Customer Reviews

Let It Go

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Clarks' first album, I'll Tell You What Man..., roared out of Pittsburgh in the summer of 1988 and the music scene there has never been the same. While other bands were chasing trends and following fashions, that record was like a slap of cold water, or a remedial course in rock 'n roll: Keep it simple, play clean and hard, write about things that matter to you and that other people can relate to, slam it out with conviction, and you're there. It isn't as simple as that, of course - a little talent helps. The Clarks were overflowing with talent.

Twelve years later, they're still standing - the last remaining band of their class - but they sound like the same kids fresh from IUP, the same boyish energy, the same passion for the music... hell, they even still look like college kids. Only now, they've honed their craft to an edge so sharp that it's impossible to ignore. More to the point: their newest and best record may be poised, just maybe, to have the same effect on the rest of the country that their first record had on Pittsburgh. Other reviews here have said that it sounds better than anything else that's been played on the radio lately. That's true. "I'm a Fool" is a soulful country-rocker worthy of Steve Earle or John Hiatt; "Better Off Without You" could be the great single The Replacements never quite came up with; "Flame" shows off the band's range - just when you thought you had them pegged, they throw a gorgeous, moody gem at you. And "Snowman" has a chorus that's so damn catchy it puts a big grin on your face the first time you hear it.

There aren't many groups mining this kind of territory these days, but that could play to The Clarks' advantage. I mean, haven't we had enough trip-hop and suburban rap-metal to hold us for a while? Straight-up rock 'n roll, written well, played well, and recorded well never goes completely out of fashion, and a lot of people are getting hungry for it again. I know I am - right now this sounds like the best thing I've heard in years. I suspect Let It Go could be the one that puts them over the top, and it couldn't happen to a better bunch of guys. A toast! to the Clarks.

Perhaps the coolest thing about having this album is experiencing the reaction of others when they hear it for the first time. Everyone asks "who are these guys?," immediately followed by "can I borrow it?" Simply put, the Clarks are "the best band you've never heard." Quintessential college music with strong lyrics, skilled musicians, and a generally uplifting alternative/classic/progressive rock sound. In terms of replay value, I rank this album right up there with DMB, Pearl Jam, Barenaked Ladies, and the Beatles stuff I listen to. It's amazing they haven't charted yet.

This CD is by far The Clarks best musical accomplishment. They have been Pittsburgh's best kept secret for years and their venture into national attention is no surprise for fans who have followed them loyally from performance's at Nick's Fat City to their latest show at I.C. Light Amphitheater. "Let It Go" features energetic tracks similar to their trademark song "Cigarette" (found on The Clarks live album) such as "Chasin' Girls," "Better Off Without You," and "Let It Go." However, the band's talent also extends into slow, ballady songs such as "Flame." Frontman, Scott Blasey's vocal performance is excellent as usual and Rob James, Greg Joseph and David Minarik Jr. also exhibit the musical adeptness their many fans are used to. Another aspect in which The Clarks shine is that of performance. Their latest show was one of the most energetic concerts I have ever attended. It certainly is to their credit that thousands of fans could sing along to all the songs played, some of them being only a day old. The band member's interaction with the crowd creates an up-close-and-personal feeling which explains the following they have left in their wake. The show also included memorable versions of Dylan and Marvin Gaye tunes. This group of musicians is extremely talented. Their new CD is sure to create enthusiasm even in listeners who have never heard of them before. "Let It Go" is captivating. Surely, it is something that you will not want to "let go of," especially if you're a Pittsburgher.

A top notch album. I caught on to the Clarks after this album was released, but, this album is the one that hooked me. The singles alone are enough to make this album worth buying, but all the songs are actually good, not just the singles.

"Better Off Without You" is such an anthemic kiss-off song that I only wish I'd had it a few years earlier when I really needed something like that and is, without a doubt, my favorite track from "Let It Go". BTW, go see a Clarks show. That's what originally got me into them in the first place.

4 stars. . . .5 stars. . . it's just too hard to decide! Stright up the Clarks ROCK! If your from anywhere around PGH you know the Clarks already. . .so spread the word about these guys!

My all time favorite track here is BORN TOO LATE. . . . .only way to describe it is wow! You have just got to listen to it!

Snowman is another great track here funky and upbeat and catchy as hell. . .trust me you will be singing it too (God save the snowman, his teeth are falling out . . .)

Chasing girls , Born too Late, Better Off without you. . .are all getting heavy airplay in the 'Burgh, but don't forget to listen to Butterflies and Airplanes too, it will stick with ya!

BUY THIS CD!!!!!!!!!!THE CLARKS RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have this CD and let me toll you it ROCKS. Snowman is the best track on the album, but the rest are a close second. The Clarks are a great band. I can't believe they have not made it nationally yet. They are probably the best kept secret Pittsburgh has ever had. I have seen them live on numerous occassions, from small bars to large auditoriums. Their best performance was at the A.J. Palumbo Center at Duquense University the day after Thanksgiving. Over 7,000 fans packed the gym. The band was pumped to back home in the 'Burgh and you could tell in their playing. They sound just as good live as they do on the CD. Like I said I hope they cathc a break soon and make it big. The rest of the country deserves to hear what Pittsburgh ahs been listening to the past 14 years.

I have all the Clarks albums and have seen them live fom IUP to Akron! Can't wait for the band to head south to Nashville. This has got to be their best work yet.

This cd is solid, to say the least. It's more produced and studio oriented, I guess that's just part of the maturation process. Their last cd was more raw, but this one definitely has a tinge of pop in it, which isn't a bad thing. I still think there better than most other rock bands out there.

Being a Diehard Clarks fan I was rather anxious before listening to the new cd. Nervous wondering If I would enjoy the cd, if it would meet the expectations I expect from the band after following them for a number of years now. However, all the sleepless nights were for not. Because upon listening to the cd I realized this was by far their best cd to date. The cd has something for everyone. There is a great mixture of songs ranging from rock to pop and even a couple of ballads. Scotts vocals on songs such as "Better off Without You" and "Let it Go" are simply amazing. Lyrics on such songs as "Born too Late" and "If Memory Serves" are wonderful. Simply put great lyrics + great Melodies + Great Musicans + great vocals = One great must own CD.

I was introduced to The Clarks by a friend of mine who absolutely loves them. They are Pennsylvanian band that originally formed in the '80s at IUP, where the members first met. You get sucked into their meusic and lyrics, and it's not easy to pull this cd from your system. The tunes are catchy. They never have the same thing twice, and they do a fantastic job at lyrics. Some musicians focus on love and relationship, but not these guys; check out the first track, "Snowman." "His head is in the clouds, his nose is on the ground'
My favorite track is "Butterflies and Aeroplanes." It's so upbeat and I end up singing or humming it all day. "Big ben John Glen and radio waves"
The Clarks are one of the few bands that I know that I still great to listen to via recording or live; they have such a stage presence. They're more than happy to be up there singing and jamming for you.
Long live The Clarks.