Comments:
Kate nearly had a heart attack when I told her we had the album a day early at work. You guys are so cute.
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