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I know, I know...I thought they'd called it quits too, but I guess we can call it more of an extended hiatus, 'cause the boys are back with their first studio full-length since 1998's Success. Sadly, this CD ain't much of one...a success, that is. It's good, but it's not GREAT. And we certainly know The Posies are capable of "great".
They haven't exactly been quiet during the downtime: if you scroll down, you'll find a review of a live CD they put out a couple of years ago, plus they put out a box set of Posies rarities and such, too. Aa-and, both of the main songwriters, Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer, have been busy releasing solo albums; and together, they've joined the reformed classic 70's band, Big Star, and to top it all off, Ken is also a touring member of R.E.M. Phew!
So, uh, yeah, they've been busy. And I read that as a result, they didn't have a lot of time in the studio for this one. They recruited Oranger's Matt Harris on bass and Darren Minwalla from Preston School of Industry on drums, and from what I've read, they actually wrote this one collaboratively in the studio. Hrm, yeah, you can kinda tell, 'cause the results feel sorta rushed, not fully developed...
close to great: • the buoyant, poppy "Love Comes" which captures a sort-of 60's pop feel, • the quite, rocking "Conversations" which is very Frosting...-era, • the really lovely and awesome "Anything and Everything", which I think has a sweet guitar bit.
bad moments: • the horrible party song "I Finally Found A Jungle I Like" which is just embarassing, • the moody "blues-y" (*cough*) "Could He Treat You Better", which is apparently about the United States and President Bush, but it's written in the vein of an abusive boyfriend...that kinda makes it even worse, • the closing track "Sweethearts Of Rodeo Drive", a moody, angsty track fueled by anger towards the war. I agree with the sentiment, but lyrics like this: "Hey Adrien Brody, Hey Shaquille O’Neal / Humvees are driving young men to war / You’ve got shiny wheels", well, they make me cringe...
I'm hoping that this is just the awkward first offering. Fingers crossed! (janice.11.05)
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So, The Posies "broke up" but then main songwriters Jon Auer and one-time-copacetic-crush-contender Ken Stringfellow started doing acoustic shows together. This CD is a live recording of one of their shows, here in Seattle back in 2000. And it was released on Sarah Shannon's Casa Recording Co. label! YAY!
What helps make this CD so cool is the fact that it was recorded here on their home turf. The audience is completely appreciative and enthusiastic! During "I May Hate You Sometimes", the audience totally takes over and starts singing the lyrics for them, with Ken concluding, "You guys are hired!" at the end. They follow this song (which was written by Jon about Ken) with "Please Return It" (the song Ken wrote about Jon). Hence the between song "track" titled "Sick F's"! ; )
The other cool thing about this is getting to hear how dynamic Ken & Jon can be with just two acoustic guitars and those amazing harmonies of theirs. Even a rocker like "Flavor of the Month" still shows the "power" of the "power pop" genre. And my other fave is "Believe In Something Other (Than Yourself)" which gets violently strummy towards the end!
My only complaints? This CD is too darn short! : ) You're left wanting more, more, more! And also, Ken & Jon are so adorably funny. The occasional in-between song-banter is nice, but again, more would be even better! But really, it's a wonderful CD. So enjoyable to listen to! (janice.11.02)
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