Customer Reviews

Worlds Apart / Back in NYC / Porpoise Song

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

 

 

Okay, so we have one extremely negative review and one completely joyous take. How is the new single? Well, for one thing, it's certainly different. As a huge fan of the band's entire catalog, this was the first release where I wasn't knocked of my feet with the first listen. It's not that it is bad (contrary to the negative review) but simply it's not the typical Trail of Dead style that so many fans have grown comfortable with. "World's Apart" is a short, jangling track that after a few seconds erupts into a beautiful melody, complete with COnrad Keeleys beautiful voice. While the music is not as bombastic as previous releases, the lyrical content and delivery is sharp. A strong chorus gives the song a unique feel, almost wistful, which has recently left many as saying that the song has an irish, pub rock feel. Think of it as a Pub song for the sonic pedal rock set. The two covers are okay, and are played pretty straight forward, with perhaps a little more edge than the originals. But again, Trail of Dead are brilliant song writiers, and that is their specialty. Lastly, remember the band's infatuation and connection with art rock, a musical genre that is supposed to confront the listener, not lavish them with a style that they have grown to expect.

Just because the one original song on this single doesn't sound like anything on Source Tags and Codes doesn't mean they've sold out, or that they suck now, or anything. So you don't like the new song. Big deal. The fact that at least 2 reviewers think that Trail of Dead will never be the same based on ONE song is ridiculous!

I had the pleasure of seeing Trail of Dead live not too long ago. They still rock just as hard as they ever did. The new song is pretty good live to. It's played with a 12 string...

Another new song they played live is a song called "Will You Smile Again". In fact, they opened with this song. You think they don't rock hard anymore? Download this song, if you can. Then tell me they don't rock just as hard as before.

And a word about the covers. As a person who owns all their other singles, I feel I can say that their singles is where Trail of Dead like to experiment the most. They have songs on there that don't sound like anything else they've ever done, and if you're an idiot - like a couple of these past reviewers - you can get really freaked out, and go "oh no, Trail of Dead isn't the same anymore!" Or you can say, "interesting...I wonder how this off-shoot experimentation will affect thier next album." And frankly, if you expect a band, especially one like Trail of Dead to sound like one album forever, you're a moron and shouldn't be allowed to listen to good music.

In conclusion, no "Worlds Apart" doesn't sound like anything off of Source Tags and Codes. That makes me excited about the new album to see how they're going to surprise me and make me think about what they choose to do with their music this time around. Other people think they've sold out because they don't sound the same forever. Unless you're a hardcore fan who likes to pick up all their singles just to hear those songs that didn't make it on an album, it's probably not a necessary buy. If you are that person (like me), go ahead and pick this one up. I don't think you'll be disappointed. And if you think the new album is going to sound like Source Tags and Codes, don't buy it. If you think it's going to be a sell out record, buy it and be proven wrong.

If you're a true fan of the trail of dead, you should understand that a large part of the band's focus is the evolution and growth of its sound. Following their releases, from their first self titled all the way to this new single (and very likely their new album), this sounds like an engenius direction to take the band. I completely disagree with some of the previous reviewer's opinions that the band's new sound is constructed to get on the radio, or to sell out. Quite on the contrary; from what I've heard, I feel that their music sounds more experimental than ever. Guitar textures are nothing like anything on the radio and their concept is very unique. To get another taste of their new sound, go to their website and check out the clips from the new upcoming album... their absolutely amazing. I am completely convinced that this is going to be a groundbreaking album for the trail of dead... personally, one of my most cherished bands of all time. Rock on!

it's a shame.

but, hey, it's the 'logical progession' theory in affect.

ToD's been getting better every release, this is the first where they don't. sadly, the lack of Neil Busch seems to have made the band think that they're some sort of prog-rawk band...

it's sad that this band, esp. after ST&C's would release something so...bland and seemingly uninspired.

Previous Trail of Dead albums have been the musical equivalent to being in Fight Club. Sure you emerge bruised and bloody but you also have a irrepressable grin on your face. After listening to this single, I only feel like I've been slapped in the face. Songs like Another Morning Stoner and A Perfect Teenhood (of Source Tags and Codes and Madonna, respectivly) blew you back against the wall and pinned you there until their fury subsided. Trail of Dead was one of the most powerful sounding bands out there. They just created this wall of sound that was like no other band out there. And yet, the songs were also beautiful, especially on their masterpiece, Source Tags and Codes. It was this rare combonation that made Tral of Dead so good. This single possesses none of that.

The actual single, Worlds Apart, is an excellent song for radio, but it is not an excellent Trail of Dead song. It's pretty catchy and memorable but something is missing. It just sounds overproduced and lacking. The band seems like it's on tranquilizers. They sound good but, they don't sound like the same band from Source Tags and Codes. This is obviously an attempt to get a radio hit and I quite honestly think they'll succed. Worlds Apart sounds enough like the drival on the radio to get kids attention while still being better then most of it. Is this selling out? I don't know. I honestly want the Trail of Dead to have great successes. They are one of, if not the best, band out there today. They deserve it. But if success means music like this? I'm not so sure. I find it ironic that the lyrics of Worlds Apart deal with the sorry state of the music industry and not selling out and yet the song is boarderline contributing to the problem.

The other two songs, Back in New York City and The Porpious Song are both covers. Neither does very much for me. Both sound weak. None of the fury or energy of previous Trail of Dead releases. Even their most recent EP sounded amped up compared to these two songs. They just seem flat to me. Fortunetly they are both covers. I originally thought they were originals and was horrifed with the direction the band was going in. Seeing as how they are just covers redeams them a little bit.

Listening to this single for me is like watching your first born going off to college. You know you've lost them forever and they'll never be the same again and, while you are happy for them, you feel like you've lost them. The Trail of Dead was one of the first indie bands that I really got into. They opened my eyes to a lot of really great bands out there while remaining one of my top 5 favorite bands off all time. But I think things have changed. I think it's time to say goodbye to the Trail of Dead I once knew and to wish them success on their new journys as they strive for radio success. Hopefully they'll be the biggest band in the world but I think I'll keep listening to Source Tags and Codes.

Ok. This e.p. was awesome. Worlds Apart is phenominal. The introduction to the song is absolutely hilarious. The songs great. Back in New York City, the Genesis cover, its phenominal. Absolutely great. Conrad sounds like Peter Gabriel. I am blown away that they literally successfully pulled off an early Genesis song! Porpoise Song, although short, was great. The cd was phenominally recorded. For the jackass that commented before me, the new Trail of Dead stuff is highly superior to all their other albums. I love Trail of Dead, Madonna, Source Tags and Codes, Secret of Elena's Tomb. I love them all. But you still just have to accept that this new stuff is better than the old, even if you do not like it. It is just plainly better musicianship. Thats all there is to it. Buy this. Its good.

Where did the hardcore go? The mashing guitars and complex noise harmonies? This single is more like late 80's/early 90's synth pop.