"All In Good Time" - my thoughts

[Liam]

So, for this album, I decided that I would completely give in and listen to all the songs as soon as I could, in whatever way I could. I listened to the new songs on YouTube from live shows as soon as they were uploaded, and last night I was elated to find the Much Music link and listen to the whole album. A week or 2 doesn’t make much difference to me now, and I’m obviously going to buy the album (probably several times because I am weak and stupid), so I caved in and listened to it all the way through last night a good few times. I was just too impatient! I am very glad that I did...

Here’s a track-by-track analysis of how I like each song, for those who care. I’ll also write a proper review (a more professional sounding one) and upload it to my website when I have a minute. I’m sorry if I waffle on here. So here we have it – Barenaked Ladies “All In Good Time”:

(By the way, I have had to split this into two separate posts because I rabbled so much that I broke the character limit. What a rebel).

1. “You Run Away”
I’ve posted my thoughts on this track before. I do really like the song; it’s very powerful and emotional. Lyrically, the subject matter is obvious – and there lies my problem: I’m not too willing to listen to (or read on Twitter, for that matter) any slanging matches between the band and Steve. What happened is in the past now, and if there’s any resentment there, then as a fan, I would rather not know about it. This was also my reasoning behind not being overly keen on its choice as a single. Sure, it’s very radio friendly, and probably does have mass appeal, but the general consensus about the song is that it’s a parting shot at Steve – I thought they were trying to escape that link with this new album. So, for this song, I’ll personally interpret the lyrics to be a little more general, and not about a particular person. There are certainly situations in my own life that I could relate it to if I remove the knowledge that it’s about a band break-up. I love the build up and Kevin’s piano part brings a lot to this song, too. I don’t, however, like it as an opening track. For me personally, I love a good upbeat song as the first track of an album (see: “Too Little Too Late”). It’s almost like a bit too much too soon for the album, but it is a great tune and I really look forward to seeing it live – I’m sure it would take my breath away. Reminds me of Snow Patrol quite a lot – and that’s not a bad thing. 7.5/10

2. “Summertime”
I was so excited about hearing the studio recording of this one after watching it live on YouTube, and I was not disappointed. It’s a great, fun track and I could definitely see it as a single. It reminds me of Smash Mouth... but not shit. I could actually see this as the opening track for the album, and possibly for a live show – it has just the right tempo for that. I’m not sure about Ed’s vocals on the word “summertime” after the line “I love pushing through for summertime” at 2:30 – it seems to drag longer than necessary, but that’s my only criticism of this song. I love it, and that riff is going to be stuck in my head for days. Thanks, guys. 8/10

3. “Another Heartbreak”
What a surprisingly lovely little tune. I wasn’t too sure about it live, but this album version is very smooth, very polished and very catchy. Kev sounds good, and the backing vocals are nicely silky without sounding over-produced. Again, this song is very memorable – it’s a simple number, simple message, but it works. I love the musical part at 2:20, and the outro is pretty rockin’ too. 7/10

4. “Four Seconds”
Well well well... probably one of the most fun, energetic and bizarre songs I have heard in years. I think (and I’m SO happy to say this) that I had the same excitement listening to this the first time around as I did with “One Week” back when I was 10. Yep, it’s really that good. It’s a tongue-twister, fun to sing along with, hard to keep up with, and Tyler’s line in the chorus is pure brilliance. The studio version really blew me away – I love all the little blips and bops and weird sound bites, juxtaposed with the rocking out that follows the line “one Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi, four”. I am so excited to see and hear this live – after what I have seen on YouTube, it looks like they really have a blast playing it - and that’s what we like to see! I would also make a very strong case for this as a single – it’s similar to “One Week” without being another “Another Postcard”, it’s recognisable as BNL, it’s unique, it’s FUN and it’s catchy as hell. Please guys, release this as a single! 10 out of motherfuckin’ 10, I LOVE IT.

5. “On The Lookout”
Wow, hi Jim! What first struck me about this track is the difference from the live version I have become accustomed to from YouTube. The “DJ”-style effects seem slightly out of place to me in a jazzy song with a string arrangement, but I do still strangely like them. Jim’s voice sounds excellent here; it’s probably the highest I’ve ever heard him sing too. The string arrangement itself is beautiful. I would definitely not be against Jim singing more lead in the future; he has a very smooth, listenable voice. (Just realised I’m using the term “smooth” a lot. Sorry about that). 7/10

6. “Ordinary”
This one is strange for me, because I know that the guys are very proud of it, and I’ve read a lot of very positive fan reaction about the song – I think I am missing something. It’s good, but it’s not brilliant, in my opinion. Ed’s voice is very strong here, and it’s probably some of his best vocals to date (“come undone, done”) – it’s just, as a song, it doesn’t do much for me. I can imagine it being pretty intense live, so maybe I will wait until I see it live to make a better judgement. One element of the song I do really like is the backing vocals on the line “have another look around”. Kinda haunting – very “Carol of the Bells”-esque. For now, I give this 5.5/10, but I really hope I will like it more in the future.

7. “I Have Learned”
Rock AND roll. I like this a lot. Interestingly chosen as track number 7, because doesn’t that have a bit of a BNL tradition as being a ‘special’ track? (I swear I read that somewhere before). This song gets my foot tapping as soon as the chorus kicks in, and I love the guitars on it. To me, this is probably what “What A Let Down” could and should have been. It’s a bit rougher, scruffier, classic-rock sounding. I like Tyler’s drum parts in this; I can’t wait to play along to it. The guitar solo is pretty rawkin’ too (is that Kevin?) I have no idea what this song is actually about... again I’m sure it could be – and will be – related to Steve in some way, so I would be interested to find out the subject matter of this song. A couple of lines don’t make sense to me (“But I would love to live with giving this shaky voice some shade”). Still, great tune and the rock doesn’t seem too forced to me – I’d like to see more of this side of BNL in the future. 8/10

8. “Every Subway Car”
First of all, it will always be “Graffiti Love” to me. This song is pure brilliance. In a very odd way, lyrically it reminds me of When I Fall – simply because it seems like Ed is taking a quite off-the-wall notion and running with it for the entire song (a graffiti artist who paints on cars to get a lover’s attention / as opposed to a window washer contemplating suicide – both strange concepts). It really rocks, and I love the production on the verses too – the acoustic guitar is a very sleek (right click, “smooth”  synonyms...) layer. I think I prefer the guitar solo live, because the studio version’s guitar solo seems to be a little lost underneath the synth noises – but it’s not a big deal. My girlfriend thinks the whole song sounds out of key – I can’t quite work it out... I see what she means, but I’m a drummer, what the hell do I know about music? I still love it; one of the best songs on the album. 8.5/10

9. “Jerome”
Unfortunately, probably my least favourite song on the album. I don’t have anything against it as such, it’s just that knowing “Let There Be Light” and even to some extent, “All In Good Time” have been left off the album in favour of this is quite annoying to me. I think “Let There Be Light” is a far stronger song, with its REM vibe. “Jerome” just seems to plod along a little – I do like Kev’s voice on it, and I like the concept: a ghost-town kinda feel – it just doesn’t do it for me, sorry. It seems to me like it has possibly been included to fulfil the “look, we have a lot of experimentation on this album” that they have been proclaiming in interviews, when in actual fact I think they would have been better off putting either of the other two Kev songs in its place. Ooh – one thing I do really like is the backing vocals on “copper miners”. It looks like they had a lot of fun recording that part, too. 5/10 (I don’t hate it though).

[Liam]

10. “How Long”
Getting all Foo Fighters on our asses, now. This song really rocks, I love the chorus. Ed seems to pull off the pretty angsty vocals on this one. The outro of this song is really great and I hope it can turn into some kinda of rock and roll jam session when they develop it live, much like how the outro of “Brian Wilson” is played. 7.5/10

11. “Golden Boy”
I absolutely adore this song. It reminds me of the BLAM-era in the sense that it could easily be “Down To Earth”’s older brother, or perhaps “Maybe Not”’s cousin. In fact, Tyler’s drum part in the chorus is the same as in “Down To Earth” (1-2, 1-2-3, 1-2, 1-2-3 with the ‘clap’-like effect). I prefer this song to both of the aforementioned tunes, though. Lyrically, again, hello links to Mr. Page, I’m sure there will be a lot written about what these lyrics could mean. I also really love the ending of this song: “oh, that’s the end... oh no wait... OK, NOW it’s finished”. It’s a real feel-good song for me, and I can see it topping my iTunes play count pretty soon. This is another contender for an opening track to the live show too – I can just picture it now – BNL taking the stage, Tyler counting them in and then “HEY, Golden Boy...” as the lights come up. Yup, I’d like that. 9/10 – and probably more after a few listens...

12. “I Saw It”
Where the hell did this come from?! What a gorgeous track. This is by far the best I have ever heard Jim sing for BNL, and the song actually gives me shivers. I like that the album doesn’t fade into mediocrity towards the end like albums by other bands often do – in fact, if anything, “All In Good Time” gets stronger in the second half. I have heard this song compared to Coldplay, but I will ignore that, because I fucking hate Coldplay. It is far better than anything they could write. If I recall correctly, this song is about a bully victim? I could be wrong there – but it makes sense now that I listen back to the lyrics. The strings complement the rest of the instruments beautifully, and the backing vocals again are spot-on. Great job on the production, MPW. Definitely the surprise of the album, probably because I haven’t seen it on YouTube at all, but it’s a lovely song. Probably the “Call and Answer” or “War on Drugs” of the album for me – but, er, sung by Jim. 9/10

13. “The Love We’re In”
Hmmm... mixed emotions on this one. It’s kinda hard to listen to, for some reason. It’s beautifully sung, but has a couple of awkward moments (the “I” on “I know the game” and the “more” on “more than you can lose”, for example). That sounds nit-picky, but it probably constitutes the only real moment on the album where I miss a certain something... or someone. It’s a very emotional song, and I think it’s a grower. I think I will need to be in a certain frame of mind to listen to this song in the future... I can’t really put my finger on why. 6.5/10

14. “Watching The Northern Lights”
I fully expected to dislike this song after reading descriptions of it online. It sounded like it could have been quite wishy-washy and fade into nothingness. Hence, I am pleasantly surprised to find that I really enjoy this song. When it starts, it could easily be Jack Johnson “If I Had Eyes”. As it turns out, the gentle plucking of the guitar is quite reminiscent of The Police (at least, in my head it is). Kev’s voice is effortlessly slick in this tune, and once again the backing vocals are NICE. Whereas I previously stated that I don’t like slower songs as the first song on an album, I don’t mind them as album closers at all. “The Love We’re In”, followed by this tune, are two songs to really wind you down, so I think they fit pretty nicely at the end of “All In Good Time”. Oh, and nice Andy take off with the kinda-scatting at the end. 7/10

So, all in all, I am very, VERY pleased with this new album. I was going to pick some favourites, but after reading my review back, I’ve realised that I can’t really pick less than 7 songs as ‘favourites’. I can, however, say that I would really like to see “Four Seconds” or “Summertime” released as the next single. There’s nothing that I strongly dislike on this album whatsoever, and I think it is their strongest work in a long time. And please – don’t read that as anything against Steve, because it really isn’t intended that way – BLAM and BLAMen just happen to pale in comparison to this album, in my opinion. I need to give the album a lot more listens before I grow completely accustomed to the songs (and I will undoubtedly listen to it hundreds of times). In time, hopefully the likes of “Ordinary” and “Jerome” will sit a little more comfortably with me. I’m sure that you can probably add .5 or maybe 1 to each rating, because the album does strike me as a strange mix between something that is instantly likeable, and something that will grow on you. I know this from having “Every Subway Car” in my iTunes for a couple of weeks now: I loved it at first, but over time have come to appreciate different elements of the song even more.

For now, I am just totally excited to listen to the songs again and again and again, and I am very pleased and energized that I once more feel that way about Barenaked Ladies. It really was worth the wait – thank you, BNL, for once again providing a fantastic album that really speaks to me, and enhances my life. And thanks to anyone who read all of that, I really appreciate it. Now, I wish nearly 3000 words would come as easily for my uni work...! ;)

[caycay]

Great post(s) Liam although I don't necessarily agree with everything...

Ordinary is definitely in the top 3 for me - maybe even my fave. I think it is classic Ed.

Golden Boy screamed Steve at me. But that's my take.

Jim's songs aren't my top picks, but they usually aren't, and then grow on me over time.

The Love We're In reminds me of the Eagles for some reason..but I adore it.

I Have Learned - ROCK ON !!!

Reiterating my love for Kev's songs - his voice was just perfection on these. Jerome seems a it out of place for this album, but I like it.

I totally agree with you about this album vs. Blam/men. I was underwhelmed with the exception of a few songs the first time I listened to it. In the end only 7-9 songs that I really love. This whole album is a knock out including Jim's songs. I can't wait to get it the CD- (I ordered the one with extra tracks). It is another Gordon for me, where I will know the words to every song on the album - no skips!

[PilotMal]

I CANNOT stop listening to "I Saw It". Its a GORGEOUS song, Jim's vocals are amazing, and I'm stoked to hear it live. Sounds like something I'll end up covering ;)

[TheHYPO]

I was on the last track of a full Liam-esque review, and I clicked in the wrong place and boom... gone. I don't think I'm going to rewrite it right now. Maybe later. Liam wrote a number of points that I think I made to him already in direct conversations (theif!!) but that's ok. Maybe I'll try to retype it all later. I'm very happy with the album save, perhaps, for the choice of cuts. Nice review Liam.

[Liam]

I was on the last track of a full Liam-esque review, and I clicked in the wrong place and boom... gone. I don't think I'm going to rewrite it right now. Maybe later. Liam wrote a number of points that I think I made to him already in direct conversations (theif!!) but that's ok. Maybe I'll try to retype it all later. I'm very happy with the album save, perhaps, for the choice of cuts. Nice review Liam.
Hey, I just agreed with you. :) Thanks!
Sucks that you lost your post. :(

[McGerkey]

I actually think I feel the opposite about Jerome and Ordinary. Two of the best tracks on the album, I think.

[TheHYPO]

Alright, I'll try to rewrite my review post, Liam stylez:

You Run Away
I'm definately happier with the album version than the single edit. The longer intro properly introduces the song, and I think the short radio edit intro jumps into the song awkwardly without setting the mood. The double chorus in the middle builds much nicer as well. Otherwise, it's been out for a while, so there aren't surprises here. I disagree with Liam that the soft piano intro makes for a decent intro track. It's not a NorthernLights style ballad; it's more mid-tempo and builds into the album. I don't mind it as an opener (others could have done the job too, though)

Summertime
When they did the first Dakota show, this was the primary song stuck in my head. That riff was in there good, and I really think this should have been the opening single as they implied it would be. I still bounce left and right in time with the riff whenever I hear it live. It's just catchy. The production is quite nice. I love the unexpeceted reversal of the heavy prechorus into the very light and fluffy sound of the sparse chorus (which then builds itself up a bit more. I wasn't expecting it. The little decending Kevin riff in the 2nd half of the chorus is whimsical, and Jim's bass brings it all together. My favourite part might be the alternate (:58) "counterpointy" guitar riff that is used occasionally. Nice touch. This is a solid song that is unfortunately probably out of luck as a single unless the album actually lasts through to late fall. Maybe they felt the single wouldn't play as well in climates like Texas and SoCal where winter ain't that bad. I dunno. Unlike Liam, I really like the bridge-out line and Ed's reading on it. My only perhaps-criticisms are post-bridge. Unlike the pre-chorus to chorus, the bridge builds up to something big, and then the sparse chorus feels like it's missing something. Perhaps they should have built up that final chorus again. Also, the last note, after Ed sings the final "summertime" - the single piano arpeggio would have been a fine ending, but Kevin throws in a few more notes, the tambourine is thrown in, and then much later a weird little keyboard riff comes in during the fadeout. It doesn't bother me on a single-track level as much as it seems unnecessary for the flow of the album as a whole.

Another Heartbreak
I think this is the best Kevin entry on the album, but that's with the caveat that I prefer the two songs of his that were cut to the three that made it. I think Kevin does a great job singing this one, and I really like the production. The sharp crispness of the piano when the choppy guitars drop out around :039 is unexpected and nice. There's some riffs that sound like high bass at the end of each line of the chorus (starting at :43), though there is also regular bass notes underneath it, so maybe it's just an unusual sounding guitar or keyboard. I really like those riffs. A similar effect to Summertime is that the heavy guitar rock is the verses and the choruses are plain clean piano-driven, which would often be expected the opposite. The structure of the verses and chords musically is so similar in this song, however, I didn't actually notice until just now that it's the choruses that are the sparse parts. It's a nice little song, if not a bit of a clichéd simple lyric that is not atypical of a Kevin song (the song is remeniscent of Sound of Your Voice). 1:40 is my least favourite part of this song, and I don't think it was necessary as it doesn't help much besides making a big orchestral-style crescendo in the middle of an otherwise sweet simple song. This goes into the soft sweet vocal, and then right back into what feels like a heavy segment that seems to be urging me to do some head-banging. I'm not sure I like the outro either. It gets the job done, though

Four Seconds
A wonderful whimsical track. Kevin's intro is exactly as Ed describes it in the "making of" video. The production is wonderful. Ed's vocal starts out almost a whisper, despite the energy of the song to come. It builds to a bit more power nicely before starting at a whisper in each verse, building again each time. Nothing here seems tacked on. They did this one very very well. My only issue is the song itself. I'm not really a lyrics guy, as many of you might know, but I don't see what, if anything, this track is about other than Ed looking in a rhyming dictionary, choosing a word, and challenging himself to fit every word into a verse (he has said in interviews a couple of times that he's proud that he found three rhymes for the unrhymable "orange". One Week had similar criticism of pointlessness, but both are still great concept songs. That one, however, had the choruses to fall back on for "meaning"

On The Lookout
I'm very proud of Jim on this album; the two entries on the album (which were definately the correct two choices) are phenomenal and possibly my favourite two Jim songs ever. This one is only slightly edged out by the greatness of I Saw It, but is still fantastic in its own right. My biggest dislike on this one comes in right away - "Roll this one from the top" - doesn't seem necessary to me. But that said, it doesn't detract from the track. Kudos to Jim on the piano, if he played it on the record. The outro does exactly what an outro should do and is pretty darn perfect. The song is produced wonderfully. The light airy strings certainly take it to another level, as do the DJ-esque synth sounds that I assume are Kevin's. I particularly like the subtle one that repeats a few times (eg: 1:35) that is like a couter-point or harmonic version of the melody used for the background vocal in the final verse and final chorus. Super strong vocal from Jimmy C (His adlib at 3:05 is wonderful). I really love this track. Jim's tracks on this album are also a lot more accessable than on previous albums. Much more mainstream than Spider/Drink. Perhaps on par or a bit more mainstream than PB&K (esp. in that it's less of a quirky subject matter). Good job on this album, Jim.

Ordinary
Way up there among my top 5 or more on this album. Driving, dynamic, great vocal, I like the lyric, has some moody, and great production, and background vocals. Some haunting parts that lead right into the upbeat and cheery chorus. Just a wonderful song. I guess I can see it not quite reaching some people (Liam) but I can't see people hating this song. I'm sure I'll be proven wrong at some point, but I love that they left in Ed's little vocal hiccup around 2:23 ("only play").

I Have Learned
This one has me so torn between liking and hating. When they mentioned the cuts involved one Ed song, this was the one I picked for cutting. Some people might not agree with this cut, but I think most will agree that Moonstone>I Have Learned. I'll outline some of my likes and then dislikes of this track. The melody is mostly on track. The track gets me bouncing in the verses and most of the chorus, and the feeling of the drum/bass track is spot on. The bridge is also a standout. I love that they went with what seems like Kevin's suggestion, at least in part, of a big vocal with awesome harmonies. It builds to a fantastic final note leading into a rawk guitar solo (Yeah Liam, I assume it's Kevin if not a guest). I'm trying to remember if this was remeniscent of his solo from the Dakota, but I can't remember. I think it was similar. The drum shakeup at the end for the 2nd re-chorus is a good way of making a repeat chorus fresh, as are the slightly added backup vocals ("oos") or whatever that sound is.

That's the good. But I have trouble getting past the bad on this song. There are two issues, really - the song and the production. I talked about this with Liam before so he has mentioned the lyric I'd use as an example of "what are you talking about?" but on top of that, the word "shade" lands on a completely unexpected chord. Sometimes that works, but I don't like it in this song. I think it has to do with the choice being such a "happy" sounding major chord that it doesn't fit with the angry mood of the rest of the song and distracts me. The song ends on that chord and it doesn't resolve at all. Listening again, I really love that chord going into the bridge, but I think they should have kept it for that chorus ONLY and had a more traditional chord for the other choruses.

Production stumped me too on this one. I see the sound they are going for on this song, which isn't really their traditional sound. Because of this, I think it sounds forced or immitation. I think much of it is the tone of the guitars, and Ed's vocal which is trying to be angry, but doesn't quite reach the rage I think it needs. The rhythm guitar isn't overdrivey enough, and Kevin's lead (not his solo, but the leads, such as 0:39) are too smooth and clean (in my mind, those bent notes should be squealing, or close to it - that's the sound I envision that they are going for - and he's nowhere near that sound). because it's so clean, I get that "poser" vibe from the song. And then I get into the 2nd verse and it's SO moody with these little guitar riffs way in the background starting around 1:15 and I like it a lot, so that's why I'm very torn on this one. Some great elements mixed with some elements that really bug me.

[TheHYPO]

Every Subway Car
Definately a winner. I love the guitars on this track, and I agree with Liam that the acoustic jangles on the 2nd verse are a definate plus. Great song on a fresh topic. I also agree that it will always be Graffiti Love - it just flows so much better as a title; perhaps it was a decision to conceal the subject of the song to surprise the listener. I don't know. Re: tuning, I think I can hear what might be perhaps one string not quite tuned to pitch on Ed's guitar, but I like the sound it gives, and I could be wrong about it entirely. around 1:33 it's noticable that the third of those three notes he's picking on sounds a bit sharp. but I kinda like that sound. It gives it a more "real" feeling that not everything is perfect. The tone on the guitar is wonderful though. I'm still not sure about that bridge (lyrically - I don't get it). I hear you on the "solo" issue too Liam, but that one's 50/50 for me. It's not a "big" guitar solo, so hiding it a bit isn't the end of the world.

Jerome
I'm sorry Kevin, you know I love your work, but I really hate this song being here. It just doesn't work. I mean, it's a perfectly made song - it's about a ghost town and it 100% has that feeling and vibe (well, maybe 95% - that organ doesn't fit the genre at all). But this simply doesn't fit on this album. It reminds me of the critics of Steve's Art of Time CD. People don't get what that album was trying to be - NOT a pop BNL/Vanity album, but a classic-meet-pop album of classically-influenced unique arrangements. If I took that version of Running out of Ink and put it on BLAM, it would get the same critisism from me. This song is out of place. BNL isn't a folklore-ballad band and this album isn't an album of experiemental genres and or a folk-ballad album. It simply doesn't fit. I respect that the band is trying to tout the "new sound" argument in their favour, but I don't think that means that a new genre song that doesn't mesh with anything else on the album should be included at the price of a wonderfully catchy pop song like Let There Be Light or All In Good Time. I don't hate it as a song. I don't necessarily skip it in random mode of my entire library, but on this album, it doesn't fit at all. If Powder Blue can be cut because it doesn't fit despite awesomeness, Jerome should definately have been. I'm sorry, but I'm labeling this one "wrong cut".

How Long
This one is like I Have Learned's baby brother. I see a similar genre attempt here, but this one succeeded far better. They opened the Dakota shows with this, and I think you can tell how moody and creepy that would have seemed with the opening riffs. I just the weirdo chords Ed uses. Kevin's lead guitar on this one is the perfect tone, mood, and is well played. My only beef with this one is the chorus as a song. I'm always a stickler against choruses that just repeat one line or word over and over again. There are exceptions when a song is so catchy or awesome that I don't even notice it or when they don't overdo it with repeats (eg: Ordinary) - but "don't say how long/don't say how long/how long" which is repeated again in the double-choruses is too many times for that line for me. It's a minor trifle though, as I really like the song a lot. THIS is a proper example of "different genre, but it still works on this album". The bridge is nice too. Not my favourite, but still nice. Kevin's riffs there are played great, and it cuts right back into that moody instrumental with more wailing guitar (where one might expect a real rocking solo, but is instead eerily lacking). A great decision.

Golden Boy
Easily in my top songs. As Liam said (because I said it to him :-p ), it is a mix of "Down to Earth", "Maybe Not" and awesomeness. It surpasses those songs with the best of both worlds, and I love the riff at 0:05 that repeats through the song. Great little riff that's classic Ed. Any song with "bereft" is a decent lyric. The backup vocals are among the best on the album Those Oos in the pre-chorus. The chorus is so catchy, but is also very high to sing, so I hope Ed can pull it off live. I love the end of the 2nd prechorus "won't be lonely - anymore" the adding of the "anymore", musically is very classic BNL - the guys used to change up structures of first/second verses or choruses a lot (eg: shortened first chorus of Shoebox, adding of a prechorus after the 2nd verse of Enid, the weird structure of Some Fantastic, etc.) The harmonies on that Anymore are great too, and musically it's in a great place. I don't mind the chorus "rhythm" from Down to Earth so much, though it also reuses the long-held notes and similar chorus structure. That's part of listening to a band is noticing stuff that is similar from album to album. The bridge is interesting. I think I like it. The solo is catchy too.

I Saw It
One of my favourite Jim songs ever. I was going to write "clearly one of the best songs Jim has ever recorded", but I decided that that's not fair to say when personal preference can vary so much. I challenge those that have hated Jim stuff in the past to hate this one though. Such a strong vocal, such a hauntingly sweet chorus, and just great mood and production. The verse doesn't come where you'd expect at the start of the song. The drums just "plod along" (to steal some Liam-talk) throughout but what sets the mood of the song. the build to the bridge is great, and the bridge is even better, and does exactly what a bridge should. My only issue with the song is the background vocals, on one chorus (1:49), Jim takes an "adlib" line and leaves the BG vox on its own, and I have to say that the Kevin-lead vocal sticks out to me. It's just a minor thing though.

The Love We're In
I came out of the Dakota show being a bit "meh" on this one, but my girlfriend decided it was her favourite. Now with the album version, I have a new appreciation for it. I think it's produced wonderfully. Ed's vocal is perfectly angst-ridden, and the chorused guitar is perfectly appropriate. This is definately a mellow one that I don't typically go for, but I do love the timing-shakeups in the song (not a straight 4/4 tempo). The harmonies are nice, though I spoke to someone who thought it could use more harmony and I can see that too. It's one of those "I'm clever" Ed lyrics, but I like it. It rings true (probably because of his mention of the plane crash which grounds the song and connects it to reality. I really like Kevin's BG Echo of "why don't we just make the love we're in" at 2:25. It outros very well.

Northern Lights
The song opens with "Floating like a dream cloud above the lake", and that pretty much describes the sound of this song perfectly. They definately got the mood Kevin was seemingly looking for. Unfortunately I also find that the lyrics "We lay there in silence/Young and free; half asleep" also applys for me. It's a nice song, but It puts me to sleep (it would definately make a great lullaby), and I can't see enjoying it at a live concert (it will bring the whole show down unless it's the last song, and do you want to leave them calm or excited?) That brings me to my point that while I thought I'd hate this song, and to some extend I do (I don't want this popping up on my random playlist, or as mentioned at live shows), it does fullfill the role of closing out the album quite well, but that only works in album context. Some people will always listen to the album as a whole, while others (probably more others?) will want to mix this music into their playlists, and I don't see it working well for that.

Kevin's vocal isn't as strong as on other songs (I don't mean "strong" like powerful, I just mean appropriate and well-performed), and the instrumental piano solo is even itself very lazy. (more of a riff-repeat, not so much of a solo). The song has around 1:30 of outro. Again, great to end the album, but if it came up on a playlist, I'd probably hit "next" by the first 15 seconds of that outro. Because it fits so well as an outro, I can't say that it should have been cut, but I still prefer Kevin's two cuts as songs on the whole. [ps: it vaguely reminds me of Vanishing, tho I prefer that song]

----

On the whole, I love the album. It's a great piece of work with a lot of awesome songs (It is almost impossible to say "this is the best song" because there are so many great ones - at least 5 vie for "best song" in my mind (Golden boy, I Saw It, Ordinary, Graffiti... and maybe Four Seconds and Lookout too). Overall impressions, There are a lot of songs with instrumental breaks in the middle (many with solos and some without), which is fine, but there has to be another device that can be used in songs. I think they satisfactorilly covered the genre range from the soft acoustic ballad (Love We're In) to the upbeat rocker (Golden Boy) to the moody rocker (How Long) to the mid-tempo sweet pop song (Lookout) to the mid-tempo pop-rock power track (summertime), though I think their foray into the "experimental" this album (Jerome is the most notable) did not go as well as in the past (some previous examples for better or for worse include Everything Had Changed, Shopping, Unfinished, Asleep at the Wheel, Some Fant, Spider in my Room, etc.)

I like this album, I think it can do well if they can get people to give it a chance, but that's a big if, and a lot may ride on the next single choice (particularly if it comes out any time soon).

[swiss lady]

I think "All In Good Time" could actually end up being BNL's most successful album since "Stunt".
When I went to see BNL last Summer, I was afraid that I would miss Steven; I didn't.
Same with this album, I was afraid I would miss Steven; I don't.
I love Steven's beautiful and exceptional voice, I always will.
But at this point, I think it was good for the band to part ways with Steven.
It seems to me that all of the remaining members have put a lot of energy into this project and worked their asses off, because they want to survive as a band. I'd say, they completely succeeded.

After listening to the album a couple times, I think 11 out of 14 songs could be singles.
(That has not happened since Stunt in my opinion).

I love all of the following tracks a lot:
You Run Away
Summertime
Four Seconds
On The Lookout
I'm not sure, if the added humor factor was necessary. Though with or without it this is a great song.
Ordinary
I Have Learned
Every Subway Car
Golden Boy
I Saw It
Wow, what a beautiful song! Jim really should write more songs and sing more lead!
The Love We're In
Northern Lights
I'm usually not at all a fan of Kevin singing lead. (I think he's one of the greatest musicians and a great songwriter, though not such a great singer). Anyhow, I actually love his voice on that song.

My two favorites:
Every Subway Car
I Saw It

My least favorite:
Jerome

BTW: in Switzerland AIGT already IS the most successful album since Stunt, b/c YRA is the first single played on the radio here sins "All Been Done". (And it get's played a lot!)
:)
I'm not sure if that means a lot though since BNL were never really successful in Switzerland.
;)

Can't wait to see BNL live in exactly one month!
:D

[AnotherHeartbreak]

I think "All In Good Time" could actually end up being BNL's most successful album since "Stunt".
:D
I couldn't agree more. I am blown away with this record. I love every single song, some more than others. My 5 favorites (in order from most favorite to least) are:
1. I Have Learned
2. Summertime
3. Four Seconds
4. Another Heartbreak
5. I Saw It

This record, in my opinion, is possibly BNL's strongest effort. They have a new, rockin style, which I love. It also has some slower songs, and they are all written beautifully and have great emotion. I wasn't sure if I would miss Steve's voice, but I don't. When I listen to this album, he doesn't even come to mind. 5/5

[McGerkey]

Eh, I think it might be their weakest (actually that's probably Are Men, but still).

It's still a good album (only on listen 3 and it's growing on me more with each listen), but the absence of Steve's voice and songwriting left a goddamn crater in this band. All the other guys have done a great job filling it in, but it still feels like something's missing.

I like the album (and may even come to love it as with the rest of the BNL albums), but saying it's their strongest is a bit much.

[RockShrimp]

I'm no music reviewer, and I probably shouldn't judge now since I generally never like anything as much on a recording as live, so I'll take Barbara's approach:

Songs I LOVED:
“Another Heartbreak”
“Four Seconds”
“I Saw It”

Songs I liked:
“Every Subway Car”
“On The Lookout”
“Ordinary”
“Jerome”

Songs that I liked OK on the album but can tell I will LOVE live:
“I Have Learned”
“How Long”
“Summertime”

Songs I will LOVE as long as I don't have to hear them being dissected repeatedly:
“Golden Boy”

Songs that I'm meh on:
“You Run Away”
“Watching The Northern Lights”
“The Love We’re In”

[bayouBNL]

"Four Seconds" has been an earworm for me all day. Usually, that's a bad thing, but not in this case.

I'm loving AIGT. I think it showcases a re-energized group of guys who still have a hell of a lot of good stuff left in them.

The first time I listened to it (thanks again to Liam for that link), I sung along with "You Run Away" and just sat here, doing my work, because I'd heard it already. When "Summertime" got going, I just stopped what I was doing and thought, "Holy sh*t!" I freakin' love this song!!

Might have more to write later, but I'm going to listen a few more times first. Just my initial impression.

[marebo]

i am really liking this record...it is a whole different experiance for us and the band...i like the direction

[Appleblossom28]

"Four Seconds" has been an earworm for me all day. Usually, that's a bad thing, but not in this case.

I'm loving AIGT. I think it showcases a re-energized group of guys who still have a hell of a lot of good stuff left in them.

The first time I listened to it (thanks again to Liam for that link), I sung along with "You Run Away" and just sat here, doing my work, because I'd heard it already. When "Summertime" got going, I just stopped what I was doing and thought, "Holy sh*t!" I freakin' love this song!!

Might have more to write later, but I'm going to listen a few more times first. Just my initial impression.

I agree:) I cannot get that song outta my head either.

[JaneInANutshell]

I'm loving the new record. I think the guys sound fantastic and have done a terrific job. This is going to be one of my favorite albums, I can tell.

This may sound weird, but I'm really liking that in certain places, this album sounds angry and frustrated and just...honest. It's really nice to hear the guys rock out a bit more like we know they already can....it just wasn't showcased much in the past and it's good to hear a new side to them. :)

[sandimas]

You know, it feels kinda weird to talk about this album, having no shiny cd in my paws, so here ya go anyway:

You Run Away: it just struck me that this song reminds me very much of another song and now I can't hear this song without hearing the other song in my head too. That's all I'm going to say because I don't want to put the song in your head while you're listening to this one too. That said, I was actually more impressed with the studio verison than live.

Summertime: My pick for next single. I like what feels like a jazz riff in between verses and then it veers into good-time feeling for the chorus.

Another Heartbreak: Kevin channels Roy Orbison. Others take issue with Kevin's voice, but I think he sounds just great here.

Four Seconds: I'm so glad this was not picked as the first single because I can just see radio guys going "Oh no! Not another 'Ed sings/raps fast song again." Qiurky, cranky, with a mid-eastern beat. On the quirk level it seems left of "Shopping" and to the right of "Sell Sell Sell". A fun live song. :)

'On The Lookout: A perfect Jim vehicle. Nice groove, nice lyrics. Only thing missing is Andy.

Ordinary: I'm hooked from the first sound of the guitar. I like how it builds to that familiar yet different sounding good ol' bnl stomp, but not such that you'd recognize as "Lovers.."

I Have Learned: I have to give this one a few more listens.

Every Subway Car: Why did they change it from Grafitti Love? I love that title! I will always associate that song with being in Vail where I heard it.

Jerome: Funny, this one hits me the same way that "Born Human" does.Quirky, but fun.

How Long: Nice one. Give it up for anger, indeed.

Golden Boy: Oh boy, a lot of people are gonna read a lot into this one, and I'm trying desparately not to.

I Saw It; For me, the most surprising song on the album. It took me a few turns to realize what it was about, and then when I thought I figured it out, it became even more meaningful. Well played, Jim!

The Love We're In: All I wan't to know is, did the cat get a writing credit? Because after all it did knock something over which allowed Ed to finish the song.

Northern Lights: A nice coda to the album.

Overall, I'm really happy with it. It takes all the great things I loved about BLAM (i.e. contributions from everybody, different insturments, different sounds), and continues along that line. I don't know if it's exactly "radio" friendly, but its a good, honest album waiting to be discovered by the less than casual fan.

[Mobitz]

'On The Lookout: A perfect Jim vehicle. Nice groove, nice lyrics. Only thing missing is Andy


YES!!!!










Still digesting the album, I will get a better feel for it when I actually own a copy of it myself...online streaming is great....and this has been fun... But I want to crank it up in my car (and other places too-but I drive a lot) and really listen to it....

[Serendipitypaul]

Thanks for the Link Liam, Ive been listening all day!, its going to take me a few more listens to get to know them all. Im loving it so far The production on this album is as good as ever. Ok two word review per track:

(remember my opinion can change with every listen, your home is at risk if you do not keep up with repayments on your Mortgage or anything else secured on it)

Run Away.... Love It
Summertime....90's Vibe
Another Heartbreak....Traveling Wilburys
Four Seconds ....Snore Seconds
On the Lookout.....Andrew Gold
Ordinary.......Friggin Awsome
I have Learned......Not Great
Every Subway Car....Spinal Tap
Jerome.......Classic Kevin
How Long....Rock Tastic
Golden Boy......Move On
I Saw It......Go Jimbo
The Love were In.....The Eagles
Watching the Northern Lights......2am Track

As i said my opinion will change the more i hear these songs. I wish them every success with this Album and hope it will be as big as Stunt was over here in the UK lets just hope the guys get some decent airplay! :rolleyes:

[Philip]

I downloaded it from iTunes today. My first impressions:

You Run Away
I really like this song - great lyric, lovely tinkling pianos, and affecting emotional build. But Jim’s bass sounds odd to me, kind of lost and half-hearted. Would have preferred the bass line to have more punch. I must say, I personally think it’s great as an opening track. 8/10

Summertime
I don’t get this one. We kick off with a nice summery, laid back, Steely Dan vibe and then suddenly we get that heavy guitar. Later in the song, it doesn’t bother me so much, but at the start I find it very jarring. I do, however, like Jim’s ‘Badda-bas’ and when Ed goes all Prince on his strangulated-hernia ‘pushing through’ falsetto. 6/10

Another Heartbreak
Nice simple lyric, nice gently rocking chorus, and, of course, Kevin can do no wrong! 8/10

Four Seconds
Love the insane Dobro playing after each verse, the whacky electric guitar parts, and Tyler’s Vaudeville snare. Chorus has a Jewish thing going on. Might wear on the ears after a few listens. Hellzapoppin’. 7/10

On The Lookout
Achingly romantic. The R2D2-like peeps and whistles work, surprisingly, but the warped voice not so much. I hope this gets Jim’s voice the recognition it deserves. The boy can sing! 7/10

Ordinary
I was tempted to say ordinary, but it’s really growing on me. I like the breathy backing vocals and those deep piano chords with the hand-muted(?), Ben Folds-like wangy-drop-offs (I think that’s the technical term). Some nice right-hand work from Ed. 8/10

I Have Learned
More cowbell! 7/10

Every Subway Car
Fantastic lyric with a pay-off in the chorus that you can’t believe no-one’s thought of expressing before. Clever and romantic. Love the opening figures played by Kevin and the rocking guitar stabs played over some great acoustic work. One thing this is crying out for, besides a video featuring animated graffiti on subway cars, is a big screamy guitar solo! Martin Tielli? Kim Mitchell? No, Alex Lifeson! Love it. 11/10

Jerome
Quirky and brilliant! Kevin really can do no wrong! But shouldn’t this have been on Snack Time? (Score withheld for this reason.)

How Long
A rocker with BNL channelling Rush and Neil Young. 7/10

Golden Boy
This reminds me of several other songs that I can’t quite put my finger on, but in a good way. 7/10

I Saw It
Lovely. Just lovely. All hail, Jim. 8/10

The Love We’re In
Wow. Has Ed ever written a better lyric than this? And his singing? Sensational. The tremolo-drenched Laurel Canyon flavoured folk rock sound is sublime with some great bass work and backing vocals from Jim. ‘If you’re feeling tender, I’m Novocain.’ This the standout track of the album for me. 12/10

Watching The Northern Lights
Scat-tastic. Straight into my iPod’s chill out playlist. Kevin should record a whole album of this trippy, laid back stuff – provisionally titled ‘Melting Into The Floor With Kevin’. 10/10

[therealshell]

I had a "wangy drop-off" once, but the urologist took care of it ..........

[Philip]

I had a "wangy drop-off" once, but the urologist took care of it ..........

Nice sniping.

[Den of Antiquity]

Ordinary - I Have Learned - Every Subway Car. The three best bang-bang-bang songs in a row that I have heard in a LONG LONG LONG time.

Only had time to listen to the CD 3 times so far and it's already growing on me insidiously. Been caught at work whisper-singing "1-Mississippi 2-Mississippi 3-Mississippi 4" under my breath. Embarrassing.

[caycay]

Ordinary - I Have Learned - Every Subway Car. The three best bang-bang-bang songs in a row that I have heard in a LONG LONG LONG time.

Only had time to listen to the CD 3 times so far and it's already growing on me insidiously. Been caught at work whisper-singing "1-Mississippi 2-Mississippi 3-Mississippi 4" under my breath. Embarrassing.

I totally agree and they are even better cranked up in the car with the sun roof open and the breeze of spring in the air!

Your comment on the counting - doing this Ladies' style kept me from jumping down the throat of a jerk on a conference call this morning - and my comment was certainly lighter as I had a little grin on my face. It's my new way to take a step back for a minute before commenting in "what are you - an idiot? tone of voice.

See? They even help me do my job more effectively!

[bayouBNL]

The more I listen, the more I'm loving "Another Heartbreak."

Going to listen to it as I go to sleep tonight. Perhaps it will break the two straight nights of terrifying nightmares I've been having. Help me, BNL!! :eek:

[AnotherHeartbreak]

Very excited, AIGT is #3 on the Canadian charts: http://www.billboard.com/search/?keyword=barenaked+ladies&x=0&y=0#/album/barenaked-ladies/all-in-good-time/1322516

[PilotMal]

Very excited, AIGT is #3 on the Canadian charts: http://www.billboard.com/search/?keyword=barenaked+ladies&x=0&y=0#/album/barenaked-ladies/all-in-good-time/1322516

Whoot! Thats awesome :)
I was hoping it'd be up high...and 3rd after one week is pretty friggin' good.

[Shardith]

"It's been...One Week and they're number THREE"

Sorry, that's what ran through my head just this moment :D

[Stephanie]

Working on listen through number three, and AIGT is growing on me each time! First time through I enjoyed it, but wasn't super enthused. But every time I hear each song something new pops out to me. One thing (well two, really) that stuck me: Jim's fantastic songs! The string arrangements are fantastic. And Northern Lights is particularly special to me because it brought me straight back to being 16 years old and laying in the grass at my parents house way out in the country with my best friends, watching the northern lights light up the entire sky (which on the Canadian prairies, is a lot of freakin' sky!). Hadn't thought about that for years, but that song had me seeing those lights all over again.

All in all, definitely a solid album that I plan to listen through a few more times. And WOO for already being number 3!! :D

[swiss lady]

Ordinary - I Have Learned - Every Subway Car. The three best bang-bang-bang songs in a row that I have heard in a LONG LONG LONG time.


I totally agree!

[garyrulez]

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

All in Good Time

Barenaked Ladies

Raisin' Records

This is the beloved pop-rock group's first effort without co-founder Steven Page, whose departure informs the bittersweet opener "You Run Away." Singer-guitarist Ed Robertson and friends come across more lighthearted on other tunes, including the head-spinning "Four Seconds," while "I Have Learned" is heavier (sonically and thematically) than your typical BNL ditty. The band reinvents itself on "All in Good Time," and the results are quite good indeed. Grade: A-

[katezilla]

Entertainment Weekly gave it a B in this week's issue!

[garyrulez]

Billboard has an article up saying that next week's albums chart will feature a strong debut from AIGT. They don't give a number, but it's mentioned in the same category as the really high-debuting albums from Usher, Erykah Badhu, and Allen Jackson. Not sure when the chart actually comes out.

[Liam]

Quite a decent review of AIGT here: http://is.gd/bh6d7

[garyrulez]

That's great, Liam, thanks! That's the second review I've read that talks about what will come from the band AFTER All in Good Time...I'm reading that thinking "slow down! One album at a time, reviewer-guy!" But it did make me think...will their process change a bit? I could see all three guys writing and maybe even squeezing in a little recording over the next year or so while they're on the road.

[Den of Antiquity]

My new favorite moment from AIGT in "I Have Learned":

"Same sun, same fun, whole new world" and then straight into what is really the first cantakerously raw rock guitar solo in a BNL song ever.

It's almost like a musical inside joke for diehard BNL fans. So cool.

[bayouBNL]

Billboard has an article up saying that next week's albums chart will feature a strong debut from AIGT. They don't give a number, but it's mentioned in the same category as the really high-debuting albums from Usher, Erykah Badhu, and Allen Jackson. Not sure when the chart actually comes out.

I'll be watching the entertainment wire for that. Thanks for the tip. If I catch it, I'll post.

[Kawltie]

http://www.billboard.com/#/album/barenaked-ladies/all-in-good-time/1322516


http://www.billboard.com/news/usher-to-trump-bieber-on-next-week-s-billboard-1004080029.story#/news/usher-to-trump-bieber-on-next-week-s-billboard-1004080029.story

[bayouBNL]

And I'm beat to it. :D

Thanks for the links.

[AnotherHeartbreak]

This is great, my whole family and I (as well as my friends) think AIGT will be a hit. I mean it is doing great so far.

[Liam]

Pretty scathing review: http://media.www.mcgilltribune.com/media/storage/paper234/news/2010/04/07/AE/Cd.Reviews.Barenaked.Ladies.All.In.Good.Time-3901160.shtml

[goof]

Why is the go to song of Steve's song writing prowess with the band "Brian Wilson"? I love the song and everything, but it seems if you are trying to make a point of Steve's writing being a key to the band's 20 year success you need to point to a song that was not written and released so early in their career.

[garyrulez]

I'm guessing because it's one of about 4 BNL songs that the reviewer could think of off the top of her head.

[Den of Antiquity]

Anyone named "Bianca" should be automatically disqualified from even TOUCHING a BNL CD, much less reviewing it.

[Amicustoall]

LOL Den, I wonder what her major is?

[Appleblossom28]

Anyone named "Bianca" should be automatically disqualified from even TOUCHING a BNL CD, much less reviewing it.

*ROTFL* I couldn't agree more. Even her name gives off attude.

[Den of Antiquity]

LOL Den, I wonder what her major is?

Bachelor of Arts in Vacuum Cleaner Repair with a minor in Oral Studies (i.e. she SUCKS!!)

In fact... she may have raised it to an art form.

[Amicustoall]

Well said DOA

[caycay]

I say we just be politically incorrect and call her a bitch.

[Amicustoall]

cay that is what I love about you!

[Den of Antiquity]

I say we just be politically incorrect and call her a bitch.

I guess I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt here. Maybe her Chai Tea Latte had too much steam in it that morning while she listened to Four Seconds. Maybe that ring in her third eyebrow piercing was a little infected while she listened to Ordinary. Maybe she was out of cloves as just jonesing real bad while she listened to Every Subway Car. Could have just been a bad day in Bianca's world.

More than likely, she listened to it for about 2 and half minutes and since it wasn't Vampire Weekend or Muse she just started typing.

OK, never mind. F-ing bitch.

[caycay]

^love that

[Amicustoall]

cay I was laughing too hard to type there for a bit!

[garyrulez]

I guess I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt here. Maybe her Chai Tea Latte had too much steam in it that morning while she listened to Four Seconds. Maybe that ring in her third eyebrow piercing was a little infected while she listened to Ordinary. Maybe she was out of cloves as just jonesing real bad while she listened to Every Subway Car. Could have just been a bad day in Bianca's world.

More than likely, she listened to it for about 2 and half minutes and since it wasn't Vampire Weekend or Muse she just started typing.

OK, never mind. F-ing bitch.

Best post ever! But to defend her for just a second, it's very hard to read lyrics when you're looking down your nose at them.

[bayouBNL]

Golf clap for DOA!!

Thanks for the laughs.

[Ellen from Saint Louis]

Bianca, slutty-cow-bitch that she is, has a tiny point .. on her head! No, a tiny point I do agree with. I don't miss Steve's voice as much as I do miss his writing. I like words that communicate a line of thought, not a feeling or a story. Then again, my favorite is Everything Had Changed (it even surpassed War on Drugs) but I see the credit goes to Creegan, Robertson, Page. So I dont know why I think it's primarily a Steve song. I need a good chewey song, with a non-repetitive chorus.

This is not to say I don't like the new album, I do, I like "I Have Learned" in particular. Maybe I'm just a pair of wadded panties away from pig-porker Bianca.

And don't argue with me, this is subjective, it's about likes and dislikes.

[Den of Antiquity]

Bianca, slutty-cow-bitch that she is, has a tiny point .. on her head! No, a tiny point I do agree with. I don't miss Steve's voice as much as I do miss his writing. I like words that communicate a line of thought, not a feeling or a story. Then again, my favorite is Everything Had Changed (it even surpassed War on Drugs) but I see the credit goes to Creegan, Robertson, Page. So I dont know why I think it's primarily a Steve song. I need a good chewey song, with a non-repetitive chorus.

This is not to say I don't like the new album, I do, I like "I Have Learned" in particular. Maybe I'm just a pair of wadded panties away from pig-porker Bianca.

And don't argue with me, this is subjective, it's about likes and dislikes.

I hear you Ellen. I must admit I don't miss Steve's writing as much as I thought I would, but there is definitely a hole there. I had hoped that Kevin might be able to fill that void, and although his songs are good on AIGT, they're also pretty typical Kevin stuff. I had hoped that he might venture off into a different direction. Maybe next time. On the other hand the two Creegan songs are REALLY good and exceeded my expectations on what writing contributions he could make, so net net we're still pretty solid in the writing department. I'm looking forward to Steve's solo effort to see where he's taken his writing w/o BNL influence.

[Ellen from Saint Louis]

I'm looking forward to his new single, tenatively titled "Ed Robertson Can Suck Mah Balls."

No. I'm kidding.

[Cynful1]

I'm looking forward to his new single, tenatively titled "Ed Robertson Can Suck Mah Balls."

No. I'm kidding.

Kidding because you're NOT looking forward to the new single? ;)

[Mobitz]

I'm looking forward to his new single, tenatively titled "Ed Robertson Can Suck Mah Balls."

No. I'm kidding.


Don't forget the holiday version of it....
".....Suck Matzah balls"




Soup anyone? ;)

[McGerkey]

Steve really does need to write a song called "I Run Away" and release it as his first single.

[Cynful1]

CD REVIEWER REVIEWS: Bianca Van Bavel: Call For A Good Time
Shmooby Van Schmavel | Published: 4/10/10

For a Canadian below average student, Bianca Bavel has had her share of failure from the catbox of life. I was both intrigued and astonished to see her review of a new album, All in Good Time, after some recent ups and downs with her prescription meds and a highly publicized campus organized rally to take away her crayons.

From her initial review of the first single "You Run Away," I thought I was reading from the diary of a tortured Miley Cyrus wannabe who never got close enough to her iPod earbuds to know the difference between intricate chord changes and well engineered layers of harmony from a Disney remix of "Brittney Spears: The Clubhouse Years." It only got worse as her entire review flowed, not like a lovingly produced Sesame Street children's special, but as the ramblings of a second year freshman, who's only frame of reference is brought to her courtesy of the Children's Television Workshop and is sponsored by the letters S, A & D. The reviewer herself has no continuity and ends almost as abruptly as she starts. She also fails miserably as she reaches for what appears to be a serious piece, picking inanely at love story portrayals and life lessons with mediocre and meaningless indifference to songs like "I Have Learned" and "Another Heartbreak." The reviews of other colleagues, responsible for better written reviews of Cancer Bats and David Myles is clearly missed.

Since she hasn't displayed even a fair amount of talent or potential over the years, this latest review certainly lives up to her usual pessimistic tone and uncreative writing abilities. Where are those specific song references and music knowledge contributions that real music reviewers are taught in first year Music Interpretation? I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this latest review by Bianca Van "Babble" was both horrible and extraneous - sometimes you should just admit when a band is musically diverse, adapts in the face of change and grows with life experiences, enabling them to keep rocking with renewed energy to the delight of their many fans worldwide and quit reviewing music you know nothing about ('...I was astonished to see them release a new album.') you stupid, ADD, OMG-my-deadline's-15-minutes-away-and-I-only-have-time-to-shuffle-through-the-first-few-seconds-of-each-song-of-this-CD-I-should-have-been-listening-to-so-as-to-really-appreciate-how-the-band-has-regrouped-and-expressed-the-frustrations-and-excitement-of-the-last-two-years-instead-of-just-pining-over-the-fact-that-none-of-these-songs-remind-me-of-Brian-Wilson-the-song-my-mom-told-me-was-playing-over-the-men's-room-speaker-of-the-roadside-Taco-Bell-the-night-I-was-conceived COW!

[Cynful1]

steve really does need to write a song called "i run away" and release it as his first single.

lol!!!!!!!

[Ellen from Saint Louis]

CD REVIEWER REVIEWS: Bianca Van Bavel: Call For A Good Time
Shmooby Van Schmavel | Published: 4/10/10

For a Canadian below average student, Bianca Bavel has had her share of failure from the catbox of life. I was both intrigued and astonished to see her review of a new album, All in Good Time, after some recent ups and downs with her prescription meds and a highly publicized campus organized rally to take away her crayons.

From her initial review of the first single "You Run Away," I thought I was reading from the diary of a tortured Miley Cyrus wannabe who never got close enough to her iPod earbuds to know the difference between intricate chord changes and well engineered layers of harmony from a Disney remix of "Brittney Spears: The Clubhouse Years." It only got worse as her entire review flowed, not like a lovingly produced Sesame Street children's special, but as the ramblings of a second year freshman, who's only frame of reference is brought to her courtesy of the Children's Television Workshop and is sponsored by the letters S, A & D. The reviewer herself has no continuity and ends almost as abruptly as she starts. She also fails miserably as she reaches for what appears to be a serious piece, picking inanely at love story portrayals and life lessons with mediocre and meaningless indifference to songs like "I Have Learned" and "Another Heartbreak." The reviews of other colleagues, responsible for better written reviews of Cancer Bats and David Myles is clearly missed.

Since she hasn't displayed even a fair amount of talent or potential over the years, this latest review certainly lives up to her usual pessimistic tone and uncreative writing abilities. Where are those specific song references and music knowledge contributions that real music reviewers are taught in first year Music Interpretation? I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this latest review by Bianca Van "Babble" was both horrible and extraneous - sometimes you should just admit when a band is musically diverse, adapts in the face of change and grows with life experiences, enabling them to keep rocking with renewed energy to the delight of their many fans worldwide and quit reviewing music you know nothing about ('...I was astonished to see them release a new album.') you stupid, ADD, OMG-my-deadline's-15-minutes-away-and-I-only-have-time-to-shuffle-through-the-first-few-seconds-of-each-song-of-this-CD-I-should-have-been-listening-to-so-as-to-really-appreciate-how-the-band-has-regrouped-and-expressed-the-frustrations-and-excitement-of-the-last-two-years-instead-of-just-pining-over-the-fact-that-none-of-these-songs-remind-me-of-Brian-Wilson-the-song-my-mom-told-me-was-playing-over-the-men's-room-speaker-of-the-roadside-Taco-Bell-the-night-I-was-conceived COW!

That was beautiful. (tear)

[Liam]

Another review:

http://consequenceofsound.net/2010/04/14/album-review-barenaked-ladies-%E2%80%93-all-in-good-time/

[Liam]

A shit review of the CD which compares BNL to middle-aged women with sagging breasts. I honestly don't know what this woman was on when she wrote it.

A little excerpt:

"It's safe to say that Page brought the fun that made them famous on songs like "One Week" and "Brian Wilson." "

Yeah, OK. It's as black and white as that, apparently. ;)

http://media.www.ecollegetimes.com/media/storage/paper991/news/2010/04/15/Music/Cd.Review.Barenaked.Ladies-3905908.shtml

[Cynful1]

I think it's fairly clear she's a self-described exploratory bi-sexual with mommy issues who, after a sad, highly intoxicating spring break, where no one would lay her, despite her willingness at copulation of any and all comers (pun intended), she got a sobering glimpse into her future, post college, mid-life divorcee life. Oh pathetic, mixed up, unrelatable insignificant, uniformed little girl, you make me want to reach into the future and give that woman with the sad, sagging breasts and inability to smile a hug. But since your future self is hard to notice, and your present self is a shit reviewer, I won't. Anyone else? Anyone?

[Liam]

Yeah, that too.

HAHA :D

[Suebee42]

Works for me!

(and I didn't even read the review LOL)

[garyrulez]

"It's safe to say that Page brought the fun that made them famous on songs like "One Week" and "Brian Wilson." "

"It's safe to say" essentially translates to "what I'm about to say can't be verified in any way and is more likely than not untrue".

It's sort of like "honestly?" If you use "honestly" with a question mark in response to someone's question, you're lying.

"Where were you last night while the sheep were being violated?"

"Honestly? I was raising money for crippled children via a hunger strike."

[JaneInANutshell]

I'm looking forward to his new single, tenatively titled "Ed Robertson Can Suck Mah Balls."

No. I'm kidding.

HAHAHAHAHA! Thank you for the giggle this morning, I needed that.

[Den of Antiquity]

A shit review of the CD which compares BNL to middle-aged women with sagging breasts. I honestly don't know what this woman was on when she wrote it.

A little excerpt:

"It's safe to say that Page brought the fun that made them famous on songs like "One Week" and "Brian Wilson." "

Yeah, OK. It's as black and white as that, apparently. ;)

http://media.www.ecollegetimes.com/media/storage/paper991/news/2010/04/15/Music/Cd.Review.Barenaked.Ladies-3905908.shtml

Any web page with a pastel pink background immediatey loses all credibility.

Note her earlier work included Vampire Weekend "not sucking" (ha ha - get it?) and calling Muse "international rock phenomenons." Good knowledge about which music to bandwagon in order to be an "edgy" and "in touch" music reviewer.

Sister, go back to smoking cloves, disinfecting your multiple body piercings and please feed your feret, it looks famished. Just don't bother even listening to any music that has an ounce of maturity in it. You're not qualified to digest it properly.

[bayouBNL]

I think it's fairly clear she's a self-described exploratory bi-sexual with mommy issues who, after a sad, highly intoxicating spring break, where no one would lay her, despite her willingness at copulation of any and all comers (pun intended), she got a sobering glimpse into her future, post college, mid-life divorcee life. Oh pathetic, mixed up, unrelatable insignificant, uniformed little girl, you make me want to reach into the future and give that woman with the sad, sagging breasts and inability to smile a hug. But since your future self is hard to notice, and your present self is a shit reviewer, I won't. Anyone else? Anyone?

I think that about sums it up. :D

[Liam]

Barenaked Ladies' CD is 'unqualified success'

http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/liveit/article/1020555