What can i say? Even the inlay cover kicks ass. "For people in Nashville, pay a quarter and call someone who cares." Pure genius. As for the album itself, it is over 50 minutes of incredible music. (by the way, adam, it ain't REM in the background, it's "Brick"! which does sound similar when sped up) Each of the 12 tracks has its own individual personality, dealing with a integral part of all our lives (my ass). The song content is mainly narrative, quite like the second greatest band in the world, The Divine Comedy. The lyrics are second to none, except maybe the Pumpkins. Here is a mini-review of each track.
A humourous look back on Ben's childhood, and the revenge he sought after being picked on at school. Basically a "who's laughing now" taunt at everyone who pushed him around. Incredibly catchy tune. Spiteful, bitter, hateful, brilliant. 7/10
A love song between two people who have had problems communicating, that jumps between a narrative of any old couple and Ben's actual experiences. It becomes hard to tell what the hell actually happened, but shit, its still a great song. Ain't all poetry like that? 8/10
Sheer class. Ben and Darren (Jessee)'s song about a guy who has taken his girlfriend for an abortion. The "Brick" of the song is the girl he loves, who is bringing him down. There are some truly great riffs in here, and stuff you'll find yourself singing (or trying, it is rather high in places) along even if you've only heard it a couple of times. This marks the album really getting underway. 9/10
Not much in the way of lyrics, "Give me my money back, you bitch", but hey, its a kind of universal feeling at anyone who's stabbed you in the back after you've given them something. Tongue-in-cheek anger, 6/10
Hmm, its a bit out of place with the songs so far, a gentle piano piece about a guy who has dumped his girlfriend after another communication breakdown. He is too selfless, cold and composed, to the point where he becomes unable to express any feeling. Life's Lessons, 7/10.
Ben and Darren's salute to some stoner girl they once knew, who was at one with nature and her guitar. Etc. A catchy bass line and great vocals, 7/10
A reminder that whatever has happened in the past, be it a big thing or a little one, is past, gone, forgotten, burning on the fire of time. Anyone who keeps living in the past is in danger of becoming smoke themselves. musically, it's functional, but nothing special. this is really just a song to get a point across, 7/10
A short lament of a guy who can't sleep for fear that his drug-abusing wife would kill herself and his family. Nice tune, great vocals to back it up, 8/10
Superb. This energetic, stupid story about a guy who tells everyone he's leaving town, but says the same thing for three weeks. Featuring members of the Klezmatics, its a real sing-a-long kind of a song, and the chorus is a great piece of 20's style music. Humourous and catchy,8/10
About a girlfriend who considered herself cool, and didn't bother with anything. Mocking admiration throughout, and has a message about relationships, that both sides have to make an effort for it to work. "Portraits of General Apathy and Major Boredom Singing...Whatever and Ever, Amen" Another catchy chorus, and a message to match, 9/10
Guy who feels trapped in his relationship, is "Missing the War". Nothing special going on here, and is really just a lead up to the final track, 6/10
Amazing. That is all I can say about it. A soft lament of a man whose life has gone astray, and no matter what he does, how hard he tries, it all evaporates. Brilliant lyrics, tune to match, and the vocal performance of the album. You'll find yourself wanting to listen to this over and over again, and for good reason. A grand final� if ever there was one, 10/10
