 | Tracklist:
1. Winter
2. Blame It On Bad Luck
3. They Looked Like Strong Hands
4. Masterpiece
5. Megan (Smoking Popes cover)
6. Montauk
7. Devotion and Desire
8. Baby Britain (Elliott Smith cover)
9. Paternal Reversal
10. Don't Call Me Peanut (live)
Release Date: 2006 | Ranking: #150 for 2006 | |
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On 7 Lists
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| Summary: With an arm raised in triumphant meloncholia... |
1 of 1 thought this review was well written
Acoustic was released February 2006 in the wake of drummer John “Beatz” Holohan’s tragic death. In late 2005, following a Colorado show in support of their sophomore release (s/t), the group’s vehicle crashed and flipped while traveling late at night during inclimate weather. “Beatz” was killed in the accident, and bassist Nick Ghanbarian was seriously injured. Bayside members recorded Acoustic as a tribute of sorts to their fallen drummer. The album’s lead track ‘Winter’ was in fact written about this event and is dedicated to his memory.
Firstly, the title Acoustic is perhaps a bit misleading. Although acoustic instruments are used on eight of ten songs, these recordings are not performed in an “Unplugged” style, as they lack bass and drums. The remaining cuts sport full arrangements and electric instruments. These distinctions, however, are trivial as they certainly don’t affect the listener’s enjoyment.
One may be surprised of just how well Bayside’s material translates to the minimalistic approach of two acoustic guitars accompanied by the coarse and emotive crooning of Anthony Raneri. A good song is a good song regardless of format, and Acoustic highlights the group’s songwriting ability. Raneri’s proclivity to experiment with the vocal melody keeps things fresh for those familiar with the band, while Jack O’Shea’s lead work is perhaps more impressive with the increased articulation afforded by use of an acoustic instrument. Bayside’s musicianship alone arguably boosts them above their pop-punk and pop-rock contemporaries. Album highlights ‘Devotion and Desire’ and personal favorite ‘Montauk’ serve as good examples of what the group is capable of on a technical level, retaining energy and catchiness of the originals.
Acoustic, while thoroughly listenable, is not without some glaring problems. With only ten tracks, the inclusion of two covers is a letdown, particularly when they are amongst the weakest tunes here. The majority of songs are taken from the self-titled, and it might have been nice to see a couple from Bayside’s excellent debut Sirens and Condolences receive the same treatment. I simply have no explanation as to why the electric numbers ‘Baby Britain’ and ‘Paternal Reversal’ are featured on what is supposed to be an acoustic album. ‘Baby Britain’ in particular does not belong anywhere near this record. An annoyingly upbeat Elliot Smith cover does mesh well with the atmosphere of brooding and angst so prevalent in Bayside’s music. Lastly, one should generally anticipate a slightly reduced tempo with acoustic renditions of electric numbers, but ‘They Looked Like Strong Hands’ is agonizingly slow, to the point that the performers themselves seem to lose track of the rhythm. Ultimately, Acoustic delivers only a pittance of what it advertises despite the strength of its product.
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I was streaming this album on Myspace and was listening to Winter when I read what it was about. I started paying attention to the lyrics and man it was sad.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
I like Bayside. They are a good band. More people should like Bayside because they are good. The Smoking Popes singer has a whiny voice. He wrote a good song though.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
pos'd
Digging: Grimes - Visions Digging: Grimes - Visions | | |
but you're not honest, and you never could be
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I forgot how good Winter was.
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fucking adore this band, this record is just another side to them
winter rules too yeah
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
godly live every time.
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I still think the original recordings of Devotion and Desire and Montauk are my favourite songs of theirs, they were amazing live. I saw them before The Walking Wounded was released though, so I don't know what their newer stuff sounds like live...
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Rock. Solid.
| | | Album Rating: 4
Following the tragic touring van accident which left Bayside's drummer John Holohan dead & bassist Nick Ghanbarian with a broken back, Anthony Raneri & Jack O'Shea later performed acoustically, inspiring this strong 40 minute release. Also containing 2 covers & an electric B-side, Raneri's divisive vocals adapt very well & are given a further shot of sincerity in the acoustic setting. While their well-chosen past highlights are all strong, they are eclipsed by the emotional tribute to Holohan that is 'Winter'; a poignant tear-jerker if ever there was one. Recommended Tracks: Winter, Blame It On Bad Luck, Devotion and Desire & Masterpiece.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
especially live.
| | | Album Rating: 4
All their songs are the best live. They tour so much, I'm surprised they find time to record any albums.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
it's really the only way a band will make money anymore.
| | | Album Rating: 4
Yeah, too true... I'm seeing them with Anberlin & The Starting Line in 12 days time. They better have a good t-shirt of their logo in my size this time... If they want to make some money.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
the starting line is back together?
| | | Album Rating: 4
Oh hell yeah, they are. I can't recall if there is a new album coming though, but they've been touring again for a while.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
Bayside is throwing the Aussies a lot of love with like 9 dates including Download...as per usual no where close to me. = {
| | | Album Rating: 4
Actually, these guys are such hard-workers that in Melbourne, they are supporting New Found Glory one night & then supporting Anberlin the next night.
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