Can't Complain

The Bacon Brothers

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 26, 2001)
• Original Release Date: June 26, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Zoe Records
• ASIN: B00005LCFY
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #120,555 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
The Bacon Brothers' third CD sounds like the work of bar-band regulars who've found themselves in a real studio with some real money. Prolific actor Kevin Bacon and his music-biz-vet brother, Michael, stretch out on the opener, "Paris," which is marked by polyrhythmic drums, over-the-top orchestration, and the raspy Knopfler/Springsteen affectations of Kevin. Lyrically, the brothers veer from straightforward, earnest love songs ("Sooner or Later") to something more topical (baby boomers get a sound thrashing on "Summer of Love [Woodstock '99]" and the alt-country effort "Don't Leave the Lava Lamp on for Me"). Flat storytelling, meanwhile, mars the likes of "Paris" and "Baby Steps." Still, while Can't Complain is far from groundbreaking, it's an easy listen for fans of tie-dyed rock. --Kelly Minnis

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Better than I thought it would be, October 16, 2001

By	J. Carroll "Jack" (Island Heights,NJ) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

The Bacon Brothers are an actual rock band and not the vanity project so many other bands with movie star front men turn out to be. Kevin Bacon sings with authority and when his lack of range betrays him, he still attacks each song with gusto. Michael's voice is well suited to the more folk-like sound of the songs he sings lead on, but when he tries to rock he does not quite carry it off. The songs themselves range from bad ballads like "Paris" and Heart Half Full" to cute numbers like "Baby Steps" and "Leave the Lava Lamp On For Me" to truly good numbers like "I'm So Glad I'm Not Married" with its solid rockabilly sound and Kevin's ode to the tour bus, aptly titled "Bus." And with "Summer of Love (Woodstock '99)" Kevin writes a classic with a song that neatly sums up that particular disaster. This band is worth checking out and even though there are rough spots; you definitely get the feeling these guys are working hard.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Love This One Too, July 26, 2001

By A Customer

In naming their first CD "FOROSOCO," the Bacon Brothers told us that they enjoyed exploring the intersection of many musical styles. "Can't Complain" continues this tradition and adds a stronger interplay of Michael's classical music training.

The Brothers put their interplay interest to great use in the song, "Paris." The basic song, in the folk rock genre, tells of the paranoia of culture shock. Playing against this is the string quartet's intro and background playing. Listen carefully, and you can hear echoes of "An American in Paris," in which a tourist had a much happier reaction to the City of Lights.

Meanwhile, a straight rock approach tells the story of a teenage boy going to Woodstock 99. He should have been appalled by what he experienced, but it was the best time he ever had.

As in their prior CD's, the stories and characters are as interesting and varied as their music. Kevin tells us of his love for his tour bus while Michael reminds us that the "60's weren't so great by referencing Ira Einhorn, the "Unicorn Killer."

I'm glad the Brothers continue to share their enthusiasms with us.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't Complain, May 13, 2003

By	Honyomi (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews

These legitimate musicians put together another work of fantastic brilliance. I first heard "Bus," "Can't Complain," and most of the other songs on this album in concert and bought the album the next day! Kevin's lyrics are witty and his brother's musicianship is amazing. This album has great range in emotion from humorous to serious and symphonic to old school rock n' roll. If you somewhat liked the other CDs, then get this one; if you like Kevin Bacon, then get this one; if you like music, then get this one!!