Customer Reviews

Or Give Me Death

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

 

 

Aqueduct is the one-man band of David Terry (and not to be confused with that other one-man band Aqualung). Aqueduct's previous album "I Sold Gold" was a personal favorite of mine in 2005, finishing hihg in my own list of the "best albums of the year". After touring extensively in support of "I Sold Gold", now finally comes the new album.

"Or Give Me Death" (12 tracks, 42 min.) continues the winning ways of "I Sold Gold", with a heavy emphasis on drums and synthesizers for Aqueduct's sound. "Lying In the Bed I've Made" kicks off the album strongly. The sing-along "Keep It Together" sounds like a good choice for a single (except of course that very few stations give airply to indie muusi like Aqueduct--but check out one that does, namely internet-only WOXY). The best tracks are in the second half of the album, starting with "Unavailable" (with limited but effective use of strings) and "Split the Difference", the sad "Wasted Energy", and the album closer "With Friends Like These". Overall, "Or Give Me Death" is a most enjoyable album. It clips by in no time and you find youself wanting to play it again.

This album is released on Seatlle-based Barsuk Records, which is a terrific label for indie music. Check out some of their other great artists such as Smoosh, Mates of States, the Long Winters, and John Vanderslice. All of them are highly recommended, as is Aqueduct, of course.

If you thoroughly enjoy the musical genius of David Terry, you will not be disappointed.
There is only one exception, I find it different from the past albums. If you are one of those that doesn't take well to a shift in music style, you may want to give it a listen or two.
This album is slightly darker than the past 3, but contains the same catchy psychedelic pop beats.
Either way, I personally suggest giving it a listen.
Finally, if you ever find the opportunity to see Mr. Terry live, I highly suggest it. He never lets you down.

One wonders if this albums lukewarm reviews are from those just not personally akin to Terry's voice or the concept of Aqueduct in general.
Make no bones--this album is groovy, resounding dynamite.
His lyrics are at times defensive, no doubt in reference to those who don't want to deal with his sardonic tone, but I welcome it, and the genius behind the instrumentation itself.
You don't need to see this guy live to get it, though those of you lucky enough to do so will not be disappointed. While, I Sold Gold was a refreshing masterpiece, this album places Aqueduct and David Terry at the front of the line of music made with synthesizers and smarts. Only Terry spares no room for boredom. Buy it.

Aqueduct, the one-man band of David Terry (though he's added a few members this time out), has the makings of a surprisingly strong outfit, but its own derivation muddles the effort. It's clear where Terry's influences lie and he borrows tricks from plenty of different places.

It's possible to think, "well, shoot, everyone does that," but it's sometimes too awkward and obvious on "Or Give Me Death" to let pass by unnoticed. "Keep It Together" is a strange hybrid of Elton John and the Flaming Lips. He even does a Coyne-ish yelp pretty spot on--"Zero the Controls" and "Unavailable" is mimicry at its most obvious, severely damaging otherwise good songs. And "As You Wish" has to be a Beach Boys cover, right? Oh.

Part of the problem is that it can't live up to the strong opening: "Lying in the Bed I've Made" and "Living A Lie" are never topped. And there's a sluggish pace on the second half that has the listener itching for the skip button...even during the good songs! Sometimes the sound is a bit too inky with overkill flourishes and repeated rhythms, but it's never annoying. Whatever problems that Terry encounters, though, are pretty minor. Even if it may be a bit too slow, "Wasted Energy" succeeds on its own terms as a dawdling dirge with off-key vocals that ring of expasperation. While never potent or startling, he makes the listener take notice during the entire course of the record, actually offers a few insightful moments, and then disappears. If he had a more original sound, he may have truly had something, but then again that would have probably made it less accessible, something that Terry needs far too much right now.

Best cuts: "Lying in the Bed I've Made," "Living a Lie," "Unavailable," "Split the Difference," "Wasted Energy," "Keep It Together," "As You Wish," "You'll Get Yours"

Aqueduct's last album, "I Sold Gold" was a really good genre bending rock album but their latest, "Or Give Me Death", is freaking great. Every promising moment on the aforementioned album has been fully realized and is presented as a real aural treat for pop rock lovers.

Amazon hits the nail on the head pretty close in its comparison to label-mates and likewise under-appreciated band the Long Winters but there are so many other layers of influence occurring simultaneously. There are moments that scream Brian Wilson, The Kinks, Of Montreal, The Flaming Lips, etc. Yet these influences never overshadow the originality of the Aqueduct sound and act more as a flavoring to an already delicious musical medley. Since picking up the album I have listened to the album twice a day and the song "Living a Lie" a ridiculous amount.

Anyways, how can you go wrong with an album that features a song consisting entirely of dialogue from the Princess Bride? Which song? I think you may be able to figure it out by the song title, and if not you really should be going to the video store ASAP.

Aqueduct's latest takes the formula that worked so well on "I Sold Gold" and expands it with improved production and additional instrumentation. These twelve songs are humorous, heartfelt, and catchy as heck all at the same time. Standouts include Living a Lie, Keep It Together, As You Wish, and With Friends Like This, which will certainly make for an awesome show-ender, as it just drips with syrupy synth goodness. Highly recommended.

I notice reviews from "aqueduct" fans who love the new album "or give me death" encourage other fans to buy the album and also try to see the live shows. I would ditto that. "aqueduct" is David Terry and I think he is awesome. If you've seen an "aqueduct" show, then you're aware that Dave just lets the show go where it is already headed. You never know the final destination but you can trust that it's somewhere good and he takes the audience there with him. I've been going to David Terry's live shows since he was in the [...]. But then I would know all about them. I'm his mom.

I'll keep this short and sweet .. this is a very good album. There were a few moments when I laughed out loud at Mr. Terry's musings. This is a good thing! Press play .. sit down on the couch .. and before you know it you will be .. rinsing and repeating. Think Flaming Lips circa 1992. Others have said this is darker than previous albums but I havent heard previous albums.

About this time last year I was reviewing new CDs and a sad thought crossed my mind. Would 2006 be the end of surprising, engaging music as we knew it? Of course it wasn't to be.... like so often happens gems emerge that reaffirm your faith. What is incredible is here we are, the beginning of a new year, and we already have a breadth of great albums. 2007 is going be a good one, and one of it's surest indicators is this little record by Aqueduct.

Definately more unknown than known, Aqueduct hails from Seattle (and before that Tulsa) and was once the one-man-band/brainchild of David Terry. Since then, the band has grown and evolved...much like an amoeba evolved into birds, and bats, and fish, and trees. To see what I mean just listen...every song is a new beast. the song "Split the difference" is pure Sparks hook-rock while "Zero the controls" is a better Flaming Lips song than anything the Flaming lips have done in years.

Some songs hang precariously over the 60's Brian Wilsonesque pop edge... but even those get the benefit of the doubt thanks to the incredible variety, depth, and brilliance of this album.

Overall another great 07 find. Sure be one of the years best.

Here are some objective reasons why this is a great album.
--twelve songs
--only two songs clock in at over four minutes in length
--no instrumentals
--all songs written by the same guy
--nice packaging with full, legible lyrics included

And here are some subjective reasons why this is a great album.
--David Terry has an infectious, highly appealing singing voice
--sound quality is excellent and intricate and mastering preserves nice dynamic range
--song selection is spot on, with a strong first track, an energetic first half, quirkier songs later on, and the perfect outro song
--replay value is very high -- 42 minutes and every second is worth listening to
--it's a fantastic sing-along-in-the-car album! Fun!
--doesn't kill you with overwhelming guitars - sounds and instruments are quite varied and delicious
--impressive lyrics, many endearing little verses, clever turns of phrase
--melodies get lodged in the brain for weeks!

You should probably buy this right away after listening to the samples a couple times if they at all appeal to you.

This disc was a nice find for me and has been an album that always makes me happy. Another reviewer wrote "humorous, heartfelt, and catchy as heck..." I agree.