Cruiser
09-17-2010, 08:06 AM
With all the negative criticism surrounding this album, I thought I'd take the other side. Also work is slow right now, so I have a lot of time on my hands. This is my review of the album so far, considering each song that's been released. Not sure about proper tracklisting, so I'm going with the way I have it set up.
1. Teargarden Theme
- nice instrumental... picks up on past Pumpkins work (metallic/synthetic quality of Machina, idea of kicking off an album with an instrumental to set the mood like MCIS)
- introduces a pacing that seems to dominate Teargarden - more of a subdued, distanced feeling to it
- lots of nice guitar work (not necessarily fancy, just nice sounding) in the last couple of minutes
2. Song for a Son
- picks up on the calm feel of Teargarden theme at the start
- I like the slow build of the song, feels like we're being drawn into the experience of the album
- has a Pumpkins feel while also evoking a more classic rock feel
3. A Stitch in Time
- probably my favourite of the Teargarden songs so far
- unapologetic throwback to the psychedelic sound
- sense of restlessness, energy that pushes the album forward
4. Astral Plains
- the explosion of that restless energy from Stitch
- a rocker, but not in the typical SP way. More of a straight energy rocker than an emotional rocker
- I like how the texture of the song builds and fades in different parts to add a little bit to the repetitive nature of the song itself
(this is my least favourite song on the album)
5. Widow Wake My Mind
- sort of a nice counterbalance to Astral Plains
- a more focused, positive energy
- it's pretty repetitive as well, but I like the bridge or whatever, and I enjoy the lyrics too... nice to hear some positive words coming from Billy
- seems to cap off the first e.p./part of the album well, too... the journey's begun, and it's gained some focus and direction
6. Freak
- I really enjoy this track. It's poppy, catchy, and has that brilliant fuzz bass or whatever
- I like the blend of angry/disenchanted lyrics with the more positive music - seems to suggest that the feeling is still one of being able to overcome the condition of the world rather than being conquered by it
- I know people have complained, but I really like the ending of this song too
7. Spangled
- I will admit, there are a couple spots in the melody here that I don't like that much... but I do like the song over all. Love the music and the melody after the intro
- Again, I like the positivity. I like that Billy's taken the expectation of sad and dark songs and sort of turned it on its head
- Seems to uphold that mellow, detached feel that is weaving in and out of the Teargarden songs so far
** as far as the lyrics go, I don't enjoy these songs as much as I do previous SP work. That being said, I think they're good, and still far better than most of what's being released these days. I would like to see Billy push his lyrics a little more in terms of imagery and poetic style, but in the positive direction he seems to be moving with this work.
1. Teargarden Theme
- nice instrumental... picks up on past Pumpkins work (metallic/synthetic quality of Machina, idea of kicking off an album with an instrumental to set the mood like MCIS)
- introduces a pacing that seems to dominate Teargarden - more of a subdued, distanced feeling to it
- lots of nice guitar work (not necessarily fancy, just nice sounding) in the last couple of minutes
2. Song for a Son
- picks up on the calm feel of Teargarden theme at the start
- I like the slow build of the song, feels like we're being drawn into the experience of the album
- has a Pumpkins feel while also evoking a more classic rock feel
3. A Stitch in Time
- probably my favourite of the Teargarden songs so far
- unapologetic throwback to the psychedelic sound
- sense of restlessness, energy that pushes the album forward
4. Astral Plains
- the explosion of that restless energy from Stitch
- a rocker, but not in the typical SP way. More of a straight energy rocker than an emotional rocker
- I like how the texture of the song builds and fades in different parts to add a little bit to the repetitive nature of the song itself
(this is my least favourite song on the album)
5. Widow Wake My Mind
- sort of a nice counterbalance to Astral Plains
- a more focused, positive energy
- it's pretty repetitive as well, but I like the bridge or whatever, and I enjoy the lyrics too... nice to hear some positive words coming from Billy
- seems to cap off the first e.p./part of the album well, too... the journey's begun, and it's gained some focus and direction
6. Freak
- I really enjoy this track. It's poppy, catchy, and has that brilliant fuzz bass or whatever
- I like the blend of angry/disenchanted lyrics with the more positive music - seems to suggest that the feeling is still one of being able to overcome the condition of the world rather than being conquered by it
- I know people have complained, but I really like the ending of this song too
7. Spangled
- I will admit, there are a couple spots in the melody here that I don't like that much... but I do like the song over all. Love the music and the melody after the intro
- Again, I like the positivity. I like that Billy's taken the expectation of sad and dark songs and sort of turned it on its head
- Seems to uphold that mellow, detached feel that is weaving in and out of the Teargarden songs so far
** as far as the lyrics go, I don't enjoy these songs as much as I do previous SP work. That being said, I think they're good, and still far better than most of what's being released these days. I would like to see Billy push his lyrics a little more in terms of imagery and poetic style, but in the positive direction he seems to be moving with this work.