Field Trip: The First Impressions
(Reviewed by Greg Littlefield - Sept 9, 2000)

The first track (and first single), "Black Eye" is the one atypical GOW track on the album, but that's only because the distortion is turned to 11 on the guitar. It should stand up well against any Matchbox 20 tune on the radio, especially if there's a "radio remix" version.

The rest of the tracks are pure GOW that we've all come to know and love. The best way I can describe how this album sounds is that it's a mix of "These Days" and ginger's "Far Out" (mostly noticed on Tom's songs; he's kept the low, throaty style in his singing). The vocals are relaxed, most of the songs are fairly textured, there's plenty of acoustic guitar and hammond organ. After only a couple spins, the tracks that stand out in my mind are Like a Fool, 18, Rivers Flow, and Begin Communication (What I imagine would be listed as "Na na na" on the set lists on this site). I guess it'll take a few more listens to really let everything sink in, but that's okay.

Now, as for the bonus disc (entitled "Extended Field Trip")- this will be easier to talk about since it deals with remakes of familiar material. These tracks were recorded over the period of a couple days back in June of this year. These are also the only tracks on this release where we get to hear current drummer Matt Brain's talents:

1. Misunderstanding: It's done in the style of the original "All The Things I Wasn't", only a *tad* slower. Kevin sings.
   
2. You May Be Right: If you've seen the studio footage from the "Those Days" videotape, you'll recognize the opening piano section from what Vince played on that. This is a more laid-back version very much in the vein of "I Can't Find My Home". Tom sings.
   
3. All The Things I Wasn't: Let me just say that I love the original version of this song. It's pensive and intimate and will always remain one of my favorites. Now, with that said, I have to say that I LOVE this re-do. Imagine taking the drums, backwards guitar tracks and other effects from the Beatles "Tomorrow Never Knows" and wrapping it around the lyrics and melody of this song. I swear to you, I cried when I first heard this track. Oh yeah, Kevin sings.
   
4. What Was Going Through My Head: This is slower and in a different time signature than the original. It's Tom with a piano. Kevin provides background vocals and guitar embellishments.
   
5. Porpoise Song: This is a cover of the theme from the Monkees' "Screw the suits, we're doing what WE want to do" movie entitled "Head". The GOW keep this one trippy. Kevin sings on this one.
   
6. 99 Miles From L.A.: This is probably one of my favorite Art Garfunkel songs. The ambience and feel are recreated excellently on this track. On first listen, I was a little annoyed that Tom seems to go flat often. After a couple more spins, I just realized that he has to do it in a lower register because, let's face it, no one can match Art!

In all, Grapes of Wrath fans can find comfort and hints of a new direction in the album. Tom and Kevin have always given us their best efforts and "Field Trip" is no exception.