Customer Reviews

Only Way to Be Alone

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

From the ashes of Days Away and Unlikely Cowboy comes the band Good Old War. At first this sounds like terrible news seeing how Days Away and Unlikely Cowboy were both great acts. But actually it is the exact opposite. Formed of Keith Goodwin and Tim Arnold (Days Away) and Dan Schwartz(Unlikely Cowboy) Good Old War makes some of the catchiest folk love tunes you will hear. From start to finish this album is 100% solid. If harmonies and melodies are your kind of thing then I suggest you pick this up. It's not everyday that you can find three beings that are able to harmonize in perfect unison like Good Old War. From tracks like "Weak Man" which features Anthony Green(Circa Survive)and Dave Davison(Maps and Atlases) to "Stay By My Side" which features the Wadsworth Sisters, there is something for everyone. Tracking in at thirty six minutes long "The Only Way To Be Alone" has moments that will stick with everyone for a long time. I'm not sure I have bonded with a record like this for some time. For fans of bands like Fleet Foxes I recommend you pick this up now.

When Days Away disbanded, many people worried that Keith Goodwin's new adventure wouldn't live up to the great work done while with his rock outfit.

It is now safe to say: Good Old War is the real deal.

One review that sticks in my mind stated that this album could have been released in any of the last five decades and would still make an impact. Quite honestly, that review could not have rung any more true. Good Old War's approach of mixing catchy vocal harmonies and hooking guitar parts makes this album perfect for anytime you want to sit back and enjoy something refreshingly original.

For those wondering, the band is also just as good live.

If I could rate this album any higher then five stars, I would.

What I love about the album 'Only Way to Be Alone' is that it really doesn't follow any particular trend. If I didn't know better I'd think their music came from my Dad's old 8-track collection. With their indie-folk throwback sound, Good Old War prove that it doesn't matter what genre you play - good music is simply just good music.

This is one of my very favorite albums. Buy it its well well worth it. These guys are talented song writers and musicians and have excellent harmonies.

while browsing through some bands and artists one day, i came across this album. i'd heard of good old war a bit before, but never had given them a listen. i listened to the preview of "tell me", and though it can be an unwise decision in many cases, i clicked "buy album" immediately because i completely fell in love with that short, little 30 seconds that i heard of them. that was pretty much the best decision of my life, because the album as a whole is stunning. there is not a song that i don't love, and i consider it quite an accomplishment to write an album that is brilliant track after track. the instrumentation is creative, the harmonies are spot-on and gorgeous, and the lyrics are really very relevant. if you're hesitating to buy this album, just get it. now. and then go buy their new self-titled album, cause that's amazing as well. =]

Only Way to Be Alone has been in constant rotation for me since it's release in the Fall of 2008. The folk trio has something that is hard to come by in mainstream music these days: soul. The harmonies are beautiful; the guitar playing is sick (check out Window...), and the percussion (I'm a drummer, so I paid attention) really adds to the depth of the songs. Tim knows what he's doing with those brushes!

Do yourself a favor and check out this release. I hope it connects with you like it did with me.

Choice cuts: Well...everything. But for starters, Just Another Day, Looking For Shelter, and I'm Not For You.

Enjoy!

-- Scott Heiner

Members of Days Away, Tim Arnold and Keith Goodwin, and Unlikely Cowboy frontman, Dan Schwartz, make up the band Good Old War. They were looking to get away from the loud, rock 'n roll sound of their previous bands to create an acoustic folk band, alas Good Old War was born.
The debut record "Only Way To Be Alone" is a great compilation of catchy, well-written acoustic folk songs. The entire album is excellent, with great lyrics and melodies combined.
It's really difficult for me to pick a few highlights, as I think the entire album is incredible; however, a few favorites would have to include "Weak Man" featuring Anthony Green, it's a nice, bluesy number with a great melody and you gotta love the feature of Anthony Green. "Window" is another favorite; it's a song with great guitar work by Schwartz. I love "Tell Me"; it has a great lyrics and storytelling. And of course, "Coney Island" is a staple. Great, catchy, well-written songs by talented and experienced musicians. Simply excellent.

When I listen to this album, it makes me think of my childhood. My mother and I used to sing together all the time. My mom was really into folk music, and that is what we sang together. She taught me how to harmonize our favorite folk songs, her doing the lower part and me the higher. This band creates such beautiful songs and the harmonies are so fantastic. I find myself practicing the harmonies while I drive and it reminds me of those good childhood times. I would definitely recommend this album to anyone who appreciates a good melody, a feel good vibe, and beautiful harmonies!

The Only Way to Be Alone album is off the charts! Cant wait to pick up the new album.

This is one of the best albums I have heard in the longest time. Do yourself a favor and buy it.... You will love it!