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Album Review
THE
MISCELLANEOUS are a new band from England or parts thereof
via Minneapolis. Starting with the song "Bunker Pew" we are
treated to driving melodic rock that reminds me of U-2, BIG
COUNTRY, and some of the harder-edged stuff from THE FIXX.
The music is rhythmic and catchy.
"Redemption" really recalled some of U-2's harder stuff. The
song has good lyrics and they really belt these out. The
band is made up of Stef Loy doing vocals and acoustic
guitar, Sooi Groenveld van der Lann on vocals, Bolf plays
electric guitars, Magnus Sjolander sings, and plays drums
and acoustic guitars, with Oyvind Eriksen the bass player,
and Patrik Jonasson on organ.
"Gray Matters" is like power pop. Interesting lyrics. Then
on "Cando" (Can Do) is a super catchy number. This song has
incredible hit potential as well as cross-over capability.
Lyrics are very creative and clever as well as solid
philosophically.
The tune "Horizon Blue" is a strange little cut. It is eerie
and mystical and reminded me of THE BEATLES during their
psychedelic days. The chorus sounded so much like that and
why not, as these folks are from the land of John, Ringo,
Paul, and George.
The next track "me (i don't understand)" is a spacey avant
garde tune with lots of creative twists and great lyrics.
For those that can grasp, these are truly highly spiritual
words. What a great little number. This leads us into a
driving cut, "Miracle" that is one of the best examples of
fine lyrics and brilliant guitars. The song is so big, it is
delightful. This is awesome material! This song SHOULD be an
international hit. An amazing performance.
On "the MEDIUM" the big textured guitars ala Edge blend well
with the poetry. The vocal hints at the Bono-man. And so
appropriate as the U-2 clan sold out to the mammon of this
world. This band has as much talent as any band from the
isles. I recall THE KINKS or THE WHO. THE MISCELLANEOUS is
simply incredible. They continue their greatness with
"Child." The lyrics on this song are some of the most
beautiful and poetic I have ever read. The music is great
positive fun pop with just the right vocal inflections. What
a magnificent song!
"Weather So Sublime" is a delightful cut, so full of wisdom,
tight playing, deep lyrics, and poetic creativity. The
spirit exuded by this group is nothing but quality and life.
Gee is this their first album? It's the first time I've
heard of them and one would think they've been practicing
together for decades...along with studying poetry and song
writing from greats now deceased. The writing and music are
simply ultra cool.
The band closes with "Echo" a deep darkish (musically)
number. The organ sets a somewhat somber tone. A melancholy
feel pervades but the inventive lyrics offer hope. The
maturity displayed here is beyond me. The production work by
Armand John Petri deserves lots of credit.
This album is a brilliant musical and lyrical tour-de-force.
There are many good albums out there but rarely as a debut.
"All Good Weeds Grow Up" is a 9.9 in every way. Rarely have
I found an album so finely balanced as concerns lyrics,
musical sense, playing, vocal delivery, production, and mood
(or spirit) or inspiration. This has to be the best
rock/alternative album of the year. It gets my vote and we
are just into April. And no, this isn't April 1st! There
isn't a bad song on the album.
You MUST check out this album! My very highest
recommendation. Brilliant! Magnifico!
~
grandcentralmusic
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