Search - Clarks :: Let It Go

A knockout

S. A. Morrison | New Orleans, LA | 08/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Clarks' first album, I'll Tell You What Man..., roared out of Pittsburgh in the summer of 1988 and the music scene there has never been the same. While other bands were chasing trends and following fashions, that record was like a slap of cold water, or a remedial course in rock 'n roll: Keep it simple, play clean and hard, write about things that matter to you and that other people can relate to, slam it out with conviction, and you're there. It isn't as simple as that, of course - a little talent helps. The Clarks were overflowing with talent.Twelve years later, they're still standing - the last remaining band of their class - but they sound like the same kids fresh from IUP, the same boyish energy, the same passion for the music... hell, they even still look like college kids. Only now, they've honed their craft to an edge so sharp that it's impossible to ignore. More to the point: their newest and best record may be poised, just maybe, to have the same effect on the rest of the country that their first record had on Pittsburgh. Other reviews here have said that it sounds better than anything else that's been played on the radio lately. That's true. "I'm a Fool" is a soulful country-rocker worthy of Steve Earle or John Hiatt; "Better Off Without You" could be the great single The Replacements never quite came up with; "Flame" shows off the band's range - just when you thought you had them pegged, they throw a gorgeous, moody gem at you. And "Snowman" has a chorus that's so damn catchy it puts a big grin on your face the first time you hear it.There aren't many groups mining this kind of territory these days, but that could play to The Clarks' advantage. I mean, haven't we had enough trip-hop and suburban rap-metal to hold us for a while? Straight-up rock 'n roll, written well, played well, and recorded well never goes completely out of fashion, and a lot of people are getting hungry for it again. I know I am - right now this sounds like the best thing I've heard in years. I suspect Let It Go could be the one that puts them over the top, and it couldn't happen to a better bunch of guys. A toast! to the Clarks."

Great Chops, Great Songs

JD | 06/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is by far The Clarks best musical accomplishment. They have been Pittsburgh's best kept secret for years and their venture into national attention is no surprise for fans who have followed them loyally from performance's at Nick's Fat City to their latest show at I.C. Light Amphitheater. "Let It Go" features energetic tracks similar to their trademark song "Cigarette" (found on The Clarks live album) such as "Chasin' Girls," "Better Off Without You," and "Let It Go." However, the band's talent also extends into slow, ballady songs such as "Flame." Frontman, Scott Blasey's vocal performance is excellent as usual and Rob James, Greg Joseph and David Minarik Jr. also exhibit the musical adeptness their many fans are used to. Another aspect in which The Clarks shine is that of performance. Their latest show was one of the most energetic concerts I have ever attended. It certainly is to their credit that thousands of fans could sing along to all the songs played, some of them being only a day old. The band member's interaction with the crowd creates an up-close-and-personal feeling which explains the following they have left in their wake. The show also included memorable versions of Dylan and Marvin Gaye tunes. This group of musicians is extremely talented. Their new CD is sure to create enthusiasm even in listeners who have never heard of them before. "Let It Go" is captivating. Surely, it is something that you will not want to "let go of," especially if you're a Pittsburgher."

Hold on to Let It Go

Travelin' Man | Ohio | 06/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A top notch album. I caught on to the Clarks after this album was released, but, this album is the one that hooked me. The singles alone are enough to make this album worth buying, but all the songs are actually good, not just the singles.



"Better Off Without You" is such an anthemic kiss-off song that I only wish I'd had it a few years earlier when I really needed something like that and is, without a doubt, my favorite track from "Let It Go". BTW, go see a Clarks show. That's what originally got me into them in the first place."