I wish they were Barenaked men! (Maroon - Barenaked Ladies)

Member Name: loulou6

Product:	Maroon - Barenaked Ladies
Date:	13/11/00 (79 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: it's a good album!

Disadvantages: a little down?

Between the releases of 'Stunt' and this album, the keyboardist/guitarist Kevin Hearn underwent (and successfully recovered from) a bout of leukemia.

Not surprisingly, the subject matter on their sixth album leans toward the darker side of life. Among the foreboding topics touched on are the thoughts of a car crash victim 'Tonight Is the Night I Fell Asleep At the Wheel' and touring countries torn by political strife 'Helicopters'.

Luckily, this Canadian quintet uses a combination of impressive pop sensibility and perfect songcraft driven by undeniable hooks to lighten the mood.

So even though they might be singing about relationships that are either headed south 'Too Little Too Late' or unrealized 'Conventioneers', the Ladies do it with an exuberance that helps sweeten some of the bitterness.

Among the upbeat pop moments found on this album are the don't-take-yourself-so-seriously anthem 'The Humour Of The Situation' and the infectious optimism of 'Falling For the First Time', where runaway piano, chiming guitars and perfect harmonies form an idyllic pop moment.

An added bonus is the secret track 'Hidden Sun,' a piano-driven song about internal strength that sounds like something They Might Be Giants might have written in a serious moment - class.

The Barenaked Ladies are a very good band, with witty lyrics, brilliantly adaptable voices with a country music twang (don't let that put you off tho!), and much talent with a variety of instruments.

It suffices to say this is a solid album, well worth your money. In conclusion I urge you to listen without pre-defined expectations and your ears will thank you. These guys are really, really, really good.

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