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14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best, (if not depressing) Record of 2002, April 16, 2002
Again and again David Bazan and Pedro the Lion have produced some of the most memorable and thoughtful songs known to the world of indie rock.I had been counting down the days unitl this CD came out and personally it was one of my highlights for the month of April. Looking back, it's odd how I was looking forward to something so depressing. After hearing some of Pedro's new songs live in February, I couldn't wait to hear a "heavier" version of David Bazan and company. This observation holds true throughout the recording, from more use of electric guitars to more layering and synthesizer use. Without listening to the lyrics the first time I heard the songs, I could have sworn the songs seemed more upbeat. While it is an amazing recording, it is now hard not to listeing to the album without a conscience . As usual, Bazan uses his songs to tell a story. This time the tale revolves around a faltering marriage and the eventual outcome. Bazan spins out the lyrics of a businessman who is unfaithful to his wife and uncaring about his children. His wife has to put of with the childrens' obnoxiousness and her husband's drinking problem while secretly suspecting of his infidelity. No longer able to tolerate being second best, the wife finally resorts to one final desperate, desptrucive act. The final song "Rejoice" leaves the listener pondering the closing pessimistic message. Neverthess, Bazan's writing is incredible, and contributions from Casey Foubert, as well as TW Walsh and Aaron Sprinkle make "Control" an extremely solid album. Not only is the story told by a cold narration in third person that is scattered throughout the countless acts of mistrust and despair, but also through the minds of the husband and the wife. A prime example of this is "Options" (husband) and "Unoriginal" (wife.) Like a good novel, certain lyrcis in the song hint of things to come as well as give the album a dark, almost sinister underlying message. As in previous fashion, this album is not for everyone, and does contain a lot of adult content coupled with the overall theme of the story. Unfortunately, "Control" is like a double edged sword: listen to it while you're depressed and you might go over the edge; listen to it when you're happy and you'll probably get bummed. But in the end, this all doesn't matter. "Control" should be listened to, almost must be. Pedro the Lion has never kept any listener swimming in their comfort zone, and this is one of the reasons they are such an incredible band. Standout songs include "Options", "Penetration", "Magazine", and "Priests and Paramedics." Still, every song on "Control" is excellent, and hardly any of the lyrics seemed out of place when viewing the whole scope of the story. A highly recommended, if not depressing album, Pedro the Lion's "Control" is by far their best work to date and possibly the best album of 2002 so far.
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11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'm Biased, April 8, 2004
I've been a Pedro the Lion fan for many years, so I was bound to like this album a lot to begin with. I suppose that tarnishes any objectivity that I have, but I still have to include this album in my top ten. The album tells the story of an unfaithful husband and a resentful wife and culminates in the murder of the husband by the wife. The story is quite sad, but it resonates home to just about any listener. The opening song, options, already shows the breaking down of the relationship and the following infidelity on track two (Rapture) gives us a voyeouristic view of the affair. The listener is given a bird's eye view of the entire situation - seeing it from both the husband's and the wife's and ultimately a third party seeing the situation from afar. The lyrics aren't just emotional and moving, they're also very well crafted. The opening verse in "magazine" is simply a fantastic wordplay that goes from a very broad principle to a very specific situation. This song was definitely a standout on the album the first few times I listened to it. Musically the album doesn't seem to be anything new or different, but it is definitely solid and enjoyable. Bazan's singing definitely stands out on the song "Second Best" (which, coincidentally, is my second favorite song on the album...) and the song seems to be taking Bazan's voice to another level - beyond his standard fare. I feel no guilt in giving this album my full 5 stars and I heartily recommend it to anyone. The storytelling and the music is fantastic. If you like Pedro the Lion, I also recommend listening to Roadside Monument (with Jonathan Ford - formerly of Pedro the Lion), Damion Jurado (past collaborator), and Chris Staples solo work (of twothirtyeight).
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Perfect Thinker, May 20, 2006
I got this album about three years ago. When I first aquired it, I gave it a quick listen and then put it away for about 2 years. I pulled it out again and listened to it. I WAS BLOWN AWAY. I was on a long drive and I found myself getting extremely involved in the songs, the images, and the story Mr. Bazan told.
"Options" sets the mood for the album perfectly: an introduction, or backstory, to the affair between a husband and wife. "So I told her I love her. And she told me she loves me. And I mostly believed her. And she mostly believed me. But for now I need you..."
Then it happens. "Rapture" beautifully reveals the affair. "This is how we multiply. Pity that it's not my wife..." The imagery in this song is inspiring in so many ways.
Throughout the album you find yourself loving, hating, and hurting. My favorite song on the album, "Priests and Paramedics" is incredible. The melody and structural shape of the music is so simple yet so powerful. This album musically is also beautifully crafted and diverse.
Musically the album is an easy listen, but lyrically this album is one to think to. It's impossible not to find yourself becoming so involved in the album. You'll laugh, cry, and even find yourself in anger. This album demands emotion. This album deserves far more than 5 stars...
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