Another Fine Album
Jeff Tweedy has been having a busy 2006 so far. His main band, Wilco, have been touring their asses off this year. Wilco is also working on a new album, which is due out early next year. Tweedy also has a few solo dates scheduled. His side project, Loose Fur, released an album at the beginning of the year. Although the album, Born Again in the USA, is no where near Wilco quality, there are a few gems. Finally, his other side project, Golden Smog, released their third album last week.
The album, Another Fine Day, is unlike any of their other albums. Golden Smog's first record, Down by the Old Mainstream is very loud and not very well arranged. That was 10 years ago though. These guys have changed, they have grown up.The songs seems more focused and the band seems to cleverly craft each song, with the exception of a few wild ones. Also, instead of sticking with the alt-country sound in which they created on their first two albums, the boys aren't afraid to be poppy. The first single (not the song by The Format) 5-22-02 is very pop sounding, which isn't a bad thing.
The change from country to pop was very unexpected. When I first heard this album, I wasn't sure it was the same Golden Smog. With such a talented group of musicians, it is good to see that they changed their style for the better. After a few listens, this album really sinks in. Not to put down Dan Murphy or Chris Mars, but I think that the change had a lot to do with Tweedy. Honestly, just the fact that they made a new album is a tribute to their fans. With each member having their own sucess in the music industry, it is great to see that they still care about making music that their fans want to hear.
The boys also have a mini tour thing going on. They have one show today in Minneapolis and another show on July 26 at The Bowery Ballroom in NYC. I would love to attend the show in they city because I love the new cd, but it's not worth the trip if Tweedy isn't at the show, which is a pretty big possibility.
The album, Another Fine Day, is unlike any of their other albums. Golden Smog's first record, Down by the Old Mainstream is very loud and not very well arranged. That was 10 years ago though. These guys have changed, they have grown up.The songs seems more focused and the band seems to cleverly craft each song, with the exception of a few wild ones. Also, instead of sticking with the alt-country sound in which they created on their first two albums, the boys aren't afraid to be poppy. The first single (not the song by The Format) 5-22-02 is very pop sounding, which isn't a bad thing.
The change from country to pop was very unexpected. When I first heard this album, I wasn't sure it was the same Golden Smog. With such a talented group of musicians, it is good to see that they changed their style for the better. After a few listens, this album really sinks in. Not to put down Dan Murphy or Chris Mars, but I think that the change had a lot to do with Tweedy. Honestly, just the fact that they made a new album is a tribute to their fans. With each member having their own sucess in the music industry, it is great to see that they still care about making music that their fans want to hear.
The boys also have a mini tour thing going on. They have one show today in Minneapolis and another show on July 26 at The Bowery Ballroom in NYC. I would love to attend the show in they city because I love the new cd, but it's not worth the trip if Tweedy isn't at the show, which is a pretty big possibility.
While you're at it...
The latest blog craze has been Girl Talk. While I'll admit, I like the idea. Hell, if anything can make top 40 listenable, then it is Girl Talk. With that being said, it gets old very quick. Sure, it is cool to hear Biggy's 'Juicy' over the piano chords to Elton John's 'Tiny Dancer' but it gets old too quick.
See for yourself:
See for yourself:
posted by Bernie @ 2:20 PM
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