The Vanity Project

The Vanity Project

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 21, 2005)
• Original Release Date: June 21, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Flagship Recordings
• ASIN: B0009PLMLW
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #129,931 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

With The Vanity Project Barenaked Ladies' co-founder Steven Page makes a noble attempt to disassociate himself from the word "cheeky," and almost manages to pull it off. Where it works, it works spectacularly. The first single "That's All, That's All" showcases his unmistakably boffo voice with a snappy Beatlesque tune, resisting triteness by way of graceful, lovelorn lyrics. "Wilted Rose" returns him to his native Canada in several verses for some sharp-witted political commentary that sits well with his straightforward, intelligent delivery. "So Cal" sends us back to good ‘ole classic-pop school where Phil Spector and Brian Wilson preside behind the lectern. Binding these songs is an honest, cameras-off stab at introspection. You can credit collaborator Stephen Duffy, who co-wrote 11 of the 12 songs, with steering the lyrics in a likeably intimate direction. And credit Page himself for recognizing the time has come to redirect his considerable skills into music more mature and substantial. Barenaked Ladies may be endlessly appealing, but they too have their limits. --Tammy La Gorce

Product Description

THE VANITY PROJECT is a self-titled album of twelve songs from Barenaked Ladies lead singer and co-founder, Steven Page. The album also spotlights Page's frequent co-writing partner and musical accomplice, Stephen Duffy (Tin Tin, The Lilac Time.) Eleven of the twelve songs are Page-Duffy compositions, and the twelfth (So. Cal) is written solely by Steven Page. While the distinctive lead vocals of Page can be heard on all twelve tracks, the music was performed by both Page and Duffy with occasional guest appearances from friends (BNL's Kevin Hearn) and family (Page's brother, Matthew, and wife, Carolyn.)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rare gem. Excellence that only Page/Duffy can create..., June 22, 2005

By	J.A. Miners - See all my reviews

What can I say? The Vanity Project is a thought provoking album well-crafted by the extremely talented artist/Barenaked Ladies lead singer Steven Page with most songs co-written and co-produced by Stephen Duffy (who has worked with BNL on several occasions). The Vanity Project is basically classic BNL wordplay minus the few "silly" (but still clever) songs one would expect to find in a BNL album. Everything on The Vanity Project seemingly boils down to Page's thoughts and apparent self-examination. Yet, Page manages to accomplish this in such a way that the songs do not have a strong, blunt, satrical tone, but instead a catchy, less-pushy, and WAY more clever tone than most pop/rock albums (by the way, the Vanity Project is really more of an acoustic album than full-fledged rock). BNL fans may be prematurely disappointed because of the BNL band members' exclusion from the Vanity Project (except for Kevin Hearn's keyboard expertise on Glitterbug), but once they hear the album's unmistakable freshness and quality, they will undoubtedly come to the conclusion that the same quality still resides throughout the entire Vanity Project album as in any other BNL release. Since I've only owned this album for a short time, I haven't gotten the chance to disect the meaning of each song. I have listented to them all, though, and can say without resignation that this album is absolutely enjoyable to ANY BNL fan, or someone looking for an acoustic pop/rock album that strays away from the dull norm. Place your order now, or go to your local electronics store (I went to Barnes & Nobles Booksellers) to pick up the Vanity Project today!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gotta let it grow on you, January 17, 2006

By	Z. Freeman "Zach" (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First of all, this isn't a Barenaked Ladies album. You have to know that when you get it. (Although you probably haven't heard of this if you don't like Barenaked Ladies).

The first time through this cd I noticed a few catchy tunes and a few songs that I thought I'd never get to like, but each time I listen to it again I like it more. So, don't give up after the first listen, or you'll be missing some great music.

Glitterbug is, in my opinion, the best song on the album. Short, clear and super-sweet, with some beautifully simple music.

The fact that this album exists at all makes me wonder what's wrong with these songs that the Barenaked Ladies didn't want to use them, because the feel of most of the music and lyrics is the same. Maybe Stephen Page felt these were more personal somehow, or maybe the rest of the band didn't like them. Whatever the reason, it's worth picking up the cd while we're waiting for another Barenaked Ladies cd to come out.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not quite BNL but worth listening to., August 2, 2005

By	Kat Angus "thruthelifeforce" (Wellington, NZ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The die-hard BNL fans will get this because Steven Page is a phenomenal singer, musician and songwriter. And I can tell you that they will not be disappointed... but it is very different to BNL and doesn't showcase Page's range as much as the band stuff does.

Overall a good album, Hit and Run is my favourite track.