2008 Woodie Awards
Vote Absentee
Mixed reviews for three summer albums
Jana Kasperkevic
Issue date: 7/7/08 Section: Arts
Wanderlust - Bush
On June 3, Gavin Rossdale, formerly of the band Bush, released his solo album, "Wanderlust." After listening to the album, it seems that Rossdale had something to prove and might not have succeeded.
Visibly trying to find himself as a solo artist, he portrays his struggle in some of the lyrics and tries a variety of styles, which does not go over well. The best example of this weird experimentation is the song This Place Is on Fire found at the end of the album.
The first two songs are good enough to keep one listening, but not good enough to get one excited about "Wanderlust." It is not until one gets to Forever May You Run, that one is finally able to truly hear Rossdale and his talents.
The best songs on this record are slow and with no pretensions, unlike the other songs where the listener will be able to tell that Rossdale is trying too hard. It might be ironic that in the song Love Remains the Same, one of the better songs on this album, the lyrics go "the truth is, I am done pretending." His website, gavinrossdale.com, claims that "Wanderlust" explores a more mature Gavin, with a sense of freedom, emotion, and musical depth never heard from the grunge-era superstar."
Overall, it's a decent record with some hits and misses. It is more slow paced and mellow than loud and fast even though Rossdale does attempt slow songs here and there. You should only buy "Wanderlust" if you are Rossdale fan. If you are just looking for something new to listen to, keep looking.
The Seldom Seen Kid - Elbow
If you are looking for a mellow album to stretch out and rest to, then "The Seldom Seen Kid," which was released in the U.S. this past April, is it. Besides the song Grounds for the Divorce, which is more of a lively rhythmic recording, Elbow was able to create a relaxing set of songs.
Even when the music tempo picks up or the lyrics get strong, the listener is still able to lay back, turn off their mind and enjoy the music instead of being violently dragged into the music itself.
The only advice as far as "The Seldom Seen Kid" goes is do not stretch out until the first song is over. The honk-like sounds throughout the song might cause you to tumble out of your hammock.
Get In! - The Mood
The Mood, as a band, know what they want. Their second record, "Get In!" might only have six songs on it, but they are better able to display their talents there than most bands can in longer albums.
The band consists of Marco Argiro, vocals and guitar; Corinne Callen, vocals, glockenspiel and keyboards; Kenton Langstroth, guitar; Chris Bunatta, drums and Brian Karp, bass. With both Argiro and Callen at vocals, the mix of the two genders creates a refreshing change to the single-singer sound.
Utilizing the vocals as well as the instruments, each song becomes unique and has a charm of its own. Fast-paced and catchy, the songs straddle the line between pop and punk rock and can quickly become favorites for anyone who buys the album.
On June 3, Gavin Rossdale, formerly of the band Bush, released his solo album, "Wanderlust." After listening to the album, it seems that Rossdale had something to prove and might not have succeeded.
Visibly trying to find himself as a solo artist, he portrays his struggle in some of the lyrics and tries a variety of styles, which does not go over well. The best example of this weird experimentation is the song This Place Is on Fire found at the end of the album.
The first two songs are good enough to keep one listening, but not good enough to get one excited about "Wanderlust." It is not until one gets to Forever May You Run, that one is finally able to truly hear Rossdale and his talents.
The best songs on this record are slow and with no pretensions, unlike the other songs where the listener will be able to tell that Rossdale is trying too hard. It might be ironic that in the song Love Remains the Same, one of the better songs on this album, the lyrics go "the truth is, I am done pretending." His website, gavinrossdale.com, claims that "Wanderlust" explores a more mature Gavin, with a sense of freedom, emotion, and musical depth never heard from the grunge-era superstar."
Overall, it's a decent record with some hits and misses. It is more slow paced and mellow than loud and fast even though Rossdale does attempt slow songs here and there. You should only buy "Wanderlust" if you are Rossdale fan. If you are just looking for something new to listen to, keep looking.
The Seldom Seen Kid - Elbow
If you are looking for a mellow album to stretch out and rest to, then "The Seldom Seen Kid," which was released in the U.S. this past April, is it. Besides the song Grounds for the Divorce, which is more of a lively rhythmic recording, Elbow was able to create a relaxing set of songs.
Even when the music tempo picks up or the lyrics get strong, the listener is still able to lay back, turn off their mind and enjoy the music instead of being violently dragged into the music itself.
The only advice as far as "The Seldom Seen Kid" goes is do not stretch out until the first song is over. The honk-like sounds throughout the song might cause you to tumble out of your hammock.
Get In! - The Mood
The Mood, as a band, know what they want. Their second record, "Get In!" might only have six songs on it, but they are better able to display their talents there than most bands can in longer albums.
The band consists of Marco Argiro, vocals and guitar; Corinne Callen, vocals, glockenspiel and keyboards; Kenton Langstroth, guitar; Chris Bunatta, drums and Brian Karp, bass. With both Argiro and Callen at vocals, the mix of the two genders creates a refreshing change to the single-singer sound.
Utilizing the vocals as well as the instruments, each song becomes unique and has a charm of its own. Fast-paced and catchy, the songs straddle the line between pop and punk rock and can quickly become favorites for anyone who buys the album.
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