Customer Reviews

Help Wanted Nights

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

 

 

This album hasn't left my CD player since it came in from the pre-order, party because I'm a Tim Kasher fanboi, mostly because 2007 releases have been disappointing thus far.

It's a little short in length, not as consistent as Album of the Year, but the handful of gems glimmer enough to gain my overall approval.

Ok, this album is definitely different than their previous albums. But, what I'm loving more and more each day about this album is that it's still classic The Good Life in the sense that they haven't lost what's good about their music (which is happening a lot these days) while, on the other hand, it's different enough from the earlier albums that there's no way this could be mistaken for their earlier stuff. I know this is just repeating what's been said before, but you really have to give this album more than one listen to really appreciate it. If I had rated it after the first 2 or 3 listens, I would have easily given this 1 or 2 stars, but Help Wanted Nights is so very, very close to getting 5 stars.

Unfortunately, I don't think I can bring myself to give Help Wanted Nights 5 stars. And the reason that that perfect rating is unattainable is something that can never change; some of the songs AND the album as a whole are too short! More precisely, there are a couple of songs that start out phenomenally but just stop far sooner than what feels right. It just seems like right when I really get into these songs, they just stop!

Still, I really love some of these songs. "On the Picket Fence", "Keely Aimee", and "Some Tragedy" all get about a 6 out of 10 from me, just because I find them a little boring. "Heartbroke" and "Your Share of Men" both start as great songs (maybe 9 out of 10), but I give them about 7 out of 10 because they're two of the ones that just cut off when I'm getting into them. "You Don't Feel Like Home to Me" and "So Let Go" are both really good, but not epically great, so 8 out of 10 for them. Like other songs, "Playing Dumb" cuts off too soon; however, this is such a good song, that I'm willing to let that slide, so I'm giving it 9 out of 10 (spite makes me want to give it 8 out of 10 because I KNOW this would be 10/10 if it were just a little longer...but I'm not going to penalize it any more than necessary). Finally, "Rest Your Head" is simply a masterpiece, easily 10 out of 10! I definitely have to put this up there with other 10/10 favorites (like "Don't Make Love So Hard", "Waiting on Wild Horses", "Always a Bridesmaid", "O'Rourkes 1:20am"). Buy this! It's good! And, most importantly, give this a chance!

The first time I popped in Novena on a Nocturn I was stopped in my tracks by the simple heart brake, hurt, and disappointment that was beautifully crafted in the lyrics of Tim Kasher. I could feel the pain crawl into my chest and crush my soul with it's strong fingers. They way he tells his melancholy tales backed by aching melodies, it feels good to be sad. I couldn't wait for the installment.

However, with the release of the next few albums, I felt as if something was missing, it wasn't so sad, or musically moving...hmmmmm, what happened? Did his mom treat him to breakfast at Denny's? But when I saw this new release with the lonely title "Help Wanted Nights", I had distantly hoped in the back of my mind that he could get back on track...maybe....please...afterall, what could be sadder than working the night shift at some no future dive in some hole in the wall town.....So tonight I hit the play button and that sad smile crept it's way back on my face. He's back, with all his letdowns, angst, and frustrations. His misfortunes serve like some twisted Halloween costume that I can just slip into for my own personal enjoyment. Sorry Tim, but I'm glad of your hard times, they are serving me well.

I'm surprised to see such low reviews for this album. I'm a huge fan of the Good Life and this one is one my favorites. It is way more stripped down than Album of the Year and Black Out but the songs are all so damn good! The only down side to this record is that its kinda short. But worth it. I don't skip any songs. And I sing along at the top of my lungs. ITS THAT GOOD. I feel like maybe people didn't give it a chance? DKDC

Discovered The Good Life from my husband and have been hooked ever since. I don't know alot about the band, but Help Wanted Nights is my favorite CD that they have released. Very melancholy and "different" than what you would hear on the radio (thankfully). Some of their lyrics are incredibly intelligent and/or crack me up. Very different use of the English language, very witty. If they EVER start touring again, I will be the first to buy tickets. Great CD. Highly recommended.

It's a sentimental little gem that the Good Life have recorded here. It goes down easily, which isn't something you can say of much of Tim Kasher's music. Of course, he generally injects lots discomfort into his songs, and I applaud that. But, I don't know, I just really like the listenability of this record. The emotional weight isn't compromised by the singer/songwriter style he and the band have employed, and the lyrics still take center stage. Domestic distress is a theme that never gets old -- we live it every day -- and Kasher gives us a pretty, quantly framed view of unhappy homes.

Maybe what draws me into records like this is wondering if these vignettes are informed by the artists' own sad tales.

What is it with Tim Kasher being the target of a large number of ignorant minds? Reviews for both of his bands seem to come from 13 year olds who listen to two songs and then formulate their opinion of the entire album. I will keep this short; this album is AMAZING, just like the previous releases from The Good Life, and this is the kind of music that needs to live on. It doesn't deserve to be trashed so.

the good life's previous albums are so amazing, it's a lot to live up to. there's 4 songs on here i definitely like ("so let go" and "on the picket fence" being highlights), but i just skip the rest because they don't catch my attention. it's not a "bad" album though. i just personally find it kinda boring.

Were significantly better. Try especially Black Out" or "Novena on a Nocturne". "Help Wanted Nights" is simply a disappointing direction for an otherwise fantastic artist.


Tim Kasher's voice however is delightful as always.