caliber66 Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 Okay, so I've downloaded the new album (or maybe I haven't) and listened to it a couple times, and I'm pretty sure I like it. I definitely like the second half better than the first at this point. I'm glad to hear something different, but I do miss the Boquists an awful lot. Some of it sounds like he's trying too hard to me, but overall, I'm pretty happy with it. Anyone else? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
PigSooie Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 It's ok. "Highways and Cigarettes" is the best track on the album. I have a hard time following the album. I'm almost confused listening to it. I'm still hoping it grows on me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MattZ Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 The reviews I see seem to be very positive on the whole, but I stumbled across his website yesterday and a couple of songs were streaming. I don't know; it didn't do anything for me. I had a similar reaction to caliber's -- it seems that he is trying to hard. I will reserve judgment until I hear the whole album -- maybe tonight -- but at first blush I wasn't all that impressed. FWIW, I really liked Okemah. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cryptique Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 My spies tell me that Son Volt will be on Conan tonight. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TheMaker Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 Great record. The first side is airtight, and side two has its share of gems, too (notably "Methamphetamine" and "L-Train"). It's one hell of a lot better than what we've heard of the new Wilco, anyway, which isn't a side of the fence I ever thought I'd see myself on. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aricandover Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 there're three songs I like. I'd probably like the rest of them, if Jay didn't sound like someone was squeezing his nuts. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ction Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 Stangely enough, I have almost no desire to hear this record. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SarahC Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 i really like what i have heard... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aricandover Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 Stangely enough, I have almost no desire to hear this record. OK. but what did you think if American Beer? at the time of it's release, I didn't care much for it, but I've recently revisitied the album and I must say, it's not too shabby. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
socbret Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 From the few listens I've had to this album so far it's great. I really liked Okemah too, but this is really a step up. I'm excited for May when they come through. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
caliber66 Posted March 1, 2007 Author Share Posted March 1, 2007 For the record, I think Okemah was Son Volt's worst record, but it's still got some really good stuff on it. The new album has some of the same elements of Okemah (the dreaded whine), but includes some stuff (horns?) that I wouldn't expect to hear on a Son Volt album. Lots more piano than any Son Volt stuff ever had, but I guess that's to be expected, as they have added a keyboard player. I still need some more time on this one, I think. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Calexico Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 I really like what I have heard of it so far. I do think that Jay is straining at times to hit the higher notes and I don't see why he needs to go there anyway. The album kicks off a bit weak but it does grow stronger as you journey through it. Circadian Rhythm, Methamphetamine, Adrenaline Heresy and Highways&Cigarettes are top drawer stuff. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Artifex Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 Well I don't have the whole album, just whats on the site. But I'm liking the sound of it. And they are playing the Vic the day after my birthday. How can I resist? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Doug Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 I haven't heard the album yet, but from what folks are saying about it (e.g. horns, piano, etc.), I'm thinking that maybe The Search is similar to Jay's solo stuff. Would y'all agree? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Analogman Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 I have heard it - and I am not sure if I will buy it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Calexico Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 I haven't heard the album yet, but from what folks are saying about it (e.g. horns, piano, etc.), I'm thinking that maybe The Search is similar to Jay's solo stuff. Would y'all agree? In fairness, the horns are only on one track and I think it kinda works. It was a bit strange at first but it works for the song. Some of the songs towards the end of the album are brilliant. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
danelectro Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 I've heard a little of it and it sounds great to me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wheelco Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 the horns are only on one trackthat's good, I hate horns in rock music I suppose I'll buy this, since I own all the other SV releases Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Calexico Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 I am not a big fan of them myself either, or the saxaphone come to think of it. I hate this Jay vs Jeff thing. It smacks of high school triballism. Isn't there enough manufactured pop shite out there to rail against rather than bitch and moan about two decent musicians and their work? If you don't like one or the other, fair enough. No need to denigrate and deride their work if it is not to your taste though. Apropos of nought....the nicest musician I ever met was Willy Vlautin from Richmond Fontaine. He sat and drank and chatted with us at our table after their gig a week or so back. Top notch dude. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aricandover Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 I hate this Jay vs Jeff thing. there is none of this going on in this thread. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Calexico Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 there is none of this going on in this thread. OK. I shall start some then and berate myself afterwards. You can count on me. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
socbret Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 It sounds like Jay is trying to make his YHF. Stick, meet ant pile. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DawgSong Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 Listened to it all day. Take late IRS era REM and toss in newer Bruce Cockburn.Seriously, album has that feel. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gobias Industries Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 It's one hell of a lot better than what we've heard of the new Wilco, anyway, which isn't a side of the fence I ever thought I'd see myself on. there is none of this going on in this thread. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Szabo Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 I'd love to, oink, i mean hear this album... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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