The Turn - Full Album on iTunes US now Options

[RobB]

It's here!

[ThrowgnCpr]

This forum is maddening. There are typically two camps here, which are really just two sides of the same coin. One camp is devastated that Ed isn't fronting Live and will be unhappy with anything that CCP does without him, and the other hates Ed and will bash him no matter what. Sure, there are a handful of people who float around in the middle, but it is a pretty non-vocal camp.

The truth is, neither group (Ed solo, and CCCP Live) are going to make a big wave in today's music industry. Those of you who are arguing for or against one of them doing that are deluded. Live was successful during the 1990s for two main reason:

1) they wrote some decent music early in their career and
2) the timing was absolutely perfect in terms of the music industry, and what was the popular driving music of the time.

The second point is most important. Now, let me reiterate: Neither group is going to make a big wave in today's music market. Few people give a shit about Ed or Live anymore. So stop deluding yourselves and just choose to enjoy the music or ignore it. These musicians are people; they are not puppets that have to change their lives because of how it affects your feelings. Both groups are going to continue to gain (and lose) members of their audience. As long as they are happy doing what they do, more power to them.

The reviews posted on the forum clearly illustrate what camp people are in. There are a lot of 10/10 comments, and some "worst thing I ever heard" comments. The truth is, for both Ed and Live, its pretty run of the mill radio rock music. Neither group is pushing music's boundaries or making really exciting music. Ed wants to make more adult contemporary soft rock, and CCCP wants to make radio alt-rock. Personally, I don't find either all that interesting, especially Ed's stuff, but that is my preference. None of these guys are musical geniuses that are making really thought-provoking music. They're all talented and decent at what they do, so let them do it.

I don't really listen to any popular rock music, so I'm not totally floored by the new album. But I choose to enjoy it, because for what it is, it really is pretty decent. I find the "frontman" comments as some of the most ridiculous. I don't listen to music or go to concerts to be dazzled by some guy acting out on the stage. Who gives a shit if the lead singer jumps around a lot or shakes his hips? That doesn't change the music. In fact, I want as little of that showiness as possible. I go to concerts to see musicians performing their craft, not to see an egotistical interpretive dance.

So, with all that, here is my short review of the album: After several listens, I think Chris's vocals fit great. Some of the musical and vocal medleys are weak, but there are some really surprisingly decent parts too. I went into this not expecting much, and was pleasantly surprised. As a comeback, it doesn't disappoint, and it lets me enjoy some new Live music, even if its something that won't make it into my daily rotation much.

Song by song:

1) Siren's Call - I love this song. It has that same gut drive that Lakini's Juice had. Best on the album for me
2) Don't Wait - This is another really good song, and the perfect follow up to Siren's Call. They couldn't have made that juxtaposition any better
3) Natural Born Killers - I really don't like this song at all. The music maybe isn't that bad, but I really don't like the vocals. This is one song where I could argue against Chris' influence
4) 6310 Rodgerton Dr. - Cool backstory and everything, but I don't find the song to be that special
5) By Design - I like it. The feel of it superficially reminds me of some of the hit tracks from Throwing Copper
6) The Way Around Is Through - As I mentioned earlier on, this song relies waaaay too heavily on the chorus. It has cool components, but needs to be restructured
7) Need Tonight - I like it. Feels like a Live song.
8) The Strength to Hold On - I haven't decided about this song yet. Something about it feels very un-Live
9) We Open the Door - I like it, but not much more to say.
10) He Could Teach the Devil Tricks - I haven't decided about this song yet. I think I like it, but not sure it will stick with me
11) Till You Come Around - I don't like it. I'm sure Chad wanted to include Chris's song here as a throwback to 'Horse' on Throwing Copper, but it doesn't work.


So that's that. I hope that CCCP are happy doing what they are doing, and that Ed is happy doing what he does. I don't care for his current music, but there is obviously a group of people that enjoys that stuff. I encourage all of you to listen to all of this music and choose to judge the music, not the circumstances. If you enjoy it, keep listening. If you don't, move along. There is a fuck-ton of music available today. Go find something you like.