Buffalo Tom - Three Easy Pieces
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Buffalo Tom is one of my favorite bands and when I got word that a new cd would be out this year I couldn't wait. Some of the reasons why BT are amazing have to do with their ability to take fuzzy guitar and distortion and apply it to a wide range of tempos. Songs can either be slow and heartfelt or upbeat and full of life. Lyrics seem to always circle around women and life but they don't dive too deep into social issues or politics which can be refreshing and keep the songs timeless. The art of jangle pop is perfected and no one can come close. This isn't a reunion record more a extra long break between since they never really broke up but each member went and did their own thing for a good 8 years.
Track 1 "Bad Phone Call" isn't that strong and a strange one to lead off the cd. It isn't bad but seems more like a left over studio session better placed as a B-Side. Track 2 "Three Easy Pieces" is classic BT, it starts off with a bit of jangle then the distortion settles in. Chris Cobourn sings and when he's up at the mic you know you are in for a treat. Track 3 "You'll Never Catch Him" has Bill back on the vocals and slows the down the tempo. The song features the half acoustic/crescendo build up that BT perform so well. Track 4 "Bottom Of The Rain" is probably the most upbeat song and also my fav on the cd. Its a perfect blend of distortion and pop melody. Track 6 " Renovating" brings Chris back onto the mic and with some interesting lyrics. You have 'God never cheats, he gave you to me', "God never lies....', 'God never cheats, saves you and me' and ' I know Jesus will call you.' At first I thought BT had transformed into a Christian Rock band but its only on this song. Track 8 "Pendelton" is a swooning piano ballad with both Chris and Bill singing. Track 11 "September Shirt" is reminiscent of "Souvenir" a short power packed jangle pop masterpiece. Track 13"Thrown" slows it down and mixes in a slide guitar and piano. Its Americana and very nice to see them experimenting with different instruments. The last cd had BT trying new things but I don't think people were ready for it. Now it works much better and isn't so studio sounding.
Give this a few listens and it will grow on you like each and every other BT cd. It has a much looser feel than Smitten but not as raw as Sleepy Eyed. I can't say for sure but this is becoming one of my favorite BT records the more and more I hear it. Pick it up, its a must for any music collection and one that will be in my top 5 of 2007.
Posted by mardenhill 7/22/2007 05:24:00 PM
Labels: Music
