Cautiously Optimistic

Well the wait wasn't as long as I thought it would be. Barenaked Ladies' first album since co founder Steven Page left, All in Good Time will be released at the end of March.

Overall I'm excited, but cautiously so. I have liked every every album released they've released so far, certainly some more so than others. IMHO Gordon is still the mark to beat with Stunt a close second, but all nine albums have something that I really like. While I like Ed's voice and writing, I do feel that Steven was the major influence/source of the best music that BNL produced.

The big disappointment already is that they're not coming to Denver. Big time suck.

However, speaking of Steven, his new album The Vanity Project is already out. I downloaded it, but haven't had a chance to fully listen to it yet. though, from what I've heard so far, I like!

Snackie Cakes

Tonight I received my pre order copy of Barenaked Ladies' Snacktime. It's their newest album, and while it's all songs for children, I really like it.

Of course I'd like anything from the "Bear-a-nikid Lay-dee-yas". However, this album is definitely more fun than anything they've released since Gordon. Of course it should be, it is for kids after all, but I found myself loving every single song. Though there are certainly favorites. "Polllywog in a Bog" is one of their more catchy songs in a while, and both "Bad Day" and "Things" are simply touching.

A lot of the songs are homages to other great songs/artists, "Eraser" has a very cool nod to Queen. The album has hints of hard rock, folk, reggae, 50s bee-bop, polka, all mixed with simple and enjoyable Barenaked Ladi-ness. I think there may have even been some Proclaimers in there somewhere.

Plus I learned a little from it, I didn't know what the philtrum and frenulum were before this album, even after all my anatomy classes. Also, finally there's a challenging BNL Rock Band song in "Drawing"!

Not to mention, Best...ABC...song...ever!