CD Review - Avalanche

Nutshell Review: Best CD of 2003. Seriously.

It seems almost anti-climactic to review a CD over two months after it comes out, especially since I've been listening to it daily. At the very least it's illustrative of my general procrastinative (is that a word?) tendencies. I'm guessing most of you knew that about me already, though, so big whoop. At least I'm telling you about the disc at all, because my friend, you'll love it. I don't even care who you are, this is a good disc, and if you like music, you'll like this. Since I haven't explicitly stated this yet, we're talking about Matt Good. It's his first "solo" CD...

I'm gonna eschew a general review in favor of a song-by-song thing. If you'd like a point of reference, cross Radiohead, DMB, and the old U2. Here we go:

Pledge of Allegiance: Fantastic song. Best vibe to a song since DMB's Crash Into Me. The chimes just fit perfectly (yes, chimes). Interviews with MG indicate this one's simply about not being afraid to blow your own horn. It's ok to be my disappointment, baby. It's ok to fly the flag.

Lullaby for the New World Order: This disc is all about the mid-tempo rockers. This is one of 'em. Good's lyrics don't especially move me on this one, but his melody lines are catchy, and the song is solid. If God he gave you a voice, then use it.

Weapon: I listened this song to death when it was released as a single. I still like it. What better compliment is there? Again to the interviews to find out that this song is about the inherent tendency in all of us to be evil, to be a weapon. The rock hooks are huge in this one, a lot of good solid effects guitar to go along with the melody. Never turn your back on it. Never turn your back on it... again.

In a World Called Catastrophe: Ditto on the listening it to death bit. I like this one even better. What's that tell ya? To me, this is a relationship song, and I don't particularly care what MG says it is. Despite the video, though, I don't believe it's a war song. Remember how we started, 'cause since then I'm a waste.

Avalanche: The title track, and MG's on record as saying this is the best song he's ever written. I could argue it, but we're talkin' Top 5 either way, so what's the point. Another strong mid-tempo ass kicker, presumably about MG's recent bouts of depression. I absolutely love the delay effect used on his vocal line in the middle section. It's a great enhancement to the song... and the end lines just kick my ass. This key is to your kingdom. This key is to your heart. Neither one a doorway, but both of them a part. So one foot in front of the other...

21st Century Living: My knee-jerk reaction was to not like this song. Seemed too pop-culture dependent, too much of an easy cop out of a song lyrically. But the song itself rocks, and the second 'verse', if you will, really is fantastic. It's definitely grown on me. Aroud here our ambition throws a non-perishable item in a donation bin at Christmas, and then pats itself on the f**cking back because it thinks it's done something decent.

While We Were Hunting Rabbits: Slower tune... got a decent flow to it, I'd call it average, except for the vocals at the very end. The line just absolutely kicks. I'm not such a big fan of the Toronto Orchestra at the end, but hey, I'm not the guy writing the songs. It works, in a way. Seems to me to be another song about personal journeys. I'm just a boat on the ocean. I'm just a ship lost at sea.

The Bright End of Nowhere: Another slower tune. Again, not a lot to rave about except the flow. The thing is, both this song and the previous song, I can't help but sing along. I find myself singing both songs at times after listening to them, too. That's gotta count for something, even if I rave more about some of the other songs. We'll just call it the one take it or leave it song that every great disc has, like Ghost Train off of August and Everything After. The lights are out, baby. And I'm a mouse.

Near Fantastica: Now we're talkin'! To me, this is the best cut off the disc. A bit more up-tempo, a great mix of acoustic guitar, and some nifty effects on the electrics. The good solid Radiohead-esque lyrics, and a great melody. It's one of those songs that sits there quietly until you listen to it a hundred times and then you realize it's exploded in your head like a time bomb. World of captains, baby, ship of fools.

Song for a Girl: And followed up with my sentimental favorite. Never thought MG would write a love song. Never thought I'd agree that it's all just that simple. So a song for a girl. (All right!)

Double Life: This is a good catchy rock song. Seems to be about the trappings of fame. All I can tell ya is that I tap my toes to the beat and sing along. Everyone keeps asking how come they feel so terrible, if terrible's in fashion.

A Long Way Down: Back to the mid-tempo groove. Great use of piano on this one. Got it's own little niche inside the groove. Couldn't tell ya for sure what this one's about. Maybe his home town? That's what it brings up for me, anyway... Even happiness is using you. Maybe you'll figure that out.

House of Smoke and Mirrors: A nice little ballad to end the disc. Acoustic and piano, some rhythm. I dig it a lot. A good emotional finish to a damn solid disc. I've fallen asleep again. And when I wake up you won't be here.

If none of this has piqued your interest, you can still see (and hear) the videos for the two songs released as singles at MG's website. All I can tell ya is buy the damn thing. You won't be disappointed. I'm out. Peace.

5/13/2003