 | Tracklist:
1 Coney Island
2 Just Another Day
3 Looking for Shelter
4 Weak Man
5 I'm Not for You
6 We've Come a Long Way
7 No Time
8 That's What's Wrong
9 Maybe Mine
10 Tell Me
11 Window
12 Stay by My Side
| Ranking: #149 for 2008 | |
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On 30 Lists
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| Summary: Fun, catchy and sensible folk rock/pop that oozes with personality, variety and depth. |
1 of 1 thought this review was well written
The boys of Good Old War, Keith Goodwin, Tim Arnold and Dan Schwartzman, are probably some of the most talented musicians you’ll ever get the chance to hear. Not only do they have the proficiency to write some great songs, but they can also bust out some flawless three-part harmonies that would make any a cappella group blush. So when these guys arrive on the music scene with their debut album, Only Way To Be Alone, one can probably expect it to be good, but I myself never thought that it would be this good.
At the heart of Good Old War lies some sweet, sentimental and easygoing folk rock/pop, with lyrics mostly about insecurities and troubled relationships. Songs like “Coney Island”, “Tell Me”, “Looking For Shelter” and “No Time” are brisk, mid-tempo folk songs with busy acoustic picking and melodic lead riffs. Along with their catchy, sing-along choruses and engaging song progressions, it won’t be hard for these charming tunes to captivate you on the very first listen.
What’s most refreshing about this release, however, is how the band shows tons of variety from song to song. “Just Another Day” and “Window” are faster songs with a bluegrass-esque gallop, “We’ve Come A Long Way” & “Maybe Mine” have a deep 6/8 groove, while “Weak Man” wields a slow tempo, “I’m Not For You” features weaving time signatures, “That’s What’s Wrong” sports a country tinge, and the finale, “Stay By My Side”, is largely an a cappella effort. It’s impressive that there is a substantial amount of diversity to be found on this album, yet every song sounds like a thoughtful and extraordinary effort. Most every song has its own crisp, distinct character, and it’s unlikely that someone will find a bad song on this album because of it.
And not only does this album feature some great music, but it also features some stunning vocals as well: what truly sets Good Old War apart from other similar groups is their ability to pull off flawless and tasteful vocal harmonies. Every song on the album has a substantial amount of vocal harmony, and it really adds to the melodic tone, sentimentality, and overall catchiness of the album. It’s probably safe to say that those who enjoy vocal performances will be neck deep in awe while listening to these boys harmonize their hearts out.
All in all, Only Way To Be Alone is just so darn fun and easy to listen to that it’s really hard to see how anyone could truly dislike it. The boys in Good Old War have crafted a charmingly simple and substantial folk/pop album with enough variety and sentimentality to be considered one of the most impressive and accessible debuts I have ever heard. Only Way To Be Alone proves to be a solid album that simply everyone can enjoy, which really is a rare phenomenon and a very commendable achievement.
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| Recent reviews by this author | | | |
Album Rating: 4
Keith Goodwin, Tim Arnold and Dan Schwartzman
Ha! Clever, I never noticed that.
Band is too folky for my taste.
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Band rules, surprised this didn't have a review. I love the song with Anthony Green.
| | | Album Rating: 4
Considering how much I loved Days Away, it was ridiculous how long it took me to grab this album. It was $5.00 on Amazon.com one week, though, and I'm glad--it's so damn good!
Good review, too. Thanks for doing it!
Digging: The Apples in Stereo - Fun Trick Noisemaker | | | Album Rating: 4.5
I was shocked that this didn't have a review. SHOCKED!
I'm just trying to bring this site to justice is all.
Digging: Sharks - No Gods Digging: Sharks - No Gods | | | Album Rating: 5
yeah, it's good someone finally reviewed this. I love Goodwin's voice.
Digging: Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music | | |
this was surprisingly goodm qutie an enjoyable listen
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gonna check this out soon, is it anything like Belle and Sebastian?
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
Saw the review for their new album on the main page, found this one on megaupload and I've already listened to it in it's entirety 4 or 5 times at work. Coney Island and No Time are probably my favourites, Stay By My Side is really cool too.
| | | Album Rating: 3
this is pretty good stuff
| | | Album Rating: 4
great review. didnt catch the name part. very clever.
Digging: The Flashbulb - Arboreal Digging: The Flashbulb - Arboreal | | | Album Rating: 4
And if I'm not for you then
| | | Album Rating: 4
Starting to think S/T>This
| | | Album Rating: 4
I found out about this band because Anthony Green covered their song "Coney Island". I really dig this album a lot and have never gotten bored with it even though I've been listening to it for quite a while. Haven't listened to their new album very much, though.
Digging: Harm's Way - Isolation | | | Album Rating: 4
New album is streaming on their website.
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