Search - Drowning Pool :: Loudest Common Denominator

A solid live album- Especially when one was not intended

Paramecium | Veazie, ME USA | 04/05/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Drowning Pool had stated in various interviews that they had no intentions of making a live album. As they toured with now permanent(hopefully) singer Ryan McCombs after the release of Full Circle, they gained a number of new fans. At one show(this show), they were offered to make a live album. they said they would allow it to be recorded, but were undecided as to whether or not they wanted it published. This is why, when you hear the album, you hear their concert. No effects, nothing re-done, or produced differently, what you get is what a real Drowning Pool concert is like. And with so many tweaks done in the business regarding the final copy of live albums, Drowning Pool show true musicianship as they refuse to alter what is real.



The album has it's faults, for one the short length of the album (especially if you don't count the bonus acoustic tracks) can leave you hanging. Also acoustic cuts in their newer material could not be done with real acoustics, so you'll have to settle for just clean guitars, which is not too bad.



One part that has already stirred up a teeny tiny bit of controversy is the segment right before(or after, I forget) their song Soldiers. It is Ryan McCombs talking about supporting troops in Iraq, which has been a big part of Drowning Pools message as of 2005. This has been taken wrong by lots of people, thinking they were supporting the war in Iraq, when really, as stated in an interview, they were only speaking about supporting troops coming home and the fact that some of them actually make it back alive.



War is a touchy subject, but Drowning Pool isn't afraid to step up and instead of just criticize the government, they support the lives of those who put it at risk every day, regardless of your opinions on the war, regardless of theirs.



All in all, Loudest Common Denominator is a good solid live album that is perfect to keep fans happy while they finish recording their new album. Though hardly an album for the sheer fact this album was hardly intended, it's a good listen, any Drowning Pool fan won't be displeased.



-Paramecium"

The only downside is that it's too short.

Daniel Clement | 03/06/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"that's the only thing wrong with the album... it's too short... now I know Drowning Pool aren't out doing Metallica length shows or anything, nor do i expect them too. But another 2 or 3 songs would've been great, and leave the acoustic jams for an itunes download or something.



I've been a DP fan since 'Sinner' - and while Dave's memory still lives on, and it's hard to replace his commanding presence on stage, I think it's time to let the past be the past, and forge ahead with Ryan - who does great on the older songs btw... I don't expect Ryan to sound like Dave, I expect Ryan to sound like Ryan - and any fan hoping that he'll capture whatever IT factor Dave had should really quit holding their breath... Ryan is his own man - and easily fits better with this band than Jason Jones ever did.



now back to the album.... almost every song was performed great, the only "weak" one would be Sinner, but thats out of the way first... Might I also add, that Ryan owns the song Step Up in a way that Jones could never do live.... but as a whole, this album is definitely a must for any Drowning Pool fan.... my only gripe as i said, it's too short on the live material.... would've loved to hear live versions of I Am, Told You So, Killin' Me, 37 Stitches or even their cover of Rebel Yell"

Dave Smiles With Gratitude

Sky | New York | 03/05/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I'm sure that Dave Williams often grabs his buddy Dimebag Darrell, and together they find a comfortable perch to look down from Heaven at some of the live shows that their respective brothers are doing without the fallen icons. Dave must feel particularly honored watching Drowning Pool's current live shows, because Drowning Pool have attempted to keep Dave on Earth vicariously through new singers...and by sticking to the Drowning Pool band name.



Almost half of the live songs on Loudest Common Denominator are from Drowning Pool's first CD Sinner that was recorded back in 2001 with Williams. So Dave must be proud. But if you want a real taste of what Drowning Pool was like with Dave Williams, I'd highly suggest finding a copy of Sinema, a DVD release from the Williams era of DP. Because while Ryan McCombs (formerly of Soil) pays great tribute to Dave on Loudest Common Denominator, all he really did for me was make me hurtfully long for the days that Williams was in the band.



Loudest Common Denominator isn't a bad CD; it's a good one. Especially if you're a fan of Drowning Pool's 2007 studio album with McCombs called Full Circle. The crowd is clearly into it. And CJ Pierce (guitar), Mike Luce (drums) and Stevie Benton (bass) all must have huddled with McCombs prior to the show and said, "let's knock it out of the park tonight!" The music is tight and overall the CD rocks.



But as talented as McCombs is (McCombs' best work can be heard on Soil's Redefine), he just doesn't truly emulate the heartfelt intensity that Williams laid down with Drowning Pool. Like I said, the 5 songs from Sinner on Loudest Common Denominator are a fine tribute, but, well, it's just not Drowning Pool.



The best song with McCombs on Loudest Common Denominator is Enemy from Full Circle. The best songs on Loudest Common Denominator would be better listened to by picking up Sinner or Sinema. So add Loudest Common Denominator to your cart if McCombs with Drowning Pool is your thing. But if you're as dedicated to the irreplaceable Williams-era Drowning Pool as I apparently am, you NEED to find a copy of Sinema, or just give Sinner a nostalgic listen.





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