"So quiet, it's neither heaven nor space / it's just high and the ring around the moon looks like light and love, neither of which I get enough of down here"
Another song that will grow on you is "Neither Heaven Nor Space", the last song I'll be chronicling here. It can be best described as atmospheric, or "spacy", if you're on acid, I guess. (Or a fan of Swimming With Sharks, perhaps) The tones are strange here and the vocals are possibly mixed too low. Something is a little off here, but it's all a wonderful mess. I'm not condoning it, but if you're a fan of "tripping balls", this'll probably be your favorite song. I don't have much else to say about it. It's another amazing song from easily one of the ten best albums of the last decade. If you don't own it after reading this, you have only yourself to blame.
Lyrically, the album is almost as astonishing as the music, but you'll have to fully digest it to get the full impact and to fully absorb all the feelings that these songs evoke. I've scattered some of the lyrics throughout, but experiencing the songs as a whole is the only way to do all the sums of their parts true justice. Nothing I've said can prepare you for the breathtaking journey that you're about to embark on. Sit back. Relax. Enjoy. Open up. Let go.
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.