posted
Let me preface this post by saying, as should be obvious, that pretty much everything in it is a statement of opinion.
The Music's second album, Welcome to the North was released today. I've been eagerly waiting for it -- so much so that I nearly bought it in New Zealand for NZ$30 (CDN$25.84, US$20.52). But I didn't, and today was the North American release. I picked it up for CDN$14, plus tax, so ultimately I was out CDN$16.09.
For this record, that's easily worth it. But first, a few criticisms:
Descending major thirds (the top half of a minor triad, and in this case used as such rather than as the bottom half of a major triad in all but one case) were used on all of the first five tracks. On a couple of them (tracks 1 and 5, I think, but I could be mistaken here), the whole minor triad is used in exactly the same way. Could you be a little more imaginative, please? Yes, it sounds good, but how about waiting an album or so before using the same chord progression -- albeit transposed -- again? You can get away with doing this. For instance, Bush, on Sixteen Stone, had Glycerine; then, ten or so years later, they had Headful of Ghosts on The Golden State. Both use exactly the same core chord progression, but both are distinct -- and fantastic -- songs. I expected more of The Music, particularly when they commit this particular musical crime within the space of five tracks.
The other minor irritant is the drumming. I realize that the drummer loves dance, and that's fine and all, but a little more variety somewhere in the first five tracks would have been nice. I know that the disco/dance beat is your schtick, buddy, but you are a good drummer and you can do other stuff if you put your mind to it...
...as the last six tracks show, in spades. The last half of the album diversifies, thankfully, and actually has moments that I'd even call epic. Particularly the secret song.
At 1'50 into track five, The Music actually turn into Led Zeppelin for about twenty seconds. I kid you not, I mean, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page resonate through the band like you wouldn't believe. They do it again on track ten.
Track seven sounds a bit like something out of the Oasis playbook, which is interesting, and good to hear from The Music because they do it very well.
I definitely have a soft spot for track nine, which is called I Need Love. I was expecting a sappy, pining ballad, and got... snappy, groovy fast dance/rock. Man, that's great stuff.
There are also some deliciously heavy moments. Stuff from track ten and the secret song come to mind. That's one thing I'd like to hear from them -- thicker, fuller guitars, just on occasion.
The opening track is a bit of sizzler, too, actually. It's the title track and was definitely the right one to open the album with.
It's an interesting contrast to their first record, which shifts quite dramatically over the course of the first half and then settles into a mellower groove for the rest of the disc. It sort of seems like they've overcompensated... Okay, I'm rambling. But to sum up: maybe not the best track order, and a little more sonic variety on the first half would have been nice, but it's definitely a solid record and is definitely a worthy successor to their first one.
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posted
Awesome. I'll definitely be checking it out. There first album definitely sounded a bit rough to me. But there were moments of greatness there(Take the long road and walk it, The People, Getaway, others...), and I was always really excited to see what they could do with a second album. They were really young when they made that first album. 17? 18? And new to the whole thing, and I think it showed.
If you(or anyone else ) ever have a chance to see them live, do it. They put on a great show. And the lead singer has more energy than i thought was possible up on that stage. That's originally where I thought I saw Zeppelin coming out, in his stage performance. He's like a little Robert Plant.
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posted
Twinky, I remembered the third group I compared them to, but it wasn't a whole group.
I said they reminded me of Zeppelin, with a little bit of Oasis, and that the lead singer sounded like Perry Farrell.
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posted
I really want to see them live. Them and Muse. And Tool. Then my rock show life would be complete.
Perry Farrell? That name doesn't ring any bells. Should I be looking into him?
Edit: Also, when they released their first album, all four members were 19. I believe that all four members are now 21... and I just can't stop listening to this record!
posted
So I went and picked up the album the other day. My initial thoughts are along the lines of "awesome".
In more detail...
On my first listen I thought Track one was pretty cool, but then the next 3 tracks really didn't do anything for me. They were okay rocks songs but just didn't seem to have much variety, were reminiscent of some stuff off of the debut album and all in all just didn't grab me. But once track 5 hit(Breakin), I was suddenly inspired again. The next track, Cessation , really grabbed me, in a "i can't stop moving" sort of way. And for the rest of the tracks I was in love with the album. Especially I Need Love and the bonus track. Those two are probably my favs on the album. I know why you like the extra track Twink. It's cause it almost has a Tool feel to it, parts of it.
Anyway, listening to the album the second time I had a greater appreciation for not only the first track but also the next three. I think alot of it had to do with the fact that i wasn't waiting to hear something new. I knew what was coming and was able to enjoy the songs, even if The Music can do better. My feelings on the rest of the album stayed pretty much the same, except Cessation is fighting for it's right to be up there with I Need Love and the bonus track.
Awesome album. The Music really are an awesome band. I hope they grow into one of the greats, I think they can.
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posted
Yeah, I know what you mean. ...and I think you're right about why I like the bonus track so much
These guys have a lot of potential to get even better. They're touring Canada this December, but unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to see them; they aren't coming far enough east.
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) ever have a chance to see them live, do it. They put on a great show. And the lead singer has more energy than i thought was possible up on that stage. That's originally where I thought I saw Zeppelin coming out, in his stage performance. He's like a little Robert Plant.
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