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Gotta let it grow on you

Z. Freeman | Austin, TX | 01/17/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, this isn't a Barenaked Ladies album. You have to know that when you get it. (Although you probably haven't heard of this if you don't like Barenaked Ladies).



The first time through this cd I noticed a few catchy tunes and a few songs that I thought I'd never get to like, but each time I listen to it again I like it more. So, don't give up after the first listen, or you'll be missing some great music.



Glitterbug is, in my opinion, the best song on the album. Short, clear and super-sweet, with some beautifully simple music.



The fact that this album exists at all makes me wonder what's wrong with these songs that the Barenaked Ladies didn't want to use them, because the feel of most of the music and lyrics is the same. Maybe Stephen Page felt these were more personal somehow, or maybe the rest of the band didn't like them. Whatever the reason, it's worth picking up the cd while we're waiting for another Barenaked Ladies cd to come out."

Big BNL fans will probably enjoy but might not be for everyo

Greg Brady | Capital City | 04/29/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This album, a solo project from the Barenaked Ladies' Steven Page, has some things in common with BNL and some things that set it apart. You'll immediately recognize the clever and sardonic lyrics (from "Wilted Rose"-'I almost cried on the day my country died/I almost tried to care..'), the juxtaposition of bright, major key melodies and melancholy lyrics, and of course Page's unmistakable voice. What's different is this album is shorter on the instantly catchy pop you'll often get on a BNL CD: only "Baby Loves the Radio" forces you to singalong on first listen.



HIGHLIGHTS:

"These Wasted Words" paints a portrait of a couple grimly determined to "stick it out" when the relationship's spark is long burned out. ("If we never make love again/Will you still want to call out my name?/There's nothing left to explain/When we admit that there's no one to blame") Dylan-ish wailing harmonica announces another disintegrating-couple-ballad in "Thank You for Sharing" ("Thank you for sharing your nightmares with me/Thank you for choosing to leave peacefully/Thank you for losing your last shred of dignity..") "Baby Loves the Radio" is probably the most 'commercial' track here as Page bites the hand that feeds him. In this one, he's expressing annoyance at his omnipresence on the airwaves. ("This song's in heavy rotation/On every radio station/Across this whole wide nation/I'm beginning to lose my patience" "By the Roadside" is an uncharacteristically dark number from Page, documenting a loved one's suicide.



LOWS:

"Here Today and Yesterday" feels a bit limp. It just doesn't really come alive for me.



BOTTOM LINE:

If you own all the BNL albums, this will probably tide you over until the next one, though I can't say it equals the best work of the group. It simply doesn't have enough sterling moments to rise above the generally "pleasant" feel. Perhaps it will grow on me more over time, but I can only call it "OK" for now."