Customer Reviews

Get Evens

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a longtime fan of pretty much every single band in which Ian MacKaye has been a participant, I found this album disappointing. MacKaye has always had a knack for surrounding himself with other great minds and musicians, and Amy Farina is no exception. Her drum work in her former band the Warmers, as well as a stint with Ted Leo, shows her to be an inventive and very distinctive drummer. The first Evens record, though, really showcased Amy's skills as we got to hear her vocals in the forefront. She is the not so secret weapon of this band.

Suffice to say, from the first record and several live appearances, I'm an Evens fan.

So it pains me even more to admit that I don't really like this record very much. The overall message of the lyrics still has great worth, but the actual word choices in the lyrics are often poor, lacking the subtlety and intelligence of the first record. Yes, the Evens may be more in line with a folk vibe than anything either of these two musicians has done before, and yes, lyrics in true folk music may need to be more direct, but so many of the words on this album are just saying things predictably, instead of finding newer and more beautiful ways to express the same emotions and frustrations.

The music is still solid, but none of the songs stand out as better than anything on the first album, or for the most part, even close to the first record.

Case in point, compare the beautifully metaphorical "If It's Water" from the self-titled album to the more forced approach of "Everybody Knows" or "Dinner With the President." Songs from the first record will be relevant and vital 20 years from now. The songs on this second album won't resonate as much even in 5 years from now, because the lyrics are so directly tied to what an awful president Bush has been. I certainly agree with the sentiment, but I just wish the album would have broader and longer lasting implications.

I will still go to their shows, I'll still by their third album, but overall, I unfortunately found this Evens album a bit boring and sub-par for an otherwise great band.

I've only recently discovered the evens in a live performance in chicago. Taken out of context they might seem to be a typical indie group. but, really they're more than that. do your research and you'll see why!
This second cd is much more direct in message and has harder sounds than their first. but tunes are catchy and i enjoy the entire thing, not just one or two songs. worth every penny.

This album couldn't have come out at a better time. This album reflects the mounting frustration many of us feel with the current administration and it's policies. The evens put together an album with fantastic lyrics, with the perfect background of speedy acoustic guitar and perfectly timed percussion. This is a slight upgrade over the first evens album, which while also very good, is not as cohesive as Get Evens. Very catchy. Not for the closed minded or probably those that lean to the far right.

This is one of the best albums I've bought in ages. I own the vinyl and can't stand not being able to listen to this in my car. I just bought the first cd and I'm comfortable saying they're both awesome, but this one is my favorite. BUYBUYBUY. =)

Not too much to say, except this album really moved me, its spare in its arrangement but full of wisdom about the state of American Idiocracy.

Cut From the cloth is a great song. Ian you are a service to music.

I'm a Fugazi fan who's been waiting for some work where Ian MacKaye isn't yelling throughout the whole album (i.e. more like Instrument Sountrack). This album fits the bill pretty nicely. The drum work (Amy Farina's?) is great.

As said before:
W O N D E R F U L
Even better than the first album (which was GREAT)... I' m already waiting for a new album. If they keep improving what's gonna be the next one?????
A "MUST HAVE ALBUM"

i just got this in the mail today and i've already listened to it three times. this is just so dang good. can't tell if i like it better than the first or not, but it's definitely equal (or i guess "even") with the first. as others have said, the lyrical content was needed at this point in time. makes you hope for better days...

I just received my copy last week. Already gave it about 5 listens. My first impression was that it was similar to the Evens' first album, but there really are some clear-cut, standout tracks. I think Ian and Amy stepped it up a notch or two. Many political and war-based themes are evident in the song writing, but c'mon it's from Ian MacKaye so you do you expect anything else? At the very least, you need to get this album if you're a fan of anything Dischord related. And if you plan on seeing the Evens live (which I HIGHLY recommend you do, if given the chance), then you'll need to listen to the album as your homework before seeing the show. I was not disappointed with my purchase of this album at the very least and if you are already aware of who the Evens are, neither will you.

Ian Mackaye has never waited for prizes or flowers for his work, he just keeps moving forward and with each step has an effect.

Should you trust a guy who never put out a record that didn't at the very least show growth and at the most inight revolution? If you don't know then you haven't been taking this trip as it comes.

For my money, The Evens may well be another giant leap or a quiet brush stroke from Ian, but either one is always welcome.