Barenaked Ladies Are Me Review
Adrift - The first song on the album, Adrift consists of mellow vocals from Ed Robertson who is more well known for the in depth songs and speedy lyrics of other Barenaked Ladies songs. During the chorus, Steven Page and the rest of the group (you can really hear Kevin Hearn) join in the harmony which makes this the best part of the song as it gives the rest of the tune some light. Although there are only two verses- it has some great string instrumentals played by Jim Creeggan.
Bank Job - Another mellow song sung by Ed Robertson telling us the story of a bank hiest that has gone horribly wrong because the robbers (Barenaked Ladies) didn’t have the heart to rob a bank full of nuns. You’ll listen to this song through and through just for the lyrics which are clever and make you want to hear the rest of the story, unfortunately though- they get caught by the cops!
Sound Of Your Voice - Our first Steven Page upbeat song which always makes me think of Queen every time I listen to it. They’ve really captured the harmony in certain parts of the song and Page puts in 100% effort in singing with all the sound of his voice.
Easy - The first Single released from the album and the first I heard from the album (besides the live version of Bank Job) and it’s a 50% calm 50% upbeat song with vocals from Ed Robertson. Even though the introduction reminds me of elevator music, as soon as you hear Ed sing you get pulled into the song- I couldn’t imagine Steven Page singing the song to the same effect and my favourite part will always be the “Easy to…” skit sounds perfect. Although the lyrics are very minimal it makes a nice change to the type of singles Barenaked Ladies have chosen from previous albums and it really gives a feel for the whole album.
Home - Once again, another song that was released on the Easy EP (in live version) and this song always reminds me of “What a good boy” from Gordon back in the early 90’s. The great thing about Steven Page is when he sings lively songs it always makes you cheery but when he sings the slower, more delicate songs you really get into the song and always get a feel for what he’s trying to say.
Bull In A China Shop - With a title like this, you can kind of expect it to be a melodic and cheery song (which it very much is). It’s quick pace is packed with many metaphors (like bull in a china shop!) that allow it to follow a similar pattern lyrically through the entire song. Although it’s just my own opinion, this song reminds me of Maybe Katie from Everywhere to Everyone which I thoroughly enjoyed as well, both are catchy songs from beginning to end.
Everything Had Changed - Ooo, a string based introduction similar to Upside Down (Everything to everyone), only this time it doesn’t open to a very loud, very speedy song but instead, opens to Steven Page singing to a acoustic filled song which contains amazing harmony from Ed Robertson. I really really like this song because it’s different and if you listen closely to the lyrics you can hear (like a lot of Barenaked Ladies songs - War on Drugs, I’ll Be That Girl…) that the song is actually very deep although not as impactive as some of their previous songs on other albums.
Peterborough And The Kawarthas - First thing you notice about this song when vocals begin to start is that it’s not sung by Page, Robertson or Kevin Hearn but is actually sung by their bassist Jim Creeggan and it doesn’t sound anything like he usually does. Instead he sounds more like a mainstream artist from the US however the song is very much in the style of Barenaked Ladies which makes it a very original and interesting track (this is the only track with the main vocals by Creeggan)
Maybe You’re Right - Although it sounds like a quiet electronic piano playing during the introduction, the song continues to build up throughout in similar style to Testing 1,2,3 (one of the really good tracks on Everything To Everyone) which of course, means Steven Page can really boost his vocals when the music is really built it (which is always good! - Break Your Heart). Ed Robertson does not join in singing in harmony with Page during the chorus but instead sings backing vocals that are localised (or what seems to be) the left speakers (left and back for 5.1 surround sound). Because of this, the song flows perfectly and really grew on me.
Take it Back - This song has two faces to it, although it takes a while for the song to start and for you to get into- it really picks up half way and becomes catchy (for me, this is because of the backing vocals the rest of the band provide). Although this song may be weaker than some of the others on the album it really does have a good chorus and I know that I will kick myself because the song will eventually grow on me. (but that’s how it is for all albums right? Afterall, I’ve only had this album for one day)
Vanishing - Vanishing is sung by the very talented Kevin Hearn who has a very flowing voice (that sounds really individual). Unfortunately though, this track reminds me of the secret track at the end of Tonight Is The Night I Fell Asleep At The Weel. However, all of the other Hearn’s performed songs on this album are brilliantly vocally and lyrically.
Rule the World With Love - After all those more calming songs comes a smooth upbeat song about Love (and who doesn’t like songs about Love). One thing I love about this song is the way that the chorus blends in with every lyric that is sung (similarly to Falling For the First Time) and even the pace stays the same for the whole song it’s one of those songs you’ll find listening to over and over again because it is cheery)
Wind It Up - Bnl’s second remix single that was released (available in the Easy EP) and the final track from Barenaked Ladies Are Me. Ed Robertson sings what is almost like a very country-like rock song which contains a great mix of instruments such as electrical guitar (which you can really hear- similar to The Old Apartment). Even though the song is nearly 5 minutes long it contains a great instrumental which isn’t usually the way Barenaked Ladies work (it’s usually singing start to finish with a small instrumental). Very cool song although I prefer Easy
Serendipity - Kevin Hearn’s second song and this one is really good (of course it has to be good, it’s the first song on the second album) and the one thing that sticks out is the fact that even though they are singing in harmony you can still tell that he is singing. It’s these kind of songs that I’m glad to see on Bnl’s new albums because it’s great to see they’re always trying something new.
Something You’ll Never Find - Steven Page cracks out the slightly high pitched voice that matches with the instruments and harmonious voices in the background. Tyler Stewart also makes a grand effort on the drums and in all fairness- it’s always great to hear him because a lot of the songs are acoustic and usually require the basic of beats on the drums
One and Only - Probably one of tracks I listen to the least because it’s too similar to previous Ed Robertson soothing songs and for me (although the song is only 3:40 minutes) seems somewhat repetitive
Angry People - Another song I heard before the release of the album and it was also one that made me want to buy the deluxe edition. This cheery Page song is very different from others on the album and not only because of the backing vocals and their Du da du du doos! but because the rhythm is different and Page’s voice suits it perfectly. My favourite part of this song is perhaps the verse which sounds like a tap dancing melody- it’s one of those songs that stand out.
Down To Earth - A very Ed song that I really like. You can tell that he likes to sing his deep songs which makes me really enjoy anything that’s a little lighter (such as Falling for the First Time). As a matter of fact, I think this is the first song of this type he has performed really well since Falling.
Beautiful - This song sounds like something you’d hear in a swanky bar somewhere and maybe that’s just because of the rhythm, instruments and volume of the song but nevertheless it’s a great song that is beautiful in itself.
Running Out Of Ink - Another song I heard on the podcast that really made me want to get the deluxe album, the clever lyrics (which are really quite deep towards the end of the song) and the catchy tune makes it a classic Bnl song. Another thing I really like about this song is the fact that it changes tempo and style half way through to a more serious voilin playing style (before speeding up again) you just can’t help but tap along.
Half a Heart - There’s a lot of Ed Robertson songs on this album as there are a lot of Steven Page songs on the album which is really fair because they both have different styles and both sound really good (they work together so well) but this one song seems somewhat average. Although I have listened to it a fair few times it is only because it’s a good song. It doesn’t manage to stick out from any others
Maybe Not - Another active Robertson song which was one of the first songs randomly shuffled into playing when I bought this album so it has that lasting impression on me.
I Can I will I Do - This is an unusual song for Steven Page to sing as I thought when I originally heard it on the iTunes Original album that was released earlier in the year. Page has that great ability to reach a vocally higher voice whilst singing with all his might however this song seems to portray neither of these things. He sings a whispery song queitly but this does make the song rather different to anything he has done before and I do like that.
Fun & Games - The intro is very similar to Sell Sell Sell and I always wonder if that’s where they got the idea from. That said, this song is really good and makes a nice blend of serious and non-serious vocals that are really interesting.
The New Sad - Happy is the new sad and you can tell this is one of Page’s more deeper songs that you feel can easily be based on life experience (Steven Page has said many times before he’s had his ups and downs) and throughout any of his songs you believe him. It’s one of those songs you’d expect a hardcore fan to know because light fans are only interested in their more mainstream stuff.
Quality - Once again, a harmony that I really like and everything seems to build up for the chorus where the song is pure “quality”. It’s good to see that an album started off with a harmony that I liked and comes to end with another harmony that I like.
Another Spin - The final Kevin Hearn song and the final song on the album. This is probably my favourite out the three and I’m really glad that he got more songs on the album (with 27 tracks though- I was hoping he would have anyway) With piano in the background you can tell that this is a heavy Hearn song and really gives you an idea what his solo album is like. A great way to end the album
Overall Album Review I’m glad Barenaked Ladies have gone the way that have chosen to go because a lot of these songs are different but at the same time, manage to keep the style and cleverness that they have always had. Everything To Everyone has been my favourite album for a long time because it had a great mix of songs. Barenaked Ladies Are Me has even more of a variety that easily grow on anybody and I really look forward to the live concerts and events.
2 comments September 13, 2006
Barenaked Foxcast
Actual Summary: Bringing a special episode of Foxcast, David dedicates a whopping 27 minutes to the Barenaked Ladies. With their new album release “Barenaked Ladies are Me” out tomorrow in the UK and Tuesday in the US- it felt appropriate to celebrate somehow, even if Steven Page and Eddie Robertson were involved.
The exact link to Episode 7 - Barenaked Foxcast is here This episode lasts around 27 minutes! with four bnl songs! totalling a nice size of 24mb
Alternatively if you want to view the whole series on Odeo/Itunes/Yahoo Podcast you can find everything you’ll need here!
Add comment September 10, 2006
FoxCast Podcast August 2006
Actual Summary: Back for another episode, David brings along Mark to catch the latest news in the cinema world- all in another helping of Foxcast. With the new blog being launched (foxcast.wordpress.com) (header kindly made by steve 
) David welcomes bringing a new episode with music from his all time favourites “Barenaked Ladies” as well as Supergrass and Matchbox 20. Plus the return of the “Name that Tune” section of the show! 21 minutes and not a naked bearded guy in sight!
The exact link to Episode 6 - August Foxcast is here
This episode lasts around 21 minutes! with four songs! totalling a nice size of 19mb Alternatively if you want to view the whole series on Odeo/Itunes/Yahoo Podcast you can find everything you’ll need here!
Add comment August 23, 2006
FoxCast Blog Creation
This blog was created on the 23th of Augus, 2006 at roughly 6pm (just before I had dinner - Fish and Chips)
Add comment August 23, 2006
