Or Give Me Death [EXPLICIT LYRICS]

Aqueduct

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 20, 2007)
• Original Release Date: February 20, 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Explicit Lyrics
• Label: Barsuk
• ASIN: B000M06KCK
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #183,246 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

With the advent of inexpensive home-recording technology, it makes sense that so many musicians would gravitate towards the one-person-band template. Even still, Aqueduct's third album seems to arrive alongside a glut of such projects. The former singer and guitarist for the late '90s modern rock act band Epperley, David Terry's work not only stands out by employing a host of friends to pitch in, but his knowledge of band dynamics helps the songs he plays most every instrument on escape the samey-ness that bogs down so much bedroom-pop. Terry's work has frequently been compared to Modest Mouse and Flaming Lips, but in his savvy, Nilsson-esque songwriting style and the keyboard-driven, lyric-heavy nature of his songs, perhaps a far better comparison would be his label mates the Long Winters. Imagine the Long Winters if they were far more in love with the synth and guitar textures of the '80s than the precious pop sounds of the '70s and you'd have this, a hard to pigeonhole album which greatly rewards multiple listens. --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Aqueduct's new album continues winning ways, March 11, 2007

By	Paul Allaer (Cincinnati) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Aqueduct is the one-man band of David Terry (and not to be confused with that other one-man band Aqualung). Aqueduct's previous album "I Sold Gold" was a personal favorite of mine in 2005, finishing hihg in my own list of the "best albums of the year". After touring extensively in support of "I Sold Gold", now finally comes the new album.

"Or Give Me Death" (12 tracks, 42 min.) continues the winning ways of "I Sold Gold", with a heavy emphasis on drums and synthesizers for Aqueduct's sound. "Lying In the Bed I've Made" kicks off the album strongly. The sing-along "Keep It Together" sounds like a good choice for a single (except of course that very few stations give airply to indie muusi like Aqueduct--but check out one that does, namely internet-only WOXY). The best tracks are in the second half of the album, starting with "Unavailable" (with limited but effective use of strings) and "Split the Difference", the sad "Wasted Energy", and the album closer "With Friends Like These". Overall, "Or Give Me Death" is a most enjoyable album. It clips by in no time and you find youself wanting to play it again.

This album is released on Seatlle-based Barsuk Records, which is a terrific label for indie music. Check out some of their other great artists such as Smoosh, Mates of States, the Long Winters, and John Vanderslice. All of them are highly recommended, as is Aqueduct, of course.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'll just make this as simple as possible.., April 25, 2007

By	camille (temple/belton/killeen, tx) - See all my reviews

If you thoroughly enjoy the musical genius of David Terry, you will not be disappointed.
There is only one exception, I find it different from the past albums. If you are one of those that doesn't take well to a shift in music style, you may want to give it a listen or two.
This album is slightly darker than the past 3, but contains the same catchy psychedelic pop beats.
Either way, I personally suggest giving it a listen.
Finally, if you ever find the opportunity to see Mr. Terry live, I highly suggest it. He never lets you down.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Zoning in on brilliance, March 21, 2007

By	John C. Fisher "Discs are not dying, stupid" (Iowa) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

One wonders if this albums lukewarm reviews are from those just not personally akin to Terry's voice or the concept of Aqueduct in general.
Make no bones--this album is groovy, resounding dynamite.
His lyrics are at times defensive, no doubt in reference to those who don't want to deal with his sardonic tone, but I welcome it, and the genius behind the instrumentation itself.
You don't need to see this guy live to get it, though those of you lucky enough to do so will not be disappointed. While, I Sold Gold was a refreshing masterpiece, this album places Aqueduct and David Terry at the front of the line of music made with synthesizers and smarts. Only Terry spares no room for boredom. Buy it.