Customer Reviews

Not Only But Also

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

 

 

When I picked up this CD, I was not aware that the 88 had signed a deal with a major record label. All I knew was that I was a fan of their Kind of Light album and I really loved Over and Over. Now I'm not generally the kind of person who resents indie bands who sign with major labels. More often than not, at least in my experience, the quality of the music doesn't change a whole lot. I wish I could say that about Not Only ... But Also. I feel like The 88 has lost a bit of their identity with this record. It's very polished and clean, as a major release should be, but it's more "pop"ish and less fun. Whether this is the fault of major label producers or just the direction the band was headed, I don't know. I can't define the sound. You have to have a listen yourself. All I can say is I don't hate it....but I don't love it either.

Overall Grade: B
Hilights: Love You Anytime, Coming Home, No One Here, Sons and Daughters

"Not Only...But Also" is not bad for the 88's sophomore release. Though slightly uniform, this record is catchy and fun. "Coming Home" is a treat for fans of the first album, being that it's an altered version of the original tune. Keith Slettedahl's voice is melodic and sensitive while still carrying the right tones for this piano rock band! A few of the songs are a bit too similar, but there is little monotony here!

I've enjoyed this band for a while and this is a nice follow up to their previous 2 recordings. Well done!

The Good
"Love You Anytime" is full of catchy rhythms, soft and melodic vocals, and one memorable chorus section. "No One Here" is a piano driven ballad with passionate lyrics and vocals. "Sons and Daughters" kicks the energy level into overdrive. The boogie-woogie piano groove makes the track a little more danceable and different than your standard radio track. "Like You Do' has a soulful and funky 70s groove to it. The 88 still keeps the track modern and pop-rock oriented.

The Bad
The vocals on "Go Go Go" come off strained and whiney. The track is sure to turn you off immediately. What makes matters worse is this is the first song on the album. Once you get past it, the rest of the album is quite good. However, with today's attention spans, most people make their decisions off the first song.

The Verdict
Once you get past the first song, Not Only...But Also is quite and enjoyable album. It's a safe pop-rock album with pleasing rhythms and tuneful vocals. They really should have picked a stronger track to start off with though.

Saw The 88 live with the B52's in Boston, excellent show, the music is a newer style of Rock and Roll with high energy that sounds great. Who's says us old guys can't learn new music!

Not only does this album blow you away from the first note and leave you feelling chills from the potency of the lyrics, the incredibly dynamic vocals, the driving drums, mesmerizing keys, smoking guitar licks and delicious melodies - but also as the title implies these guys have one of the best live shows going...get out and see them!