Search - Knack :: Normal As the Next Guy

Normal As the Next Guy
Knack
Normal As the Next Guy
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #1

You just can't keep a good rock band down--or the Knack, for that matter. Depending on who's keeping score, this release marks either the third or fourth comeback attempt for the band whose debut album (and its inescapable...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Knack
Title: Normal As the Next Guy
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Image Entertainment
Original Release Date: 1/1/2001
Re-Release Date: 9/25/2001
Genres: Alternative Rock, Pop, Rock
Styles: New Wave & Post-Punk, Power Pop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 014381115628

Synopsis

Amazon.com
You just can't keep a good rock band down--or the Knack, for that matter. Depending on who's keeping score, this release marks either the third or fourth comeback attempt for the band whose debut album (and its inescapable hit, "My Sharona") did for L.A. new wave and power pop what Velveeta did for cheese. While Kurt Cobain once compared his Nirvana favorably with the Knack (ironically, we hope), he couldn't have meant the tired, nostalgia-besotted outfit displayed on this 2001 release. At least give Doug Fieger and company credit for realizing they can no longer pull off the leering subject matter that was once their stock in trade; unfortunately, they've also trashed most of their once enviable pop-savvy in the bargain. What's left is third-rate R&B á la Joe Walsh ("Les Girls"), faux-edginess (the title track, but bonus points for rhyming "Chris Rock" with "Jacques Chirac"), country caricature ("Spiritual Pursuit"), even some Steely Dan jazz-pop pretensions ("Dance of Romance"). While Fieger's sweet voice still ably carries the midtempo numbers, it's all too telling that the album's most accomplished track is guitarist Berton Averre's slavish Beach Boys/Brian Wilson tribute, "The Man on the Beach." Riding the coattails of "My Sharona"'s enduring appeal (and repeated soundtrack appearances), the Knack seems unable to discern the difference between the truly timeless and the cheaply sentimental. --Jerry McCulley

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CD Reviews

Singers sing, players play, critics criticise
Bruno | Florida, USA | 06/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)

"...and the Knack rocks. I'm not sure about that editorial review, either. This is a solid album. Knock 1991's "Serious fun" or many of the songs on 1981's "Round Trip" and I won't complain, but this album is full of well crafted pop songs. Songs like "Seven days of heaven", "it's not me", and "a world of my own" are standouts, but the whole album is solid. As for "Les Girls", Joe Walsh could take some singing lessons from Doug Fieger, and the Knack is a much more accomplished group of musicians than Nirvana's three-chord wonders. I prefer their previous album "Zoom" which is now out of print, but this is no slouch. Perhaps they'e not mauldlin enough or anti-social enough for modern music reviewers. They're just fun to listen to."
The Next Guys?
David Shaw | New York City | 11/11/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Maybe the most underrated band in rock history, The Knack is back with a great new CD. "Les Girls" and "A World of my Own" are hands down the cream of this crop but the whole album displays the band's penchant for writing catchy hooks backed by awesome musicianship. This is definitely a worthwhile purchase."
More than just a power pop band!!
L. Rothwell | Ashburn, VA USA | 10/22/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a Knack fan since day one. Love all their stuff. I think this album contains some of their best moments, and is certainly worth purchasing, especially if you're interested in seeing what else these guys do well besides power pop. There's something here for everyone - pop, hard-driving rock, a bit of country (yes, you read that right!), laid-back jazzy pop, and a heartfelt love song. I think that "World of My Own," "Seven Days of Heaven," "Dance of Romance," and "Girl I Never Lied to You," are among the finest work the band has done. And I totally disagree with the previous review regarding "Man on the Beach" - it is a BEAUTIFUL song, kudos to Berton! This album proves without a doubt that the Knack are incredible musicians/songwriters with amazing versatility. Those who won't accept them outside the "My Sharona" power pop sound will no doubt be disappointed, but those willing to come along for the ride as the guys explore other types of music (and prove their talents over and over again) should not be disappointed."