For my second review here on BC Magazine, I planned on covering a new album. The newest from Arcade Fire or Modest Mouse, perhaps. But when I was stricken with the flu last week, I craved something familiar to soothe my soul, and Nada Surf's third album, Let Go, never fails in that department.
After falling asleep to it for the umpteenth time, I decided it was time to give this highly underrated album even more just due by finally doing my own review of it. A review of something newer will be forthcoming soon, but for now, I'm going to take you on a little trip back to 2002.
Some of you may remember the name Nada Surf, and unjustly, but understandably disassociate them with their near-breakout hit "Popular", which saw some decent rotation on MTV near the end of the "grunge" era. By the time Let Go was released, many, including myself had all but forgotten the band. And unfortunately, in 2007, that is still true in many cases. But in 2002, as bands like Death Cab For Cutie — who's Chris Walla's record label Barsuk re-released Let Go in 2003 — and the like were starting to gain momentum, the suddenly unheralded Nada Surf was quietly making one of the best albums of all time.
How this album has not been more widely recognized by this point is beyond me. Any fan of good pop or indie soft rock, for lack of better terms, will definitely want this to be part of their record collections immediately. If I had to think of one word to describe this album, it would be quite simple: Essential. Give it 3 or 4 listens and you'll be singing along. And as evidenced time and time again during my sickness and otherwise, it may also be the perfect album to fall asleep to.
Sure, it would be safe to say that the moderate success of the band's early single "Popular" enabled them to stay together longer and therefore directly led to this album being made in the first place, but it's a song that should definitely be forgotten, especially before listening to this LP. It simply does not exemplify what today's Nada Surf is all about. To say that it's like listening to two different bands, would be the understatement of the millennium.
The breakdown:
"In the middle of the night, I worry / it's blurry even without light /"
On the opening song, "Blizzard of '77", the band starts off with what you'll soon find to be their trademark of soft, steady strumming and breathtaking harmonizing. Much like the majority of their more recent material, the song is simple, yet complex. Nothing on the entire album sounds overly contrived or derivative. It's just fresh, beautiful and invigorating.
Article comments
1 - Paulio
You know, I actually have this album somewhere but I never really gave it a chance. A silly thing to do really as many of my most favourite albums ever have all been growers.
I loved their track The Way You Wear Your Head. Having read your stirling review compels me to go seek it out and give it a few spins.
2 - • Juliette •
Your blog just made me discover them. Great music!
3 - Brendan
While I'll still be anxiously awaiting your Arcade Fire review, looks like I know what I'll be buying next. You've sold me on this one.
4 - Jerry
You rule!!!!
5 - Stacy
Thanks for the thoughtful review!
6 - 69 RSSS
Dude you bring up some excellent points ~ a great review ... I am now going to purchase this CD !
7 - Jesse
Excellent review. It's funny- my little brother bought the CD with "Popular" on it back in the day and I got so sick of it and never go to hear a single other song on that album. I never heard of Nada Surf again until I saw them live in January of 2006 and they were fan-freakin-tastic. It's amazing how bands can disappear yet not really go anywhere... yet get so much better in the process.
8 - Lana
Great review! I hope to see more of them from you!
9 - GenXJeff Version 2.0
I didn't really remember "Popular" or Nada Surf, but when I checked them out, it kinda came back to me. I checked out "Inside Of Love" and if that's typical, I know I want them in my collection. Thanks Jon! :o)
10 - Ben
Tis true, English, the best records are those that take time and multiple listens before you can really get into them. And I think good records to fall asleep to is an underrated genre.
Carry on, you've taken steps. You don't get anywhere waiting for the bus. Even if walking is slow, it's moving forward.
11 - Greg
Listening to it right now and I agree with your review. Its a great pop/indie/soft-rock album, it doesnt do anything overly interesting like such bands you mentioned as Modest Mouse or Arcade Fire but what it does it does amazingly.
12 - Scott
Nice writeup Jonathan. I was surprised to find you didn't cover 'Paper Boats'. My personal favorite on the album. Like Blonde on Blonde it has a moving second verse starting at 3:18.
Also check out this great cover of Paper Boats on youtube. This guy has an amazing voice.