Customer Reviews

Only Reason I Feel Secure

5 star:		(18)
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It pains me to call this remastered EP my favorite from Pedro the Lion, but sadly it is. I feel as if any musical credibility I have is lost when my favorite album by an artist is not only an EP, but also a remastered and rereleased EP.

The full name of this EP, of course, is "The Only Reason I Feel Secure...is because I'm validated by my peers." See? Even the title is great! However, the music is far more interesting than the title.

From the way I understand the lyrics, I would say that this EP has far more spiritual directness and openness than any of Bazan's previous releases - even to the point of including a hymn (Be Thou My Vision) on this release. The songs "Letter from a Concerned Follower," "Be Thou My Vision," and "Diamond Ring" all have a distinctly Christian message and with the exception of "Vision," they all reflect a superior writing style in their intelligent and heartfelt lyrics (not that Vision doesn't, but...well, Bazan didn't write it). The subtle sarcasm in "Concerned Follower" powerfully drives home a problem with contemporary philosophy and the secularizing power of information and technology while "Diamond Ring" fools listeners until the last verse when the audience is forced to recognize God as the narrator.

The other songs certainly can't be ignored - whether full of spiritual content or not. "Criticism as Inspiration" is a fantastic song about pride and moral superiority with a clever ending that partially turns the tables on the narrator. Following Criticism is "I am the one who always calls" which describes a seemingly failing long-distance and impersonal relationship that relies on the internet and phones...discussing modern methods of communication seems to be taboo in this genre of emo/folk, but Bazan's lyrics are unabashed and intelligent. The line: "my faith in zeros and ones / to host our romance" is obvious...but very original and descriptive. Bazan's lyrics, as usual, are fantastic.

The last couple of songs on this extra long EP are also not throw-aways. While they might not be original, Inventor and Big Trucks are still both fantastic Pedro songs and their inclusion as "rarities" is definitely worthwhile. I proudly give this EP 5 stars but I'm tempted to post this anonymously.

this is the album where pedro the lion really seems to mesh, from the first two tracks (criticism as inspiration and i am always the one who calls) to the beautiful rendition of be thou my vision, it works well throughout. so many beautifully honest lyrics (it makes me feel so good to always tell you when you're wrong, the big man that i am to always have to bring you down) that it will hit you every time you listen to it. i think this is my favorite pedro album because the music doesn't obscure the ideas, which is one downfall that i see in the recent lp. if you are more into their lyrics and the quiet simplicity of their music, then you will enjoy this album a great deal, especially if you want to hear about struggle (because that is what this album is all about, especially dealing with hypocrisy).

I've been listening to Pedro the Lion's 'The Only Reason I Feel Secure' lately. It's weird because I don't usually get too enthusiastic about Christian artists. They're sort of a borderline Christian band -- it's not blatent or preachy but many of their songs have positive Christian messages. They did a cover of 'Be Thou My Vision' and the sound is at once intimate, honest, confident, and solemn. Jaw-droppingly beautiful. Then there's 'Diamond Ring' At first, the listener believes he's hearing a song about unrequited love -- a man trying to win the love of a woman and constantly getting turned down: '...I told you that I loved you from the start, but you still said no, you would not have me...' As the song progresses, the listener realizes that it's God speaking to the woman -- not just another suitor. It's one of the sadder songs I've ever heard, but at the same time it lends insight into the emotions that God must go through everyday as He loves people unconditionally but gets denied their love in return. Upon listening to 'Diamond Ring', I immediately had to hear it again, in this new context. Think of them as a Christian Elliott Smith. Lead singer David Bazan sings as if he's praying.

This album may be my favorite Pedro album, even though it is an EP. What is so great about this album, as well as pretty much all their albums, is the diverstiy. They dont tire out one style of song, which is true even with this short EP. There are slow songs and faster songs, i mean, one must keep in mind that this is a rather downbeat band, but regardless, they do have more upbeat songs. I mean, compare "big trucks" to "invention"-which is one of my favorite Pedro songs. The writing on it is as good as anything David Bazan has done, and yet, it sticks out to me for some reason. From beginning to end, there is not one bad track, or even mediocre track, it is all very solid, and flows as well as all their stuff. Emotionally, probably as strong or stronger than their most popular album "Control."

This is the first album i ever happened to hear by the indie rock band Pedro the Lion. My brother had it and he played the track "Big Trucks" and told me to listen to the words closely. Ever since about four minutes after that i was hooked. The album blew me away. It's smart and interesting with a musical style that i just love. If you are a fan of music period i would suggest adding this album to your collection. It's wonderful. Just plain woderful. YOU NEED IT.

Call this emo if you want to, but David Bazan has created a style of music that is completely unprecedented in the Christian market. The simple truths that are presented in his lyrics are perhaps more inspiring and sincere than any others that I have heard. I would recommend PTL to ANYONE...anyone who can appreciate music. Not just hear it and say, "Hey, that's okay..." But to those who want to put in their CD, put on their headphones, close their eyes, and let themselves fall into the smooth tunes. It's incredible...take my word for it.

As a Christian, its hard to find good 'Christian' music that isnt dripping with cheese or the words grace or Jesus in every other line and yet is till some what transforming. Pedro the Lion is a band that has been able to find that rare balance between reality and hope without turning into a bunch of saps with huge ad libbed solos and such. Great lyrics and stripped down instrumentation make it seem like you are having a jam session in the living room with some freinds. The 'scrathiness' of the album adds to its grittines, which helped me at least, to invite these truths into my world. While the lead singer can sound a bit like a whiner at times, his style matches the music. Who searches for meaning without a little bit of heartache in the voice? Def. a great album, for believers and non- believers and anyone else who just likes good music.

One of the best albums I have and definitely the best EP I own! All of the songs are great, tracks 1-3 are some of the best songs I've ever heard! I bought this at a show before this was released, I /highly/ recommend seeing them live, even if it's not your type of music :D

As one of the lucky ones to have heard most of Pedro the Lion's material, I find that The Only Reason I Feel Secure EP is another simple Pedro CD that delivers for those who dig simplicity. The first track draws you in and the final track, though depressing is well worth the listen as it's a redone hymn. Pedro the Lion's material on this disc and other material tends to be on the slow and sad side, but it works...it just does something for me...its simple melodies are beautiful and so is this cd.

I agree with Peter, this is my favorite Pedro album as well. Every single song on here is fantastic. Just buy it, you won't regret it. My favorites are Criticism as Inspiration, Letter From a Concerned Follower, and Invention. As a Christian, I agree with the messages behind these songs more than any of Bazan's other albums. But if you're not a Christian don't let that stop you from enjoying this fantastic work from a fantastic artist, the songs aren't all about God necessarily. I highly recommend this album to everyone.