Search - O.A.R. :: In Between Now & Then (CD & DVD)

You call THIS mainstream? take another listen

Lauren | Jersey | 07/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First of all - have to say, I love the title "In Between Now & Then": opens with "Now", closes with "Then". If you loved Risen, Wanderer, Souls Aflame, or Any Time Now, I'll warn you, a lot of these songs are more polished. It seems that these songs have more prominent forms than those on previous releases. But I would never call this "going mainstream", just touching up their sound a little bit, and there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, aside from Any Time Now, because nothing beats them live, this might just be my favorite O.A.R. CD. Every song is different, and I have yet to find a filler track.



Moving on. You have "Now", then "Dareh Meyod" which is kind of slow, bluesy/reggae/folky(?). Not like I've ever had an easy time describing their music. But anyway, I love this song, especially the "baby"s and "darling"s. "Risen", is my favorite track, very upbeat with lyrics to match -- kind of folk-rock and reminds me of the songs off O.A.R.'s album with the same title.



"Right on Time" really surprised me; it's completely different, in a good way. You've got an amazing, rocking chorus, and it sounds really...pulled together. You also hear some vocal harmonies and backups which is unusual for O.A.R., but really works and I'd love to hear some more songs done this way.



Next you have "Mr. Moon", probably about as close to a ballad as you'll get on this. Sung very heartfelt and one of my favorites. "Revisited" takes you back to "Ladanday" from Wanderer, and it's got a really cool concept behind it, being that it's the sequel to the song. This is good, not one of my favorites because it sounds waay too polished. But about halfway through the song, the whole tempo changes in typical O.A.R. fashion. Not a standout, just a jam.



"Hey Girl" - what O.A.R. fan hasn't heard this song? There are three different versions of this song on Risen and Any Time Now, I believe, and this is the BEST of them all (even the live version). Though studio recorded, it has a great live energy to it this time around, and I love the harmonies. You have one chorus missing, but then a few more added. Although the choruses sound EXTREMELY polished, I love the ad-libbing at the end, because it eliminates fears of an overproduced sound. One of my favorites. Next is "James", another ballad-type. This song is truly amazing: great lyrics, great vocals, great instumentals.



Numbers nine and ten, "Coalminer" and "Old Man Time", respectively, are two tracks with catchy, memorable choruses. Love the references to other songs in OMT. Then comes "Anyway", a song I believe has only been heard live previously. I know I'm going to get killed for this, but the opening combination of the guitar and sax sounds almost exactly like a DMB song. Once you hear the vocals, though, any Dave comparisons are gone. Love the quirky lyrics, which eventually launch into lyrics about music. The lyrics of the last two verses describe exactly how I feel about O.A.R.'s music; this song puts me in a good mood. (By the way, this song is even better live).



"Road Outside Columbus" to me, is nothing standout. I like the lyrics, enjoyable to listen to. Then comes "Any Time Now", very chill because there's no standout chorus, with definite reggae laced throughout this one. Not too polished, which is a huge plus. The last song before the closing "Then" is "Whose Chariot?" You hear some rocking guitar, which seems to really work here, although it's not typical O.A.R. Reminds me of "Right on Time"; one of the best tracks. I like the solo bass combined with the vocals about halfway into the song. The sax sounds great, but there IS one particularly long note on the sax (you'll know one I'm talking about when you get to it) that really is a little annoying. But that's probably the biggest complaint I can make about this whole cd. All in all, upbeat, fun, puts you in a great mood, and awesome to chill to."

O.A.R. to the world

bennie boy | Ann Arbor, MI | 04/03/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"O.A.R. (of a revolution) is usually known for their awsome live shows. If there was one cd I would recomend it would be this one. I can't stop listening to it. you have songs to dance to and some that are more thoughtful. There are some old classics like hey girl which was first on souls aflame and anyway a great song. A favorite song on this cd is impossible they are all awsome. If i had to pick one it would be a tie between Risen, Hey Girl, and Road Outside Columbus. These songs aren't cut short at all. Lava Records did a great job just letting them be creative. The DVD which is included is a cool behind the scenes look at these guys. The other cd I would recommend is Any Time Now which is ther live cd. If you like In Between Now & Then but have never been to one of their shows just listen to Any Time Now and you'll know what your getting when you go.(THIS IS FOR YOU MEGAN. YOU WERE RIGHT ABOUT THEM. I'M SORRY FOR BEING SUCH A JERK)"

The Revolution Has Begun

big kraut | Cleveland, OH | 05/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is simply an amazing CD! Their first single, Hey Girl, is simple but upbeat with a great groove. Right on Time is probably my favorite song on the disc, but they're seriously all amazing. Their last studio release was a tad overproduced, but this one came out perfect... It's a must add to your collection."