Barenaked Ladies Are Men...
So, as I said in an earlier post, Barenaked Ladies not only released an album just a week and a half ago called Barenaked Ladies Are Me, but have plans to release a second album in ealy 2007 titled Barenaked Ladies Are Men. The band recorded 29 songs in the sessions for these releases. 13 were on "Are Me" and 14 are scheduled for "Are Men"...fortunately, I bought the downloadable version on ITunes, and have heard all 27 of these songs plus the 2 bonus tracks already. As I have also stated on here before, I'm a freak.
My point is, whether you care or not, I'd like to review "Are Men" like I did "Are Me" (see my post from Monday). First off, BNL really have grown up. We're talking about men who are in their mid to late thirties. Men who are older, married, and with children (I think Kevin may still be single). This is a far cry from the boys in short pants and striped tops singing about Yoko Ono. The point is, either you're ready to grow with the band or you aren't. If you don't like the new sound, I'm sure you can put on "If I Had A Million Dollars" for the thousandth time and reminisce. There's nothing wrong with you for not liking. But if you don't, at least realize why the band's sound is changing. (Although, I don't ever really hear a change in their music...every album has grown out of the last. For example, Gordon is WAYYYY different from Are Me, but if you listen to Everything To Everyone, the last studio album, you'll notice that it's similar.)
So, here's my breakdown of Barenaked Ladies Are Men. Keep in mind, this is from someone that doesn't believe BNL could ever do any wrong.
1.) Serendipity
A Kevin Hearn song if I've ever heard one. He also sings on it. Not bad, but like "Are Me", is an odd choice for a lead-off song. Jaunty and light, some of it may stick in you're head, but you're not likely to put this one on repeat.
2.) Something You'll Never Find
There is a signature BNL guitar sound that I can't really describe as anything other than short, choppy chords played to a mid-tempo rock beat. Think "Too Little, Too Late", "The Old Apartment", or "Maybe Katie" and you'll get the picture of this song. Only problem is that this never reaches the catchiness that the aforementioned songs have. I get sort of a Beach Boys vibe on this one.
3.) One and Only
This is the lost "Stunt" track. It's an Ed acoustic rock ballad. I liken this one to "Light Up My Room" or "Leave", and was almost ready to turn it after the first verse. Something made me stick with it, and I'm glad I did. Ed always has a tendency to write songs that grow on me instead of Steve's instantly catchy songs. By the bridge, I was a fan.
4.) Angry People
I was kind of blown away by the horns on this one. Do you know the song "Leave A Tender Moment Alone" by Billy Joel? That's this songs doppelganger, for sure. It's simply about people you can never please, no matter what you do. They just suck all the energy and fun out of everything. Wonder where they got the inspiration for that? Huh, critics? At any rate, it's a fun song and you'll find yourself singing along with the "Doo do do do's" before long.
5.) Down to Earth
This is what I'm talking about. This is what a BNL song should be. A catchy, upbeat Ed song that reminded me a little of "Testing 1,2,3" with some neat loops courtesy of Kevin. (As an aside, I really think they'd have no new album without Kevin. In the last few years, he really has become the backbone of BNL.) Clever lyrics only add to the catchy hooks. My favorite line? "Some people are just all show/Well, I don't mind that if the show is worth watching."
6.) Beautiful
I actually heard this as part of the Au Naturale tour in 2004 when they played Pittsburgh. If you know Diana Krall, this song is modeled in that vain. What about the song "The Look of Love"? Yeah, now you understand. Very gentle and jazzy and the biggest stretch on either album for the Ladies. It works out nicely and makes for a song you can get naked and have some fun to. BNL doesn't have a lot of those. The story it tells is of a man wondering if he's only with the girl he's seeing because she's so beautiful. What would happen if one day that beauty faded?
7.) Running Out of Ink
I. Fucking. Love. This. Song. Seriously. I can't really say anything else. The second I heard it, I fell in love. Not only is it THE catchiest BNL I've heard in a long time, it follows the routine of being upbeat and fun with dark lyrics, and features Steve and Tyler singing and drumming their asses off, respectively. It's about an artist realizing that his inspiration may be running out, so he's freaking out, losing his mind, and trying to force new songs out of himself to no avail. He can see the look of disappointment on his fans faces as people are telling him they still think he's music is just "fine, but not their style." I'm posting the lyrics later.
8.) Half a Heart
I can remember hearing about this song since the "Maroon" days. This one has been rumored to be on the last couple of albums, but never showed up. It's an above standard Ed ballad that uses Ed's country sensibilities to become a pop song. He sings of something stupid he's done to the person he loves. Ed can't believe she's not more accepting of him, but two lines later counters saying that anybody with any sense would just dump his sorry ass. But not in so many words.
9.) Maybe Not
Continuing the number of catchy rock songs on "Are Men", Maybe Not features those same catchy, choppy guitar chords I mentioned earlier. Nice harmonies from Steve and Ed, they come together to speak of a relationship that both people know are doomed, and they are going so far as to split up their belongings, but doubt themselves at the last minute. "Donder maar op - consider yourself told in Dutch" is a line that ONLY BNL could pull off.
10.) I Can, I Will, I Do
I remember the band talking about this song on a video promoting Everything To Everyone, but it never made the final cut. I eventually got to hear it performed live on the band's ITunes Originals album. Definitely inspired by Al Green and Otis Redding, this soulful song is about an lethargic male trying to work past his lack of effort and tell his girl that he really can love her as much as he says he does...even if sometimes, he may not show it.
11.) Fun and Games
The Ladies couldn't resist a political number. However, unlike most of Everything to Everyone, it comes off as a funny tongue-in-cheek number told from the point of view of a Bush cabinet member. Essentially, it sounds like Donald Rumsfeld coming out against the war critics and telling us that the whole war has been a joke and that our problem is we have no sense of humor. I love it. Especially the bridge, as it turn this regular song with a wartime drumbeat into a vaudeville type song you'd hear 1920's flappers dancing to, and then seamlessly moves back into the marching beat. Features, perhaps, the slyest line in the BNL catalogue:
"And while you all slumbered
We sat and crunched numbers
Of all the casualties we could afford
There's no need to draft them
You could hear us laugh then
The poor and black all need the room and board...
...Did I say that out loud?"
12.) The New Sad
Kind of Death Cab-ish blended with "Blackbird" by Paul McCartney. A very short song, "The New Sad" talks of growing up and "accepting" the fun that you can no longer have. Page's voice is used perfectly here.
13.) Quality
Very catchy song, but if you've ever heard the theme song to "TV Funhouse" on Comedy Central, you'll think the band completely ripped it off. Dull, but may get stuck in your head.
14.) Another Spin
Kevin song. Weird ending to a good album. Not much else to say about this one.
*BONUS SONGS*
15.) What a Letdown
Nice song with rock sensibilities. Continues the motif of short, choppy chords. Definitely not a letdown and worth a listen or two.
16.) Why Say Anything Nice
The PERFECT ending to this CD. I really hope when the physical copy of "Are Men" is released to stores, they include this as either and actual or bonus track. The band brings back the horns and gives the song a Fleetwood Mac "Don't Stop" or Billy Joel "Easy Money" vibe. I'd review this one further, but as the band says "Why say anything nice/When you can say nothing at all..."
I think I've said enough already, but just let me tell you that, while "Are Men" is not as cohesive as "Are Me", it will be worth the listen when released early next year. I truly believe that from both of these new albums, one could put together the PERFECT BNL record. It's just a matter of what style you like them best in, and keeping the tracks in an order that flow and make sense. Hmm...might be something to consider.
My point is, whether you care or not, I'd like to review "Are Men" like I did "Are Me" (see my post from Monday). First off, BNL really have grown up. We're talking about men who are in their mid to late thirties. Men who are older, married, and with children (I think Kevin may still be single). This is a far cry from the boys in short pants and striped tops singing about Yoko Ono. The point is, either you're ready to grow with the band or you aren't. If you don't like the new sound, I'm sure you can put on "If I Had A Million Dollars" for the thousandth time and reminisce. There's nothing wrong with you for not liking. But if you don't, at least realize why the band's sound is changing. (Although, I don't ever really hear a change in their music...every album has grown out of the last. For example, Gordon is WAYYYY different from Are Me, but if you listen to Everything To Everyone, the last studio album, you'll notice that it's similar.)
So, here's my breakdown of Barenaked Ladies Are Men. Keep in mind, this is from someone that doesn't believe BNL could ever do any wrong.
1.) Serendipity
A Kevin Hearn song if I've ever heard one. He also sings on it. Not bad, but like "Are Me", is an odd choice for a lead-off song. Jaunty and light, some of it may stick in you're head, but you're not likely to put this one on repeat.
2.) Something You'll Never Find
There is a signature BNL guitar sound that I can't really describe as anything other than short, choppy chords played to a mid-tempo rock beat. Think "Too Little, Too Late", "The Old Apartment", or "Maybe Katie" and you'll get the picture of this song. Only problem is that this never reaches the catchiness that the aforementioned songs have. I get sort of a Beach Boys vibe on this one.
3.) One and Only
This is the lost "Stunt" track. It's an Ed acoustic rock ballad. I liken this one to "Light Up My Room" or "Leave", and was almost ready to turn it after the first verse. Something made me stick with it, and I'm glad I did. Ed always has a tendency to write songs that grow on me instead of Steve's instantly catchy songs. By the bridge, I was a fan.
4.) Angry People
I was kind of blown away by the horns on this one. Do you know the song "Leave A Tender Moment Alone" by Billy Joel? That's this songs doppelganger, for sure. It's simply about people you can never please, no matter what you do. They just suck all the energy and fun out of everything. Wonder where they got the inspiration for that? Huh, critics? At any rate, it's a fun song and you'll find yourself singing along with the "Doo do do do's" before long.
5.) Down to Earth
This is what I'm talking about. This is what a BNL song should be. A catchy, upbeat Ed song that reminded me a little of "Testing 1,2,3" with some neat loops courtesy of Kevin. (As an aside, I really think they'd have no new album without Kevin. In the last few years, he really has become the backbone of BNL.) Clever lyrics only add to the catchy hooks. My favorite line? "Some people are just all show/Well, I don't mind that if the show is worth watching."
6.) Beautiful
I actually heard this as part of the Au Naturale tour in 2004 when they played Pittsburgh. If you know Diana Krall, this song is modeled in that vain. What about the song "The Look of Love"? Yeah, now you understand. Very gentle and jazzy and the biggest stretch on either album for the Ladies. It works out nicely and makes for a song you can get naked and have some fun to. BNL doesn't have a lot of those. The story it tells is of a man wondering if he's only with the girl he's seeing because she's so beautiful. What would happen if one day that beauty faded?
7.) Running Out of Ink
I. Fucking. Love. This. Song. Seriously. I can't really say anything else. The second I heard it, I fell in love. Not only is it THE catchiest BNL I've heard in a long time, it follows the routine of being upbeat and fun with dark lyrics, and features Steve and Tyler singing and drumming their asses off, respectively. It's about an artist realizing that his inspiration may be running out, so he's freaking out, losing his mind, and trying to force new songs out of himself to no avail. He can see the look of disappointment on his fans faces as people are telling him they still think he's music is just "fine, but not their style." I'm posting the lyrics later.
8.) Half a Heart
I can remember hearing about this song since the "Maroon" days. This one has been rumored to be on the last couple of albums, but never showed up. It's an above standard Ed ballad that uses Ed's country sensibilities to become a pop song. He sings of something stupid he's done to the person he loves. Ed can't believe she's not more accepting of him, but two lines later counters saying that anybody with any sense would just dump his sorry ass. But not in so many words.
9.) Maybe Not
Continuing the number of catchy rock songs on "Are Men", Maybe Not features those same catchy, choppy guitar chords I mentioned earlier. Nice harmonies from Steve and Ed, they come together to speak of a relationship that both people know are doomed, and they are going so far as to split up their belongings, but doubt themselves at the last minute. "Donder maar op - consider yourself told in Dutch" is a line that ONLY BNL could pull off.
10.) I Can, I Will, I Do
I remember the band talking about this song on a video promoting Everything To Everyone, but it never made the final cut. I eventually got to hear it performed live on the band's ITunes Originals album. Definitely inspired by Al Green and Otis Redding, this soulful song is about an lethargic male trying to work past his lack of effort and tell his girl that he really can love her as much as he says he does...even if sometimes, he may not show it.
11.) Fun and Games
The Ladies couldn't resist a political number. However, unlike most of Everything to Everyone, it comes off as a funny tongue-in-cheek number told from the point of view of a Bush cabinet member. Essentially, it sounds like Donald Rumsfeld coming out against the war critics and telling us that the whole war has been a joke and that our problem is we have no sense of humor. I love it. Especially the bridge, as it turn this regular song with a wartime drumbeat into a vaudeville type song you'd hear 1920's flappers dancing to, and then seamlessly moves back into the marching beat. Features, perhaps, the slyest line in the BNL catalogue:
"And while you all slumbered
We sat and crunched numbers
Of all the casualties we could afford
There's no need to draft them
You could hear us laugh then
The poor and black all need the room and board...
...Did I say that out loud?"
12.) The New Sad
Kind of Death Cab-ish blended with "Blackbird" by Paul McCartney. A very short song, "The New Sad" talks of growing up and "accepting" the fun that you can no longer have. Page's voice is used perfectly here.
13.) Quality
Very catchy song, but if you've ever heard the theme song to "TV Funhouse" on Comedy Central, you'll think the band completely ripped it off. Dull, but may get stuck in your head.
14.) Another Spin
Kevin song. Weird ending to a good album. Not much else to say about this one.
*BONUS SONGS*
15.) What a Letdown
Nice song with rock sensibilities. Continues the motif of short, choppy chords. Definitely not a letdown and worth a listen or two.
16.) Why Say Anything Nice
The PERFECT ending to this CD. I really hope when the physical copy of "Are Men" is released to stores, they include this as either and actual or bonus track. The band brings back the horns and gives the song a Fleetwood Mac "Don't Stop" or Billy Joel "Easy Money" vibe. I'd review this one further, but as the band says "Why say anything nice/When you can say nothing at all..."
I think I've said enough already, but just let me tell you that, while "Are Men" is not as cohesive as "Are Me", it will be worth the listen when released early next year. I truly believe that from both of these new albums, one could put together the PERFECT BNL record. It's just a matter of what style you like them best in, and keeping the tracks in an order that flow and make sense. Hmm...might be something to consider.