Customer Reviews

Days of the New II (Green)

5 star:		(82)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

I've had the first Days of the New Album a long time, but didn't buy DOTN2 until I saw them in concert not long ago. DOTN2 is a departure from the first album, yet as an album it is better that the debut. No, there aren't a lot no-can-miss radio friendly tracks like "Shelf in the Room" or "Touch Peel and Stand" from the first album, but don't let that put you off.

This album is a mood-setter, and flows gently from track to track, with interludes, and even orchestration, althoug never losing its basic premise of rocking hard with accoustic guitars only. Outstanding tracks include "Flight Response" (the opening track), "Enemy" and best of all "Weapon and the Wounded", which coulda-shoulda been a radio hit (had it not been that in 1999, when this album was released, the alternative rock format on radio started dying off).

It's hard to believe that Travis Meeks, the "brains" behind the band, was only 20 when this was released. I'm looking forward to the new DOTN album, which is supposedly coming out soon (they previewed a couple of songs at the concert last week).

All in all.... a very satisfying album... BUY IT

Days of the New's second album, along with NIN's The Fragile, were probably the two best rock CD's released in 1999, for one reason: they both defied the strict rules of "rock" music. Both show classical influences, and have the ambition to make themes that tie the albums together. What makes them truly great, though, is that the songs stand up fantastically on their own (this album might have a slight upper hand in that sense). The first 7 tracks on this CD are all beautifully performed acoustic/prog/rock/pop songs, with instrumentals ("Skeleton Key") and relatively simple but entrancing tunes that create a great, haunting atmosphere ("The Real", "Weapon and the Wound"). "I Think" is a bit of a misstep, sounding less tuneful or original than almost anything even on Days of the New's debut album. It's still a decent song, though, albeit sounding a LOT like unreleased Alice In Chains. That track is just an aberration, though. The songwriting is a big step up on the debut album, where Travis Meeks had already shown brilliance, and the sound is even bigger with the use of an orchestra and many other unique instruments. It's tempting to say this CD would put off an average pop fan, but the songs are catchy and upbeat enough (in most places) for that to be inaccurate.

Simply put, this album has the most inovative thing ever done in music from the last 10 years, i like every type of music from slipknot to metallica to korn to led zeppelin to cypress hill but this album takes the gold.

Every song is a masterpiece and is done by just one man (Travis Meeks), best album of 1999.

The original Days of the New was a great album. After the band broke up and the DJ's dis'd everybody in sight, I shied away from spending the bucks on their 2nd release. After all, isn't the music a result of the whole band's effort and not just one person's? Apparently not. No 2 is a great album and I'm sorry I waited so long to get around to buying it. It only took a couple of listens to get totally into it. I think the radio stations did everyone a big disservice by not giving more airtime.

Now we can see why Travis Meeks needed to do this album alone...

The entire album is a concept, a sacred journey. A _Sacred Journey_. The eastern tones and repetitive layers are the clue... these layers are evocative of Indian culture, whose music is replete with such journeys. The richness of the sounds are Meeks' own... the guitar is his contribution and his voice, consistent throughout.

Listen to the entire disc, and pay attention to the shift of lyrics and perspective. The 'I' is oftentimes lost when the spiritual realm speaks. Tracks 10 and 11 are the key to the album. They're a rebirth from the provocation and damage of Tracks 3 and 4 (look at the track titles: "Enemy", "Weapon", "Wound"). The real joy is to figure out what the "Wound" truly is. Track 6 is reflective, Track 7 is Universal. Track 13 is upbeat with recovery, and Track 14 is the return of an honest soul.

You'll need to listen with an entirely new set of ears and eyes... the lyrics are such a vital component (probably more than any album I've ever heard). This is not a Western album... the melodies of the first album will not be found here. But you will sit in awe when the entire canvas is finally seen.

Look deeply, and then spread the word. This is one of the most significant albums of the last twenty years. Travis Meeks is such a special artist... Cheers to you, brother!

I've always known of Days Of The New, Yes The only songs I could really play through My Heads were "Touch, Peel & Stand" and "Hang on to this", but I recently went to FYE with Days of The new on My Mind and Found all 3 and bought them and I do like The First one, but green and red are just amazing, Travis truly knows what He's doing and just keeps doing better, I highly recommend 3 to any fan of Travis's work, if You don't already have it, I am just going crazy trying to find out when DOTN 4 (Purple) comes out, I cannot wait!

I saw Days of the New at Bogart's and they rocked the place. I went out and bought their CD as soon as I could and it is amazing. The guitar melodies are complicated and the repeated vocals create a wonderful effect.

Amazingly good album start to finish. I, like one said before have owned this CD several times since it was released. Upon another listening over this weekend it truly is one of the best of it's genre. The fact that Travis Meeks isn't known the world over is a shame and a perfect example of the ignorance and lack of taste of the average person. Too good to be popular is becoming a phrase all too common to me. Travis is very similar to another artist named Grant Lee Phillips in this respect. Underappreciated, underknown and the best in the business.

Ok, you probably can't trust me completely in this review because, as my title states, this is my favorite album ever. Let me say that if you want something like the first Days album check out Tantric or Creed or whatever bland formulaic schlock some guy in an office on the top of some skyscraper in New York City decides he wants to give him your money for. If you enjoy music that is Progressive (ie King Crimson, Jethro Tull, Tool, etc.) and full of walls of sound, then buy this album. It is a voyage into the heart. Also, you might try Travis Meeks' favorite group Dead Can Dance for more expansive soulful music.

When I heard Enemy I knew I had to have this CD when it came out. I went the day it was released and bought it and have LOVED it ever since!

All of the songs are excellent! It's not your typical "hard rock" or "popular music" but it is an awesome cd by a very talented Travis Meeks.