Time on Earth: First Impressions
Don’t know if I’m gonna write a full review or not, but here’s what I’m thinking after three passes through the new album:
- If Wikipedia is correct about which four songs the full lineup worked on with Steve Lillywhite as producer, I think it makes sense to view Time on Earth as a Neil Finn solo record with a Crowded House EP attached. There’s a fairly substantial shift in tone and style on the full lineup songs: Don’t Stop Now, She Called Up, Even a Child, and Transit Lounge. They’re four of the fastest songs on the record, and they have a certain playfulness that’s not nearly as prominent on the other songs. The backing vocals on She Called Up and Transit Lounge in particular provoked a double-take.
- The other tracks were produced by Ethan Johns, who also produced Glen Phillips’ solo album Abulum. There’s a similar quiet, melancholy vibe on those two albums, and it’s not unpleasant to listen to by any means.
- Even a Child, co-written by Johnny Marr, is a fantastic, high-energy pop song and if I had paid 11 bucks just for that track, I’d call it money well spent. If that Modest Mouse thing doesn’t work out, I think I’d like to see Marr collaborate with this band some more. Didn’t think I was gonna say that before I heard the album, but he fit in really well with the whole crew.
- I really, really hope the full band heads back into the studio as soon as possible. I don’t know if this lineup can top Together Alone, but I don’t put it past them.
About Dave Thomer
Born and raised in Philadelphia. Studied philosophy at Fordham University in the Bronx, where I made many great friends and met my wonderful wife. We moved back to Philadelphia, where I studied philosophy some more and became a teacher. Online and off, I'm looking for ways that we can be better citizens and build stronger communities.
July 10, 2007 @ 11:00 pm