Customer Reviews

Weight Is a Gift

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Matthew Caws understands the value of hardship and speaks of it so eloquently it moves me every time I listen to "The Weight is a Gift". Ever asked yourself the age-old question, "why do bad things happen to good people" or "why me"? Ever think about personal responsibility in regards to your feelings? This cd may bring comfort and answers. It does so for me.

But that was not my first impression upon listening to this cd. After the first listen I was so-so about it; basic, well-crafted pop that would likely gather dust on the shelf. But instead of blowing it off I kept listening and Nada Surf pulled me in. It's very well recorded, the band plays great and Caws has a wonderful voice, and all this leading to a performance that is more than the sum of it's parts. Now I cannot listen to "Weight" without being moved.

There is a lifetime of experience in these 11 songs and Nada Surf lays it out ever so eloquently. In regards to both the music and the metaphor, believe it: the weight IS a gift.

For those expecting "Let Go" Part II...

You may be surprised.

Gone are the hallowed introspection, moody musings and indie-production that made Let Go shine. On this new LP, I don't see the harrowing grace that was "Fruit Fly" or the wispy and up-front melancholia that was "Blonde on Blonde."

I do see a fine new LP that's more direct, more clear, more "sunny" pop sounding, yet still retains the trademark Nada Surf songcraft and wit.

I'm still mulling over the new disc, but have very good impressions on the different direction this new title takes.

The guitars are sharp and more "direct". There's less "air" to the songs -- tighter constructions rather than blissful melodies that take time to develop or those that refrain over-and-over (and often collapse on itself).

Lyrics are as wonderful as ever (e.g. - the weight is a gift line is simply great), vocals = more upfront.

If this signals the beginning of a great musical '05 fall, I'm all for it.

Before I write anything, you must understand how much I love Nada Surf's previous album, "Let Go". I would certainly put it in my Top 20 favorite albums of all-time. Whenever you have a situation like that, you cross your fingers that their next album can be nearly as good. Well, I would go so far to say it's better, but in a different way. It's like a companion piece to "Let Go". They didn't dramatically change their sound like some bands might do after a huge hit when they are afraid of being compared to their previous effort. As I listened to "The Weight is a Gift", I kept wondering: "Could this band ever go wrong?"

Upon first listen, the album sounds much more "poppy" and "cheerful" then "Let Go" as a whole. This tone is set from the get go with "Concrete Bed", with it's lush vocals and breezy guitar. But the more I listen to the remaining songs, the more they resemble the tone of "Let Go". There are more mid-tempo, concise rock/pop songs and fewer ballads compared to "Let Go". It's really hard to pick a standout song, because they are all solid. I would probably pick "What is Your Secret?". I think the reason is because of the catchy lyrics that permeate this entire album....such as: "Our movies don't play much anymore/the actress was fired". Or my personal favorite phrase (from "Imaginary Friends"): "Lenny Bruce's bug eyes."

Recently I have been inundated with new music and most albums I am lucky to listen to one time in its entirety. However, I have probably listened to this album at least 10 times since I got it 2 weeks ago. I have only two somewhat negative things to say about the album. (1) If you are put off by bad language in songs, you might not enjoy "The Blankest Year", in which the f-word is repeated several times. Admittedly, I don't like such language in songs and I don't like the trend toward it these days. However, this song is so catchy you might look past it. Astonishes me that they did put it in the song. (2) There is about 5 minutes of no sound after the last song until something almost as unrewarding starts up. Again, I have no idea why bands do this. Either way, it shouldn't stop you from buying this album!

The latest album from Nada Surf is a great follow-up to what will most likely be they're finest album of the band's career in 2002's "Let Go." The new album is stock full of the wonderful pop songcraft that Matthew Caws is becoming even better at as he ages along with his bandmates. I'll admit the first listen through wasn't as captivating as I'd hope, but after repeated listens it grew on me. Nada Surf is a band that should be around for another ten years which would be a great thing because with each album they show another side of them which results in stunning indie pop/rock.

As a person who likes indy rock, it is hard for me to often let co-workers and friends sample different bands. Not because I want to horde all the "cool music" in hopes that while sitting at an art opening I can say something like, "have you heard of said cool band?" Truthfully, I want to share the music that I have found with everyone; however, when I do so, most people think that the music is too strange and off beat from what they normally listen to. Nada Surf's The Weight is a Gift is a collection of good pop/indy rock tunes that anyone can enjoy. There are no heavy guitar riffs, no raspy vocals, just a pure, steady rock sound with lots of creativity and heart. So next time you are at the water cooler talking about music, tell your cubicle buddy about Nada Surf, because everyone can relate to good music.

On "The Weight is a Gift" Nada Surf isn't doing anything it hasn't done before.

Thank God.

Matthew Caws, Nada Surf's primary songwriter, keeps adding to his already lengthy and impressive musical resume on this album. Songs with jangly and gauzy guitar lines and unforgettable vocal melodies ('Concrete Bed,' 'Always Love,') rub elbows with more moody explorations that are still as sweet as rock candy ('Do it Again,' 'What is Your Secret?').

'Your Legs Grow' floats through the air and ends with a brief deviation into acoustic strumming and ethereal drones. I could do without 'All is a Game' and 'Armies Walk' because they sound tossed off and unfulfilled, but the band answers those mistakes with the superb 'Blankest Year,' which jaunts through its two minutes. 'In the Mirror' and 'Imaginary Friends' are other memorable highlights.

This album is just another example of a band whose best work came well after they faded from the critical eye of major labels and big-market radio.

'Nuff said, except for this: 'Fools' -- a simple, sliding, one-string guitar line with a lilting vocal delivery -- may be the best song of this whole collection; why it's relegated to the bonus disc is beyond me.

All in all, "The Weight is a Gift" is an album that may not grab you immediately, but upon repeated listens its masterful balance of melody and muscianship becomes evident.

like my two favorite current records, both by the black watch (investigate "the hypnotizing sea" and "jiggery-pokery" if you don't know this band), the new thing by nada surf (whom i'd heard but who always seemed a little "lite") grips you from the get and doesn't relent--great, skippy pop melodies you will dance round your room to. nada surf mix it up pretty well as well: the songs don't sound samey, but they are certainly "of a piece." really impressive! great mild dissonance amidst the acousticy sweetness--kinda thing that gets me every time! buy it!

I have read countless reviews of this album on other web sites and they always refer to Nada Surf, on the release of albums that are post-HIGH/LOW, as a one-hit-wonder band. I don't know about everyone else, but i have been following this band since HIGH/LOW and every album is great than the previous. This album is no exception. 'The Weight Is a Gift' is by far the best recording they have released yet. The song writing is top-knotch and the Engineering on the disc is flawless.

I should go on to tell you about the single on this record, but ever song is awesome. I cannot stop listening to this album. Thank you Nada Surf for making music that doesn't bore me after one listen.

I would for sure recommend this to any fan of the Beatles, Matthew Sweet, Superchunk, and any thing indie power pop.

I have read countless reviews of this album on other web sites and they always refer to Nada Surf, on the release of albums that are post-HIGH/LOW, as a one-hit-wonder band. I don't know about everyone else, but i have been following this band since HIGH/LOW and every album is great than the previous. This album is no exception. 'The Weight Is a Gift' is by far the best recording they have released yet. The song writing is top-knotch and the Engineering on the disc is flawless.

I should go on to tell you about the single on this record, but ever song is awesome. I cannot stop listening to this album. Thank you Nada Surf for making music that doesn't bore me after one listen.

I would for sure recommend this to any fan of the Beatles, Matthew Sweet, Superchunk, and any thing indie power pop.

When Nada Surf first popped onto the rock music scene with their fun but tacky song and video "Popular", it seemed they were destined for greatness. Low and behold, the single was a one hit wonder and seemed to seal the bands fate.

After the record company dropped the guys in favor of a changing trend in music, the band decided to carry on and has since released two (now 3) followups on indie labels. While their first for Barsuk (Let Go) rewarded them an underground fan alliance with single Inside Of Love, The Weight Is A Gift is sure to expound upon that number.

This new offering has a very sublime feeling surrounding it. As a whole, it is pop perfection. The hook laden singles come in at the right moments (Always Love), while the traditional, haunting balads that the band has become known for play an important role in the albums message.

Nada Surf are well on their way to becoming the next best thing you've never heard. The growth this band has shown from album to album is astonishing, and while the cd might be labeled as an emo kid's dream come true, any real rock enthusiasts will find something to cherish about The Weight Is A Gift.