Customer Reviews

Everglow

5 star:		(118)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I listened to this for at least two months and loved about 80 percent of the songs. Great songs great lyrics great band. Then something clicked. As I noticed that all the songs run together I went back and read all the lyrics. It was then that I understood why there was a prologue that told the listener to open the booklet and read along. Sorry for those that are Christian theme wary, but don't worry this one is one that appeals to anyone and every human. The story is simple, it's a journey of one man that is tired of doing the right thing and wants to "be with" this girl. If it's for love then why is it wrong? He just "Wants to wake up in someone else's arms" Which is the first track after the flashback prefaced in the first real song "We're So Far Away"

3) Someone Else's Arms - "I've got a feeling It's not the safest place to start. This heavy breathing, it seems we're better off breaking hearts." He knows they are lusting after each other and want more. Should they really break each others hearts rather than give in? "I just want to wake up, wake up in someone else's arms "

4) "Suspension" is the fourth song (counting the prolog) where he says he's not scared and he's ready to do it, but knowing what this means he makes it obvious he wants the girl also to realize what they're about to do: "Say anything, but say what you mean. When you whisper you want this." - Separation from him and God.

5) "This is the Countdown": There in they' did it. I picture this the day after. The whole conversation is him and the girl thinking about what they did their previous dilemma with doing it and the rationalization: "Did you think that the night would posses us, Take us over like the rain that's falling down?" "I can see the signs, and I can read between the lines. But I don't know what we were fighting for, I'm just trying, to breakout." Yet he later mentions they're stuck treading water.

6) "Painless" is about the experience. He's just trying to "wring the color from the grey" "just one more chance to get away" He tries to make himself happy or fulfilled with this relationship "one more night is all he needs" "Until this empty place is filled, I'll keep pretending." All great lines from that song.

7) "The Ocean" is next and reality is setting in. He can't sleep at night and spends his thoughts trying figure it out:
" the night becomes the space that's somewhere in between what I feel and what I'm told. Sitting on the shoreline trying to figure it out, figure it out. To find out the meaning and reach it somehow."

8) "Breakdown" is where he knows the Breakdown is going to come. If you want something you can have it. God won't stop us we have free will. So he does what he wants but soon realizes this relationship is not going to fulfill him anymore than anything else of this world will and he knows that it will soon "Breakdown" It's great. One verse will talk about how he can't wait to be with her again then the next will be "I'm waiting for the breakdown (here comes the breakdown)" - he's addicted. "So take care what you wish for, for it may come true. But that September sky, how it whispered, "I love you." But I couldn't take it, any longer, no I couldn't stand. But the night brought sparks and the sparks brought flames. And you had to be sure this wasn't one of those games."

9) And Breakdown comes... "Mistakes We Knew We Were Making" She gets pregnant and then the blinders come off. This is real.
Driving in the rain to the hospital, quiet aches intense, what at once just seemed the impossible, now makes perfect sense. we held hands to face the uncomfortable cold, and lonely room.

10) "Cover ME". This used to be my least favorite song, but now that I know what it's about, I realize it's a perfect display of the confusion, regret, painful realization and feeling of helplessness... that is appropriate for this part in the story:
"This is the last breath I, I think I'll ever take. this is the last move I , I think I'll ever make. Will there be a chance now to figure this out? And be free tonight. But the music's much too loud, To hear this alarm sound. Too loud, will you cover me? But the emptiness I've found, Can't keep me on the ground."

11) " The EverGlow". In a moment of silence above the din, he looks to the sky and says:
"Here's a night, and it shines. And it calls us on and on. So be here by my side, and watch the stars. They're ours. Make a wish or just take charge. The moment comes get lost and go far. I think that we've got what it takes, to get this heart start beating again."

12) "Ready and Waiting to Fall" He's ready to come back to God. It's amazing how he equates coming back to drowning. He doesn't want anyone to throw him a line because he knows he has to be in 100% or he'll be tied back to the worldly actions lusts and desires etc that got him in this in the first place:
"Though it was a while ago I still can recall That moment, so ready And waiting to fall Can you take me back in time Remembering when You captured my heart" When God was all he knew "Heaven made sense And all the words rhymed No chance in stopping now I'm taking it all" he's going back to putting his faith and direction back in God where everything made sense.

13) "Anything" He's back and acknowledges that "Love is the wave I ride" and that being with God is definitely a ride it's not easy, but "every now and again sometimes I get lost on the wind of a dream.
the air gets clean and the seas get wide. and I can do anything. the pain it won't even cross my mind. there is wonder in everything. the rope gets loose and the chains unbind."

14) "The Sun and the Moon" He thinks back on the past journey he was on:
"wasted time. I can not say that I was ready for this. but when worlds collide, and all that I have is all that I want. the words seem to flow and the thoughts they keep running. and all that I have is Yours. all that I am is Yours."

A journey of sin and redemption. Amazing story from an amazing group.

This was an impulse buy, I saw it on sale at Best Buy and decided to buy it. I can't say enough about how well crafted the CD is. Mae (Which stands for Multi-sensory Aesthetic Experience) lives up to their name, providing 13 tracks of pure, rich, audio, and an accompanying booklet full of beautiful artwork ala Maurice Sendak's "Where the wild things are."

The Album starts and ends with a friendly voice explaining how the book and CD interact, creating a storytelling mood - and the music fits the mood perfectly. Pop piano reminiscent of Ben Folds combines with smoothly distorted guitars, powerful percussion, and beautiful harmonized vocals. About the only drawback to the disc is that it's difficult to pick out any given song; not that every song sounds the same, rather Mae created a CD with 13 songs that form one giant story. And, like any good concept album, the songs are abstract, and somewhat hard to understand unless you have the accompanying booklet and illustrations.

Really, The Everglow is a story about a journey, and to appreciate it, a full listen to the CD's one hour plus runtime is needed. But, a dedicated listener will be richly rewarded by this multisensory experience.

Well, as if the Everglow wasn't awesome enough, Mae decided to treat us to an even more awesome version. The original album is included with 3 bonus tracks. The first "Where the Falls Begin" was originally written for the soundtrack to The Chronicles of Narnia but did not make the final cut. It shows Mae's diversity and is probably their most "mature" sounding song. (As trite and cliche as that sounds.) The second new track, and my personal favorite, is an outstanding cover of the Beatles' "A Day In the Life." They stay true to the original for the most part, but manage to put their own spin on the bridge of the song, with amazing results. Also included is yet another version of "Suspension," the first recording of the song which features Kenny Vasoli of the Starting Line on back up vocals. It's not too different from the version on Destination: B-Sides, but it's an interesting take. Oh, and if all that wasn't enough to satisfy you there is a DVD with videos and a very intriguing behind the scenes look at the making of the album. The highlight of the DVD is the interview segments with producer Ken Andrews. (Check out his bands Failure, On, and Year of the Rabbit.) The entire package is a must for any fan and well worth the price even if you own the original release from last year.

"The Everglow" unites the band Mae in a single front like none other album. As soon as you open the CD, you realize that this is indeed a work of true art to be experienced. The front insert is illustrated as if it were a children's book with a different illustration on each page that represents each track. The album, going along with the theme of the insert, opens with the faux crackling of an old record player and consists of Rob Sweitzers moving keyboard work as a calm female's voice welcomes you to the "Everglow" in a tone reminiscent of children's book recordings, reminding the listener to "turn the page" and "please read along in the booklet". The dramatic title track follows this original introduction with gorgeous piano work by Sweitzer and honey-like vocals from Dave Elkins. The listener, throughout the first few tracks, is still unsure of exactly which genre this band prefers. The piano's soothing accompaniment smoothly flows into a well blended Forte of the entire instrumental section, including drummer Jacob Marshall, guitarist Zach Gehring, bassist Mark Padgett, and Elkins on vocals and backup guitar, along with Sweitzers playing electric keys. The word "Mae" stands for "Multisensory Aesthetic Experience". According to drummer Marshall, the founder of the band Mae, the title represents the question, "What would music look like is you could see it? What would it feel like and how would it taste?" The musicians question the listeners with each track, challenging us to dig deeper into the musical experience, as they have done so well in "The Everglow". There is no weak link in this powerful chain of musicians as each song features each superb musician, from amazing full sounding drum fills and "not-just-background" bass work by genius Padgett to unique key work and talented guitarists' renditions of a new genre. This Norfolk, VA group that has been labeled "Indie Rock" began officially in 2001, but Elkins and Marshall began recording at Padgett's home studio much earlier. Since their humble beginnings, Mae has been on tour with several accomplished groups, and, according to bassist Padgett, many of the lyrics of "The Everglow" come directly from the learning and experiences the band took in while on tour. "The Everglow" is really the story of love, striving, failure and reward. Many of the tracks are directly related to actual stories of love and lost love of the five musicians. The album's main theme is being true to yourself, finding your passions and making them your reason living a fulfilled life.

Mae's first album, Destination: Beautiful was a solid soundtrack with some true gems. But nothing to get excited about...however, feast your eyes on The Everglow- Mae's second album that is an amazing journey into true love. I've never seen such a great piece of art. The fact that this is only the second album by this band makes you think, "They conceived this??"
The album jacket contains pictures for basically each song that try and help give you an image of what's going on and the entire cd is supposed to be a story- and it's an extremely good story, at that!
1)Prologue- this track is just telling you that the cd is a story and that you should follow along with the cd booklet.
2) We're So Far Way- 8/10- an astounding piano track that really sets the scene for the album. As a song it deserves an 8/10- but as an intro track to the cd? 10/10- it puts you in the perfect mood to enjoy the rest of the album.

3) Someone Else's Arms- 9/10- everything about this song rocks, especially the outro with the vocals just overtaking your mind.

4) Suspension- 10/10- I don'thave to say a word about this album. It is pure genius and absolutely stunning. The drums are very cool, and if you ask me, they drive the song.

5) This is the Countdown- 8/10- Great vocals, but nothing else that's too exciting. Still an awesome song!

6) Painless- 9/10- Fun guitar during the chorus, an infectious piano part and deep lyrics make this a musical-triumph.

7) The Ocean- 10/10- Here's one of those perfect ballad. The lyrics portraying love in a way that's supremely satisfying and spot-on vocals, the Ocean is a wonderful track.

8) Breakdown- 10/10- possibly some of the best lyrics I've heard, backed-up by awesome music and vocals. The drums that start this song are just too cool. Not that there's anything really superb about them, it's just that it seems the drummer found the perfect beat for this song.

9) Mistakes We Knew We Were Making- 10/10- Once again, the lyrics are so poignant and unbelievable.

10- just top reading this and GET THE ALBUM. It's beyond amazing and well worth your money. Just to own those above tracks are worth the money. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
This is pure art.

When I first heard MAE the only thing that I could think of is "this band is amazing" When I went and bought the album I was instantly amazed. The production of the WHOLE album is amazing. The music itself, is great!!!!!!! The CD clocks in at over an hour, that is almost unheard of in this 35-40 minute album length world we live in now. If you like you music complex and beautiful this is the stuff for you. Now one thing I am a major stickler for is the artwork. The artwork makes the album complete, and the artwork for this album does just that. Each song has a picture for it. Now one thing that really took me back, in a good way is the very begging and end. They actually have a narator intro the cd. Some people dont like it, but it lets you read the lyrics along with the song like its a book. GREAT STUFF HERE, it has the WHOLE package

This is just an absolutely great album from start to finish. The way it flows together and tells the story is simply fascinating. I could have just sat and listened all day. If you haven't checked it out yet, you definitely need to do that. I am a graduated music major and I thought "The Everglow" was terrific. So don't over-analyze and try to find things wrong with the record - Just relax and enjoy this incredible piece of music.

It took me a while to get into Mae, but they are an amazing band. The Everglow is absolutely breathtaking. The piano in it is just perfect, also very bassy which is always good. Whoever produced the album is amazingly talented as well. My favorite tracks on the album are So Far Away, Someone Else's Arms, The Everglow, Painless, and Anything.
5 out of 5 stars definitely.

Alright. Where to start. This is easily one of the most anticipated albums of 2005, and it has lived up to the hype - BIGTIME. Every song is orgasmic, and moving, from the slicing riffs in "Someone Else's Arms" to the beautiful ballad in "The Sun And The Moon," Mae delivers in every way possible, bringing good, wholesome music to the world. I will now give a short diagnosis of each song on the record.

1 - Prologue - This opens up in a very creative fashion, with a woman's voice soothing your mind into the background piano music. Great way to kick off the album. 9/10

2 - We're So Far Away - The first Piano song off of Everglow, it lives up to everything I ever thought it would be. You will enjoy every moment of this one. 10/10

3 - Someone Else's Arms - One of the catchiest opening riffs I have heard in some time. With heart-pulling lyrics such as, "I've got a feeling it's not the safest place to start/This heavy breathing/it seems we're better off breaking hearts," This song is sure to be a hit. This song's chorus says it all. "I just wanna wake up..." 10/10

4 - Suspension - This is the first single off of Everglow. Originally released on Destination: B-Sides, the song has been remastered, and redone, and it sounds better than ever. It will leave you caught in suspension for more with lyrics such as these, "Say anything/But say what you mean/When you wisper you want this/your eyes tell the same." 10/10

5 - This Is The Countdown - The vocal harmonies in the chorus of this one get me every time. "I've been waiting for something/I've been sitting for too long/I've been waiting but oh, tonight/this one last try goes on and on and on." Will leave you with the melody of heaven in your head. 9/10

6 - Painless - Easily possesing the coolest intro on the album, Painless is one the harder-rocking songs on Everglow. You won't be dissapointed by the riffs and hooks this one has to offer. 10/10

7 - The Ocean - Back to the quieter, more tranquil side of Mae, The Ocean delivers beauty in its most pure form with lyrics such as, "I need you here tonight just like the ocean needs the waves." The beauty of this song may bring some to tears. 10/10

8 - Breakdown - Another gem off The Everglow. The lyrics here sum up many regrets we have in relationships: "So take care what you wish for, for it may come true...And you had to be sure this wasn't one of those games/But I'm going to show you if you could just give me tonight..." 8/10

9 - Mistakes We Knew We Were Making - A great song filled with a hint of optimism through tough times. "We made plans to be unbreakable...No insurance for the unthinkable....Riding on the fumes that spark us, while igniting dreams." 8/10

10 - Cover Me - A song on the Everglow filled with passion. "Everything is better and everything is right/and everything comes together and everything's done tonight if you cover me." The main theme of the song is obviously stated in the lyrics: "Hey!/What's the point of trying to get away?/ The neverending search to find escape/is going to leave you cold." 10/10

11 - The Everglow - This one has a nice somber feel to it. I love this song. With lyrics like these: "It's cold inside/but deep in the night/the light is bright enough/to save the weakest ones" It's obvious of the mild Christian undertones, which is a good thing. Lots of optimism in this song. 10/10

12 - Ready And Waiting To Fall - This one is a great little tune that can be taken in a very universal way. "It's never been more perfect being alive/I've never been so satisfied, oh..." This one can be taken as a recommittance to faith, or a longing to be back in a relationship with someone. Very good lyrics. 9/10

13 - Anything - Another song with a great opening riff. This one is filled with metaphors such as, "Love./It's a wave I ride that won't ever reach the shore." 10/10

14 - The Sun And The Moon - This one is easily my personal favorite. With amazing piano ballads, and swirling guitars around the unfaltering vocals that Mae brings to the table, give this song my #1 pick. The lyrics are so magnificent as well: "So when you say "forever" can't you see/You've already captured me." 10/10

15 - Epilogue - This is the same thing basically as the Prologue, except the woman's voice is telling you "Thank you for listening to the Everglow" and the same captivating piano piece is playing in the background. A clever way to both end and begin a masterpice such as The Everglow. 9/10

This album is nothing short of incredible on every level of the word. The album art is amazingly beautiful, and the CD itself, is done in the style of an antique record. It's even got the feel of one. If you thought destination:Beautiful was the greatest thing you have ever heard, well listen to the Everglow, and forever change your mind. The Everglow, by Mae. It will be glowing in your ears for the next few months, without a doubt.

Overall - 10/10

The Everglow, unlike Mae's previous album, is a concept album at heart. The CD is accompanied by a short booklet. The opening track (it's not technically a song) overviews the album, explaing how the album should be listened along with the booklet. Many bands have tried incorporating a book with their album, and none were very sucessful.

After listening to the benchmarks of piano rock, Ben Folds is the artist that is best known, I can say that Mae is original. They found a way to create a new and original sound. The actual recording of the album is exceptional, which allows the instruments and vocals to be well defined. They managed to balance the instruments with the vocals extremely well. On the slower, more melodic songs, the vocals shine through and the instruments take a backseat. However, when the songs get faster and the music emerges over the vocals, pulling it away from the sterotypical Ben Folds-esque songs.

To be honest, after listening to the album for the first time, I was rather disappointed in it. I was a big fan of their debut album, Destination: Beautiful, and of the B-Sides to it. The songs seemed slightly different, more intimite, and I didn't particurly like it. Because I liked their first albums so much, I gave The Everglow an additional listen, and the CD started to grow on me. The more I listened to it, the more I liked it. Initially I would have only given the CD two to three stars, but as I grew to like it, it deserved a four star rating. But! The five star rating given to this album is correct because of the booklet. Mae offers you an experience with this album, and that experience relies heavily on the booklet. Without it, the CD is only a three to four star album.

All of the songs blend together to tell a story. This story can also be followed by reading through the booklet. I was suprised to find how well the two corresponded, and when the two were combined, it was a much different experience. Overall, The Everglow is an experience. The album as a whole, the booklet aside, has a much different sound than the previous Mae album. With all of the intricies that are found in The Everglow, all of the little phrases and riffs that blend so well together, must have taken a huge amount of time to produce. The effort put into the album is evident, and it paid off. This album is extremely well produced, and has a unique and original sound that isn't usually found in its genre. Even though this is essentialy a concept album, the attention to detail and the experience that this band tries to give to its fans is what sets this apart from the usual music.