Customer Reviews

The Great American Midrange

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I was delighted to listen to "The Great American Midrange" today and realize not once had I been compelled to skip a track or two - how long has it been since *you* had an album worth listening to straight through? The songs are each carefully constructed, passionate, and easy to get immersed into. There's a lot of variety from track to track and even within a song, while not sacrificing a coherent narrative. A Midwesterner like me hears the themes of local life as I know it and that authenticity is moving.

The lyrics are poetic and clever. The songs range from the powerful ("Thunderhead" and "Strut"), the race-worthy "Back to Indiana" and the soul baring "The Little Ways." The coming-of-age story behind "Unless God Appears First," addresses regret and repentance in the tradition of the blues but with a modern, neo-apathetic twist. An untitled bonus track is a sweet and savory ending to the album.

It is safe to say that The Elms is one of my favorite bands. I have enjoyed following their musical career from the "early days" in 2002 to today. The Elms continue to make honest, heartfelt, feel-good music on their fourth studio release, "The Great American Midrange." What an amazing record this is and a great follow-up to their last studio effort "The Chess Hotel"! Every song on this album is excellent; personal favorites include "Unless God Appears First," "Strut," and "The Good Guys." I highly recommend this CD. Pick it up!

The Elms, one of Indiana's hottest melodic rock bands, are back with their fourth album, "The Great American Midrange". I have been a big fan of The Elms since I heard their debut EP in 2000, but they worried me a bit with the uneven "Chess Hotel" (their 2006 major label debut). I am happy and relieved to inform you that "The Great American Midrange" is a brilliant return to form.

I thought it would be appropriate to listen to the new record while driving through their hometown of Seymour, Indiana, while on my way to The Horseshoe Casino to play some poker. I don't think a better soundtrack for such a trip could have been crafted. With titles like "Country Fair" and "Back To Indiana", and a strong roots rock sound, the record just screams 'rock from the heartland'. The ballads can make you feel like you're on your back in a golden field, staring at that big open sky on a lazy afternoon...but without missing a beat they can rock it like a twister. The Elms have attracted some big names to perfect the sonic quality of "The Great American Midrange": the record was mixed by Adam Kasper (Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters) and mastered by Bob Ludwig (Rolling Stones, U2, R.E.M., many more).

Owen Thomas sounds as good as ever; his versatile voice gently sways to falsetto and back again on the tender ballads ("A Place in the Sun" and "The Little Ways"), but can rock out with the best of them amongst the crunchy guitars and thumping drums ("Strut" and "Thunderhead"). What I like best is that the boys have returned to the more classic Elms sound, with big hooks and sing-a-long choruses, and they kept their lyrics smart, positive, and inspiring. My favorite song is "Unless God Appears First", which encapsulates everything I like about this band. There isn't a dud in the bunch, but the other must hear tunes include "Back To Indiana", "This Is How The World Will End", and "The Wildest Heart".

"The Great American Midrange" is a terrific record - one of my favorite records by the band and one of my favorite records of 2009 so far. You'll like The Elms if you dig Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, "Scarecrow"-era John Cougar Mellencamp, or just about any other Midwestern rock outfit.

Key tracks: 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 (including "Lily" bonus track)
Bill's Music Forum review