"Cats & dogs are coming down / 14th Street is gonna drown / everyone else rushing 'round / I've got Blonde on Blonde on my portable stereo / it's a lullaby from a giant golden radio /"
Over time, "Blonde On Blonde", the fifth song on the record, has become very important to me, because the album has done the same. You see, the song is about the simple pleasures. Specifically, singer/guitarist Matthew Caws sings about using Bob Dylan's masterpiece to block out all the hustle and bustle. I am proud to say that when I need to block out all the white noise in the world, Let Go has easily become part of my personal arsenal. No matter what's going on in my tiny universe, I can pull out this long player and feel better almost instantly.
If I'm happy, I'll get happier, and if I'm feeling down, it may bring a tear to my eye, but the sublime showcase will eventually take over with all its gorgeous influence and make the doldrums non-existent. That's why music is the ultimate gift that keeps on giving, and Let Go is one of the most generous albums I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Highlights:
1) At the 3:10 mark, Caws changes the end of the chorus to "Wonder Woman's radio."
2) At 3:45, an additional, jangly guitar joins the mix, adding even more to the massive soundscape, just when you thought it couldn't get any better. It eventually builds into an immaculate ending, which is signaled by a single, lightly crashing cymbal.
"I almost love this town when I'm by your side"
"Killian's Red" is the song that will probably catch you most off guard and grow on you the most. It has become my favorite song on the album, but every one that I've gone into detail on here has at some point, yet another sign pointing to a classic work of art. This is one of those songs that has it all: The haunting intro, the hooks, the bridge that sounds like an extra chorus, the rhythm, the harmony, the chords, the everything. If you give it some time, and get yourself some good earphones, you'll fall in love all over again, again, and again.
Highlights:
1) At the 4:20 mark, Caws' vocals become shaky, but not in a premeditated fashion. It just shows a vulnerability that matches the music. The band takes notes from its own album title and truly lets go throughout. So fucking good, so fucking cool, and so fucking real.
2) One of my favorite lyrical moments of the entire album: "I almost believed I was dead, there'll be no more waiting / you're gonna melt all the ice in my head, there'll be no more crying, you're gonna make it all better instead/"
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.