Bad Books

Bad Books | Format: MP3 Download

Product Details

• Original Release Date: October 19, 2010
• Label: Razor & Tie/RSM
• Copyright: (P) 2010 Favorite Gentlemen Recordings LLC. Manufactured & distributed under exclusive license by Razor & Tie Direct, LLC
• Total Length: 35:34
• Genres:
• ASIN: B004671Z6G
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,146 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Right in the middle (and that's a good thing)!, October 18, 2010

By 

John - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bad Books (MP3 Download)

Awesome album, awesome album, awesome album.

I got my first listen a few days ago when the band put it up to stream and have been hooked ever since. The music is great - it's different enough from Manchester Orchestra and Kevin Devine's individual stuff that it warranted its own album, and that's a good thing. Seeing that Hull and Devine can both branch out and create great music together is no surprise, and whether you're looking for rock-ish collaboration stuff or acoustic solo stuff, you'll find something here.

I should say that on my first listen I was really only expecting songs where both Hull and Devine were singing and playing together; the songs I had heard before the album was released were all in that format so that's what I came to expect. If that's what you're looking for - and the songs where the two work together (at least in an audible way) are great - then songs like "You Wouldn't Have to Ask" and "Please Move" will be great for you. I'd say that the "harder" songs on the album have the sort of rock touch that Manchester's songs usually have, but with the lyrical finesse I've come to expect from Devine. That's not to say that Hull doesn't have lyrical finesse - "Baby Shoes" and "Texas" definitely showcase Hull's lyrical (and vocal) ability - but I think the "rock" songs on the album are a good combination of both.

As a big fan of Devine, though, I have to say that my favorite song on the album is "You're a Mirror I Cannot Avoid." It's the sort of beautiful acoustic song that got me hooked on his music to begin with, and to me adds a nice touch to the rest of the album. I'm a big fan of the balance between the solo stuff by Hull and Devine and the rest of the rock songs I mentioned earlier - to me the whole album really fits together and just "works."

If you're a fan of either Manchester Orchestra/Andy Hull or Kevin Devine, I can almost guarantee that you'll love this album. If you're a fan of rock, you'll love it. If you're a fan of indie stuff, you'll love it. If you like good songwriting, you'll love it. Hell, if you're a fan of music in general, I think you should like this album. Do yourself a favor and check it out - you might be missing out on two great songwriters and musicians otherwise.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars stop, collaborate and listen, October 18, 2010

By 

M.T. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bad Books (MP3 Download)

Best $3 you'll ever spend. Let's make this the #1 album of the day already.

I would say the lyrics and overall feel seem more hopeful than Manchester or Kevin's albums. Some spark of joy surrounds the songs and propels itself into the listener.

Love these guys and love their music.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of My 2010 Favorites, October 20, 2010

By 

Michael Weber (Coast 2 Coast) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bad Books (MP3 Download)

Back in the 60s and 70s when music was innovative and fresh and musicians knew how to play and sing and write songs this is what I remember it sounding like. WTF I'll say it... Great folk rock!