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Post by dealwiththedealers on Mar 15, 2014 15:20:00 GMT -5
Post 'em here dudes. I'll have some thoughts later...
Edit:
I've given the album a few spins today. Aside from the pristine mixing/mastering, the thing that has jumped out at me the most is the vocal treatment. Never before has Craig's voice been so amended by filtering or other studio techniques. I think it works really well for the most part, though I thought it was a little out of hand on Runner's High. My first impression was that the excessive reverb on that song didn't really fit the attitude of the music. But maybe it'll grow on me.
I think The Only Thing is easily my favorite of the bunch right now. They just absolutely nailed the chorus - the vocal harmonies and layering, the wall of guitar sound, and the balance of it all is perfect. One of the most impactful songs they have ever recorded.
More thoughts as the songs continue to sink in...
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Post by 530folkmass on Mar 15, 2014 22:45:54 GMT -5
The best thing I have ever done is go ahead and listen to the stream on the German site.
As soon as it ends, I need to play it again and that is exactly what I'm doing. I didn't get this vibe with HIW.
I have a new fave track each listen - each is a standout - and I'm jonesing for each of the bonus tracks now because Runners High is sooooo good.
Rock on,
5:30
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Post by muzzleofbees on Mar 16, 2014 2:54:46 GMT -5
Very much first impressions. Listening through the records as I speak/write:
Frighten You: This grows on me. This is the first time I've heard it, and thought of it as one of the great spring songs, the kind of songs who open albums you know you'll listen to through the fist sunny days, the first warmer days, and into full blown summer. That's usually a good omen. I still think the bridge is the best part of the song, and the way it adds energy to the final parts of the song, is beautiful.
Spinners: This is a great song. Probably the most obvious contender for the Hold Steady canon. Loving it.
The Only Thing: Not so sure about this. Could be the sound of the stream, but it sounds a bit messy; the way the drums comes in on the chours, the ooo's in the background - something feels a bit weird. The song in itself is pretty cool!
The Ambassador: This is just beautiful. This is the kind of Hold Steady ballad I've been unknowingly waiting for. So lush, so sweet, but still with that nerve and underlying intensity. Not as desparate as a few of the earlier ballads, but still edgy. I really, really like this.
On With The Business: Maybe not the best reference, but I get a The Smidge (and maybe Joke About Jamaica as well) feeling on this one. I love the chours, but the verses building up to it are a bit to static, heartless and cold. That seems very harsh, and I would have used other words on my own language, but this is a kind of song/melody that don't hit me instantly.
Big Cig: Amazing intro, fantastic interplay between the fuzzy guitar and the drums in the verses. It just gets better when the rest of the band kicks in. And the hectic, melodic, funny chours works as well. Not a big song (no pun intended) to me, more like a great, funny rock song stacked inside the album.
Wait Awhile: I've never though of it, hearing the live recordings, but isn't that intro Chicago Seemed Tried reworked? Great, anyway. This is gonna kill it live, and the chours are fantastic. And it's fitting with that beautiful bridge, and the way the song builds itself up again. I love the sound of it as well, more melodic and breathing than a couple of the ones I don't like just as much. This has every sign of a classic Hold Steady song.
Runner's High: Another sweet Tad intro, and I get that Oasis feeling. It goes into a great riff. This is another of those songs with the drive and the feeling I like the most. Insisting, forward-looking, sweet and melancholic. Craig's vocals seems unnecessary low in the mix, but again, it might be the sound of the stream. Like Big Cig, this doesn't seem "big" or "important", it's just a great song.
Almost Everything: Starts out like a Bon Jovi slow jam, develops into the song I recognize from the live recordings. I'm a bit skeptical to the sound of the song. I feel it either should have been "cleaner", and not so airy/produced, or made even bigger, stronger. But the melody, the song, is really sweet. And I think it might grow on me. (Edit: After listening to Oaks, I think the song is a bit misplaced. Beautiful on it's own, but a slow and clean song just before the big, slow closes might not be perfect. I'm not the biggest fan of Chillout Tent, but it's crucial betweet Citrus and Southtown Girls - if you get what I mean).
Oaks: Obviously the epic one. And after one listen, I don't think I can say that much more. I think my thoughts on the song will be heavy influenced of how well the rest of the album ends up getting to me. If there's one thing I miss right away, it is a sense of urgency. I've never been the biggest fan of either Slapped Actress or A Slight DIscomfort, but both songs had a really nice momentum. They had that one moment, that climax. I didn't find that in Oaks.
So to sum it up: It's a good album with some great songs. I really like the rock vibe of the album. It's obvious that all the talk about "a big rock record" was true. The production also sounds sweet, even though the sound of a stream makes it a bit muddy. I have faith in the proper mastered versions we'll hear in a few days.
My favourites after one listen is the entire streak from Spinners to Runner's High, except The Only Thing (which I like, even though I'm not crazy about it). I question the sequencing of the last two songs. Right know, I feel it would have been wiser to add a louder and more upbeat song between Almost Everything and Oaks - or replacing Almost Everything with a song like that. I like Almost Everything, but the albums ends with 13 minutes of slow stuff. That don't seem right, after the great stretch of songs leading up to it.
And this is just first impressions. These songs will grow on me, the album as an album will grow on me. I'm really happy we got this now. A new record to fill my mind, new songs to be played live, a fresh start.
(Also: When Heaven Is Whenever came out, I first heard it at 8 in the evening, with a six pack of beer, played loud on my stereo. This one, I listened to at 8 in the morning, on headphones, with a coffee in my hand. I can't wait for the loud stereo premiere in my own living room.)
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Post by john60 on Mar 16, 2014 7:08:27 GMT -5
The whole album is really solid - with highs and lows, and some standout tracks - but really want to wait until I have the CD to listen to it loud - the streams don't do the work the guys have put in, in the studio, justice. But it's great - still counting the days - want the real thing :-)
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davew
Clever Kid
Posts: 90
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Post by davew on Mar 16, 2014 7:43:35 GMT -5
very impressed on first listen. can't wait to spin it again and get inside it a little more. The ending of Oaks gave be goosebumps - beautiful. There isn't a track on there I didn't like. Gonna give it another listen now...
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Post by bobsacamano on Mar 16, 2014 9:31:07 GMT -5
Only listened to The Ambassador and Wait a While - I'm not going to pass judgment on the album until I'm listening to the proper thing. I thought the streams of Frighten You were pretty blah, but the actual thing is brilliant.
I'll say this, though - I'm really skeptical of the vocal effects. I don't get them. At all. Maybe it'll make more sense when I hear the actual thing, but I don't really understand why Craig's vocals need an echo, or whatever warbly effect is running throughout the two songs I've heard. I will reiterate, though - I had the exact same reactions to Frigthen You and Spinners, and my opinion did a 180 once I heard the full thing.
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Post by dealwiththedealers on Mar 16, 2014 10:20:55 GMT -5
I'll say this, though - I'm really skeptical of the vocal effects. I don't get them. At all. Maybe it'll make more sense when I hear the actual thing, but I don't really understand why Craig's vocals need an echo, or whatever warbly effect is running throughout the two songs I've heard. I will reiterate, though - I had the exact same reactions to Frigthen You and Spinners, and my opinion did a 180 once I heard the full thing. The echo/reverb on Runner's High is a bit out of control, in my opinion. |
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Eric
True Scene Leader
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Post by Eric on Mar 16, 2014 11:11:55 GMT -5
Almost Everything made me weep.
It may be my new 2nd favourite THS song.
I expected more from Oaks, the way people have been hyping it up. It's great, it's just, not my cup of tea. It's not quite Resurrection or Discomfort.. I suppose the thing that let me down on this one was the fade out at the end. The song doesn't actually have an ending, it just ends too abruptly. Most People Are DJs upsets me for the same reason.
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Post by jwd on Mar 16, 2014 12:34:51 GMT -5
To me,the coda of Oaks makes this a transcendent album. And dare I say....maybe their best album?
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yakman
Cityscape Skin
Posts: 18
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Post by yakman on Mar 16, 2014 14:48:20 GMT -5
I found it hard to digest as a whole on my first listen - perhaps I listened to the two singles, various snippets and live versions too much. Nonetheless, I think it will prove to be an impressive part of the band's canon. It's an interesting development thematically. More ambiguous and less character-orientated, but unmistakably anxious, even regretful in tone; we're a long way from the party pit. Perhaps only 'Spinners' offers Finn's usual brand of everyday redemption and hope.
The albums lyrical concerns are also allowed for the first time to effect the music. Where the band used to offer an anthemic counterpoint to Finn's darkest moments, here they come out in sympathy: even the most fist-pumping moments are denser, more complex and undercut with regret and tension.
I would echo some other posters' concerns about some aspects of the production. Sometimes the thick, effects-laden sound suits the songs, adding depth and complexity to match the lyrics ('On with the Business', 'The Only Thing', 'Oaks'), but on simpler songs ('Wait a While', 'Big Cig') the additions are unwelcome distractions, at worst cloaking Finn's voice in syrupy reverb. The guitars however, sound as heavy and muscular as anything since Almost Killed Me.
I wouldn't like to set the album against their catalogue yet, but it already feels like a part of it.
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Post by Rich Tarbell on Mar 16, 2014 14:52:48 GMT -5
To me,the coda of Oaks makes this a transcendent album. And dare I say....maybe their best album? Agreed and as for the latter, I'll say it with you ... Best album top-to-bottom yet. |
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Post by doctoracula on Mar 16, 2014 15:20:25 GMT -5
i want to hear this so bad, but i'm holding off because i hate hearing anything for the first time via streaming audio
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Post by st5801 on Mar 16, 2014 15:36:33 GMT -5
My first impression is that its great, 8/10. Better than Heaven is Whenever by a large margin and probably better than Stay Positive too, although it will take time to really get a feel for it. Guitars sound amazing and the songs are all fully developed, whereas a couple tracks on HIW felt rushed.
My only complaint is that there are a couple places where the production and vocal effects are excessive. In most cases it grows on you. The only song that really suffers from it is Runner's High, which is nearly ruined for me by the production. Craig's vocals are too low in the mix and the swampy effect makes them hard to hear. The song would be fantastic with normal production. Would be interesting to hear a demo version of it. I'm sure it will be great live, though.
Aside from that, great job by the band.
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Post by dealwiththedealers on Mar 16, 2014 16:43:46 GMT -5
Listened again today. Overall, I think this is an excellent record. The songs are just really strong, top to bottom. The harmonies on The Ambassador ('Pretty sure you recognize these guys') are fantastic.
Worth the friggin' wait.
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Post by walkaroundanddrink on Mar 16, 2014 17:15:27 GMT -5
Favorite so far is Big Cig, I think it has a great vibe that is almost a mix of the sounds on AKM and SP
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Post by walkaroundanddrink on Mar 16, 2014 17:19:01 GMT -5
Love the opening licks on "wait while" as well
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Post by gunnerbill on Mar 16, 2014 20:29:58 GMT -5
Ok, well hello everyone, I need someone to talk me down.
Is everyone OK with the vocal effects, I can't help but think the album would be 10x better without them
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mattjs
True Scene Leader
Posts: 573
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Post by mattjs on Mar 17, 2014 4:26:56 GMT -5
Its fingers in ears time and lots of lalalala from me think I'm gonna stay 'pure' for when I get hold of the CD....nice to get some first impressions though
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Post by campfirewood1980 on Mar 17, 2014 4:56:31 GMT -5
To me,the coda of Oaks makes this a transcendent album. And dare I say....maybe their best album? Agreed and as for the latter, I'll say it with you ... Best album top-to-bottom yet. If you cats are saying this... whoa. I'm holding out until my vinyl arrives and trying to temper expectations. Still, when all of my people I trust on records like this are singing its praises... |
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mcstevepants
Hoodrat
Shaky but still tryin' to shake it.
Posts: 400
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Post by mcstevepants on Mar 17, 2014 8:47:44 GMT -5
Another solid addition to the THS library. The Only Thing and Oaks are my favy-favs, though I will agree that fade-out endings are the worrrrst. They just feel like a cop-out. They also are used a lot in classic rock though, which of course is a huge influence on THS.
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Post by gunnerbill on Mar 17, 2014 9:36:16 GMT -5
I think I get the reverb and the faraway sound of his voice. I think it gives the whole thing a dream-like quality...This album reminds of Pink Floyd's The Wall in a strange way
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cre618
True Scene Leader
Posts: 714
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Post by cre618 on Mar 17, 2014 10:33:27 GMT -5
OK, I broke down and listened to the stream. Really wanted my first listen to be through headphones on Vinyl, but I couldn't resist.
Had to listen to Oaks twice. Wow. After one listen, this thing is really good. The vocal effects don't bother me at all. Some of it might be the stream too, FYI. I love how much the record sounds like classic THS, with some updates on the sound here and there. Fantastic production. So bummed I didn't get Wait Awhile in Austin last week.
Can't wait to get it in my grubby little hands and read the lyrics while I listen.
They're back big time. It was a long wait for this record, but completely worth it.
I love this band.
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Post by dealwiththedealers on Mar 17, 2014 11:52:41 GMT -5
I agree with cre618. I think the vocal treatment is a huge plus for most of the record and adds to its thematic foundation. The only song where it seems excessive is Runner's High, but it's not like I can't discern the lyrics.
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Post by lukeindetroit on Mar 17, 2014 14:52:38 GMT -5
So tempted to listen to this, but I'm not going to. Holding out till next Tuesday, when I can pop it in my car, and listen to it front to back while aimlessly cruising the abandoned streets of Detroit. It's the only way I listen to albums I've been anticipating for this long. But so far, the reviews here are encouraging!
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citrus
Clever Kid
"Lets everyone act like a goddamn professional!"
Posts: 103
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Post by citrus on Mar 17, 2014 19:06:37 GMT -5
This whole German espionage business is a little out there... That said I gave this thing a listen through to hold me over for the week and I am damn happy with the results. "Big Cigs" makes me want to take a 5th of JD to myself, "Almost Everything" had me choked up, and the rest of the album had me filling in the emotional spectrum in between. When the drums get roomy and boomy on the bridge of "The Only Thing" I said "yes" out loud to myself (I have confidence that any reservations I have about the production will be resolved with a spin of the record and a lyric sheet in front of me). In short, I cannot wait to get more familiar with this thing. Roll out the red carpet for March 25th.  |
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