Rollingstone.com — ANDREW STRICKMAN — October 22, 2002 — Squash In the early Nineties, if you weren't grunge or hip-hop, you were pop. Uncle Tupelo and Lucinda Williams were in the midst of defining a new genre of country ... more »music, and the Courage Brothers were somewhere in the middle. Mining a vein of country-esque folk-rock, the Boston band and its lead singer Todd Thibaud found a seat not taken. But just as quietly as Thibaud and band mates arrived, "creative differences" imploded the band. Three albums into his solo career, with Squash, Thibaud has finally rediscovered that sweet spot where his electric twang of tunes like "By Degrees" and the album's arresting, sing-along lead track "Dragging Me Down" sit comfortably alongside quiet ballads like "Already Gone" and "No Surprise." Thibaud's voice, by far his best instrument, is a warm, familiar bass that marries his simple melodies to intensely personal lyrics of loss and redemption. Grunge is gone, pop is suffering, and the time may be right for Todd Thibaud.« less
Rollingstone.com
ANDREW STRICKMAN
October 22, 2002
Squash In the early Nineties, if you weren't grunge or hip-hop, you were pop. Uncle Tupelo and Lucinda Williams were in the midst of defining a new genre of country music, and the Courage Brothers were somewhere in the middle. Mining a vein of country-esque folk-rock, the Boston band and its lead singer Todd Thibaud found a seat not taken. But just as quietly as Thibaud and band mates arrived, "creative differences" imploded the band. Three albums into his solo career, with Squash, Thibaud has finally rediscovered that sweet spot where his electric twang of tunes like "By Degrees" and the album's arresting, sing-along lead track "Dragging Me Down" sit comfortably alongside quiet ballads like "Already Gone" and "No Surprise." Thibaud's voice, by far his best instrument, is a warm, familiar bass that marries his simple melodies to intensely personal lyrics of loss and redemption. Grunge is gone, pop is suffering, and the time may be right for Todd Thibaud.
Steven Alter | Redmond, WA United States | 10/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Do not pass go, do not collect $..., do NOT pay attention to the poor misguided soul who thiks this is a country album. (??????) Thibaud's previous two albums were enjoyable blasts of Tommy Keene-ish guitar pop, but this record takes it to another level. Hook filled songs, passionate singing and textured arrangements reminiscent of early REM or Toad the Wet Sprocket make this a must for fans of smart, melodic pop-rock. Play 'Unbroken' once and you'll be hooked!"
This ain't country, honey!
Eduard Roca Astol | 06/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In spite of the moronic review here, this is not a country album. It is roots rock in the style of Hootie in the Blowfish, Edwin McCain, and Steve Earle. If you have ANY hesitation about buying this CD, listen to the clip of "Is It Love?" GREAT STUFF!!!!!Although Todd plays a tele and has a bit of twang, this is just good ol' fashioned bar room music. I love this CD and think Todd Thibaud is one of the best "undiscovered" artists around today. I found out about him through the rootsrocklive.com mailing list. Great music news and updates there!Anyway, don't hesitate to get this CD. It is easily the best of what is around.- Bob Ryan"
Superb songwriting, Outstanding performances
Eduard Roca Astol | 10/05/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a superb folk-rock CD by an outstanding singer-songwriter."
Another great Todd Thibaud album
Eduard Roca Astol | Barcelona, Spain | 08/01/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"After becoming a huge Todd Thibaud fan with "Little Mystery" I quickly got a copy of "Squash", and I would say it follows the path set by "Little Mystery". Easy but solid songs, with good hooks, mostly positive lyrics and Todd's voice over it all. In my opinion, the overall result is not as tight as the previous CD, but that doesn't mean there are not good songs here. As in another review, "Dragging Me Down" is an excellent song to start your day, because it makes you be in a good mood for a while. "Sacred", "Uninvited, Overdue" or "Unbroken" are again, perfect examples of Todd's ability to write catchy songs that know when how to rock or when how to be mellow.
All in all, a good album which is the logical way to follow if you enjoy "Little Mystery" as much as I do."