Customer Reviews

The Needles The Space

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Let's take two steps back, and pretend that Mr. John Nolan was never a member of another uberpopular rock band. Let's just let Straylight Run be Straylight Run without comparisons to bands like Taking Back Sundy or Brand New, because seriously guys Straylight Run is neither one of these bands. Now that I have that taken care of I'm going to have to speak in sheer reverence about "The Needles The Space", Straylight's brilliant 2007 debut for Republic Records. As much as I enjoyed the good but uneven 2004 self titled album, an amazing amount of musical maturity has occurred since then (that of which was only hinted at on the ep "Prepare to Be Wrong")

The album starts off with the song "The Words We Say" a toe tapper sung by John that pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the disc. It's mellow, which I'm going to say right now, is what this album is all about. Don't expect to find crunching pop punk electric guitar, instead be prepared to be overwhelmed with an expansive use of instruments not traditonally used on a rock record. (trombone, mandolin, accordian) The use of all these different sounds makes the whole album sound expansive and original, not knowing exactly what's coming next.

More so than in their previous works, the lyrical content of this album stands out as well. While some of the album talks about love and politics, a good majority of it is based on the struggles of the faith of John and Michelle. Never more apparent than in the John sung "Who Will Save Us Now", where he talks about how relegion was forced upon him in his youth, only to find out that his beliefs differed from those that he was raised to believe. The disc seems to flow together far better than their debut album as well, drifting from one song to the next seemlesly. Thus, giving it a well needed cohesive feel.

The album is not without fault though. It is definitely soft and slow, at times almost to slow (espically towards the end of the album) I'm in love with the new sound, but found myself longing for another fast paced tune. I also found myself hungry for more songs sung by John, I love the voice of Michelle, but am more fond of John's superlative vocals. These complaints are minute though. "The Needles The Space" is a beautiful, lush album that is far different than any type of rock album out there today; and this, my friends, is not a bad thing.

Ever since Straylight Run formed, they've had a unique sound and a genre-mixing style that I love. They manage to write catchy songs that with meaningful lyrics that aren't a bit cheesy, and they sound like nothing you've heard before. I have to disagree with the one star review of this album. It's completely a matter of personal opinion whether it's your taste or not, and Straylight Run has grown and tried new things with their sound, so maybe you DON'T like it...but that doesn't mean it's bad. Personally, I think it's thoughtful and creative without being pretentious. I love John and Michelle's harmonies, and I appreciate the eclectic nature of this album. It sounds a little more indie and a little less emo, and I guess some people don't appreciate that. I'm glad that they are continuing to separate themselves from the pack and define their own sound rather than sticking with a safe, generic guitar-driven emo sound. Although I agree with the below review that the most recent Brand New CD is ambitious and amazing, so is this Straylight Run album - it's just a different kind of amazing.

I have to say, although I wasn't a big fan of 2 of the songs, this cd ranks on the top of my favorite cds. I don't believe that The Miracle That Never Came was the wisest song to choose as the first single, because although I am a big fan of Straylight Run, the song didn't really fit. But after listening to the whole cd, I've realized that the whole album is different from their first, and definitely not in a bad way. Just know to expect different music. My top picks are "First of the Century", "We'll Never Leave Again", and "Button Down". Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Straylight Run have always been on the verge of greatness, yet never quite there. Their piano laced debut was full of strong songs and excellent musicianship, but it didn't quite do enough to separate them from their peers. 2005's "Prepare To Be Wrong" EP took a more experimental turn, but something was still missing. Whatever it was has been found on their newest album, "The Needles The Space."

The band have shaken things up a lot on this release. Where piano once dominated their music, acoustic guitars play a much more prominent role here. Their sound is further augmented by everything from accordion, mandolin, and clarinet, to a marching band percussion ensemble. As on "Prepare To Be Wong," electronics are once again used to great effect here, especially on the sultry "How Do I Fix My Head" and the Yoshimi-era-Flaming-Lips-on-steroids track "Who Will Save Us Now."

Another noticeable change from previous released is the increased presence of Michelle DaRosa, who sings lead on five songs instead of her usual one or two. Her vocals sound more confident than ever, and she shows a knack for odd time changes and complex arrangements such as "The Miracle That Never Came" and the can-can choruses of "Still Alone." John Nolan's songs tend to stay in more traditional territory, yet never come off feeling generic or forced. "Soon We'll Be Living In The Future" sounds a bit like a long lost Modest Mouse B-side. "Buttoned Down" gives the album its title (and one of its most memorable hooks) with only a stripped down guitar and vocal arrangement. "We'll Never Leave Again" and "First Of The Century" are wonderful arena-ready power ballads, and "Take It To Manhattan" provides the listener with the best bridge between this album and the piano rock of their earlier releases.

"The Needles The Space" accomplishes what many groups have tried to do and failed. It covers a tremendous amount of ground, sounding almost schizophrenic at times, yet not a note sounds out of place. No matter what style or genre they attempt, they always sound like Straylight Run. To have this degree of variety and yet still maintain a cohesive musical identity is something that is very rare in modern rock. I hope that this album doesn't fall on deaf ears; it is definitely the best thing to be released yet this year, and quite possibly one of the strongest albums of this decade. Whether you're new to Straylight Run or a fan from years ago, keep an open mind and pick up this album. I don't see how you could regret it.

If you are wondering if you should buy The Needles The Space or not, well wonder no more.

I can't imagine anyone not enjoying this album. If you are a fan of Strayligh Run, then you know about their 'dance and sing along like no one is listening'tunes. If not, then youre in for a treat, the songs on this album are mellow, happy, sing along songs that will make you want to get up and dance, no matter what mood you were in before you played the album!

The album also has amazing lyrics. If you have heard any of their last songs, you may find this album a little different. Don't get me wrong, different is not code word for "bad". I mean to say that they have grown as a band, and you can really see it in their music.

But enough of what I think is one of the "must have albums of the summer", just pick up a copy and see what I mean for yourself.

I've been a fan of strayligh run ever since 2004. This c.d. is nothing i would've expected after listening to the first c.d, but it is even more amazing. Each song has something special about it, whether its the lyrics that go straight to my heart, or if its the catchy beats or great piano. I would suggested this cd to anyonne, even if you've never heard of straylight run, even if you don't like straylight run.

Straylight Run's new cd "The Needles The Space" was worth the time and effort the band put into making it. The Nolan's songwriting has matured over time especially since their debut and it's definitely for the better. Songs like "How Do I Fix My Head" and "The Miracle That Never Came" are written in the female point of view which I can relate to. "Soon We'll Be Living In The Future" has a great beat and meaningful lyrics. All in all, a great buy for any SR fan and anyone who likes the genre.

It's true that Straylight Run's second full-length record is a distinct change from either of their previous releases. Nnew instruments have been incorporated; many of the songs have a folksy, melodic, almost acoustic sound; and, most notably, Michelle has a real presence, singing several of the songs herself. Stand-out tracks include "The Miracle That Never Came," which mixes a driving beat and strong vocals from Michelle; "Take It To Manhattan," a message to anyone in the music business only in it for fame and money; and "Buttoned Down," a song that is musically straight-forward but striking in its simplicity. With this record, Straylight Run has continued to separate themselves from the faceless pack of mediocre "emo" bands and their cookie-cutter songs, all so alike, and that is something they can certainly be proud of.

When i first bought this cd i had only heard the first CD of straylight run and i was quite impressed with the intricate lyrics and soothing music. But when i started listening to The Needles The Space i was stunned at how much the two albums had differed and i was kind of disgusted at how different it was. But after a few more listens at the whole album, i came to be impressed by how they have transitioned to something more unique and themselves and they have not strayed away from the complex lyrics that made them.

I am hooked on this album, its not one of their finests but definetly worth a good million listens. Its good for any occasion and a definte cheer up. Good for everyone who has a general liking in music, with a wide array of singing and lyrical genius its a must buy!