Taken from http://www.epinions.com/content_32629165700
Pros: Soft, well focused sound; variety of instruments; variety of songs; good recording
Cons: Some songs are tedious, dull even. The Bottom Line A great performance throughout, need more tracks though.
Recommended: Yes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There’s something hard to grasp about Semisonic, maybe the similarity between different singles, or the American style, or maybe the superb vocal flairs of lead singer Dan Wilson aided by the rest of the group, or should that be band. Which ever point you take in which shows a relative similarity between singles, there is always something to like. A style, like all bands. Something’s are always helped in this case by an expertise in many areas of instrument, not only by Dan but by the rest: John Munson, and, Jake Slichter, each giving a heart-warmed sound – of originality and performance. Add into the mix a group of contributors; Matt Wilson, Bruce Allard, Mary Bahr, Carolyn Bulay, Troy Gardner, Josh Koestenbaum who are all called to the front to aid the album Feeling Strangely Fine.
What can you expect?
Despite labouring under the ominous "college rock" banner (loose translation: huge in America; unknown in the UK), Semisonic have a better chance than some of their transatlantic peers of bridging the gap, this 1998 set being an unusually strong calling card. That American hit, Closing Time, fools around with a sinewy Nirvana-esque riff before stapling it to a boozy, stirring chorus. It's a perfect précis of Semisonic's approach: blending subtlety and aggression with wry lyrics that never slip into self-congratulatory smugness and tunes that might turn Neil Finn green with envy.
What ever your rock appeal, you’ll like the rest if you liked that one. Others including the other single, Secret Smile are in there as one might expect. Along with those are a few other originals workings from the band, each offering enough for all tastes. So you might love the first few, but hate the last two, who knows, but there is sure variety and that is worth a high merit from me anyway.
So here are the songs as they sound.
Start spinning the 2nd track, Singing In My Sleep, and you get the same burst of energy, like so-many of Semisonic’s workings. Having little experience with instruments, I’ll only guess that what is beneath the thrashing guitars is a piano, maybe the Moog synthesiser Dan is experted of. The airy atmosphere sets in letting it burst out –slower- though than before.
Next up Made To Last is a tad slower than others, but allows the band to unravel the emotion in music these days. Lyrical work is ok, not special, more of a set-piece to cover issue of unknown stuff- as the title might suggest. The instrument band which Semisonicuse is quite impressive, and as it goes very effective in the music. In this one, the changeling guitars pay off a bog effect on the mood, with very little drums, up until the chorus – bursts out again – as usual. Effects in the background make it more alien in a way.
Never you Mind sets out as another twist in music, and vocal effect. Being totally alien to the few before, it is another change from the norm, giving you the variety some – me- desire. Its all mysterious and translucent, giving a picture to something, anything – I don’t know what. It’s hard to imagine that a band of three manages on there own, with out extra help: it wouldn’t surprise if they switched around from guitar to piano no and then while recording. Lyrics are better in this one somehow – making sense than being jargon in the last. Harmonic vocals end for a climatic finish.
And now the single - Secret Smile appears from the bushes. Aided in mixing and development to give a purer sound. I can see how its so beautiful to listen to. Bass keys hit the right tones making a soft yet defined melody down low. Helped by up-beat drums and excellent vocal interaction. Possibly the best song on this CD. Not only musically but vocally too, the blend is just right, not too much, so right. While it can become tedious in the middles, but overall a well defined and accelerating sound. If the lyrics were a tad more – sing along – it would certainly score higher.
What does DND mean? Perhaps an excuse to use the letters for a song – obviously so. Any way this is another melodic song from the band, this time being a tad more indirect, laid back, like a live performance. Rhythmic guitar solos are all there, adding to that a punching drum beat, adding more rhythm and pace, cymbals add atmosphere a bit, and it all seems like a love song- from the lyrics anyway. It’s nice the way the whole song changes form, half way through, making you sit up from relaxing so so much.
Completely Pleased will set your internal organs a-buzz, with the enjoyable – and massaging bass lines, giving a vibration effect in your body. The tall high treble from thrashing guitars, giving verve energy, and then reducing to tiny cymbal tapings, making a hollow sound in the middle. Followed by the next burst from the drum-noise-maker. Cymbals, snare, hi-hat are gonna splash out in razor sharp images in front of you during the quite passages, making it more enjoyable somehow. The up-beat bass beatin drumming will give you a healthy dose of happiness.
This will Be My Year is a bit of a star-light experience, the punk-like guitars hold on with some airing effects. Making it an aromatic experience and like All Worked Out have that reminder of the pop-rock standhold that the band have – little or large – in their music. That burst of energetic rock is powered out from some mild ballad-like vocals, the piano has constant stomping throughout – making it slower than it really is.
California adds an inspiration to their barroom past performances, a melodic tune with impressive details, adding an atmosphere of music to the rooms. Having acoustic guitar back up the mild vocal flair, and jangling percussion instrumentals, as they do resurrecting a field of air, subtlety and light melodies. Transforming into all kinds, memorising the rock style they love.
Another corner is turned as Semisonic express some more emotional music. Airy, and thin sounds carry the deep and soft voice, as correct they are as pleasing. This makes the variety I spoke of before. Giving members of the band a chance to express their own instinct with music making.
Reminiscent of a previous song, Gone To The Movies has the genius lyrical work Semisonic have in abundance. Adding to that superb performance. Whether the tracks are to your taste, the lyrics and soft- focused- and dynamic musicality these guys have will more than please.
Its more pleasing that each track carries the best of the bands performance issues; the way the lyrics are witty and intelligent, making for an even more special music. The artful case covers are a pure match for the contents on the CD; the vitality the songs have are graceful and entertaining.
If only there were more tracks to enjoy ever more.
Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out
