Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good. Obviously., October 6, 2005
If you've read the title of this review, don't listen to me. The title doesn't do this album justice. I just used "Good" to be witty. Didn't work obviously. But yeah, this album is definitely the best album I have in my collection by far (tied alongside Goodshirt's 'Fiji Baby' too - read my review for that). Goodshirt are one of the bands, in my opinion, that are EXTREMELY underrated among any scene, whether it be mainstream or alternative. The fact that they hail from the beautiful country of New Zealand doesn't help the matter either. Maybe if they re-nationalised themselves as Australians, they would be pretty famous (think Russell Crowe, Crowded House, Jon Stevens, Sam Neill, etc). I really should have reviewed this before I reviewed 'Fiji Baby', but I never gave myself time to review this when it came out. Now that I've made time, I'll tell you just why you should buy this album.
If you like electro pop-rock you should enjoy this album. When I hear Rodney's voice, it reminds me a lot of A.C. Newman (check out his solo albums, in addition to his band The New Pornographers [in particular 'Mass Romantic' and 'Electric Version' - 'Twin Cinema' definitely isn't their greatest album, although it contains an OUTSTANDING title track]). The music itself has a kinda TNP touch to it, but it remains unique when compared to most bands I listen to. The formula is there: poppy vocals, guitar-driven hooks and punchy keyboard loops; and it is executed perfectly. Let me review this album track-by-track so you can get a true sense of each song on the record.
1. 'Melobeeda': Just a synthy intro track with slow military-style snare beat accompanying it. Exempt from rating.
2. 'Place To Be': My favourite Goodshirt song, without a doubt. Well, favourite tied with 'Not That Far' (from 'Fiji Baby'). Whiny pop vocals backed by catchy guitar, drum and keyboard work. The ending is musically charged to finish the song off perfectly. I don't know how else to describe this song, apart from saying simply that it is one of the greatest songs I've ever heard. 10/5
3. 'Green': The song that spawned(?) Goodshirt's name. One of the more rockier tracks on the album. (very) Easy to remember lyrics and an all-round great song. 5/5
4. 'Blowing Dirt': A slightly more laid-back song than the previous track, with keyboard loops tearing through the vocal pauses in the song, while a simple strumming of the guitar sets the mood for the song. Crazy amounts of keyboards in this song. But it remains awesome nonetheless. 5/5
5. 'Slippy': A very good song indeed. The use of the acoustic guitar in the song is great, it suits the relaxed mood of the song perfectly. A song for a sunny day while cruising with your mates down to the beach. 4.5/5
6. 'Everyday': This is actually a really, really good instrumental. It sounds like it could've been used somewhere in the film 'Snatch' with its mix of reggae and electronic styles. Like I said, really good. 4/5
7. 'Sophie': The "love" song of the album, I suppose. Once again the acoustic guitar gets some use, in addition to the trusty electric. Much slower than most of the other songs on the album, but one of the album's true highlights. Get your lighters out and be ready to sway along. 5/5
8. 'Merrilands Domain': Not an overly amazing song, but it still warrants a listen definitely. The acoustic backing, along with the soft keyboard loops and gentle cymbal taps, gives the song a very light feel. Pretty good song. 3.5/5
9. 'Catch This Light': A keyboard-driven song, with melodious, slightly muted vocals that carry the song effectively. Probably the third slowest song on the album, but that doesn't mean it's bad. 3.5/5
10. 'Monotone': Awesome song. It utilises everything the band has to offer with great effect. One of the album's definite highlights (but then again, aren't they all?). 5/5
11. 'Mousey': Rodney decides to go a bit crazy on this track, and the band goes along with it. Not Kittie crazy, but not Beck 'Midnite Vultures' crazy either. I actually can't describe his vocal stylings on this song, but it is an extremely great addition to the album. 5/5
12. 'Long Day List': The second slowest track on the album. Nothing special. Just alright. 3/5
13. 'Mudsky': If 'Catch This Light' was the third slowest track on the album, and 'Long Day List' was the second slowest, then this song is the slowest. Robot-style vocals layered beneath a piano and a drum. There is a "secret" track after this song, but it's just another instrumental that doesn't do much for me. A very relaxed ending to the album, possibly could have benefited from a song with the intensity of 'Place To Be' as the closer. But no qualms, it's not like it's a SHOCKING end to the album. Just nothing overly heart-grabbing. 2.5/5
In conclusion, you MUST check this album out if you like bands such as The New Pornographers, The Dandy Warhols, Beck, Eels and I Am Kloot. You should be pleasantly surprised.
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by Goodshirt 
