New Music Corner #36 (The Cars, John Waite)

[Scott]

So...  The Benjamin Orr post was not just random, it was intended to be a lead into this weeks NMC and the new release by The Cars.  A release I have been hoping for for as many years as they have been split up.  But I digress, my reviews will have to wait...

 

Away we go....

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LINK: http://www.podsnack.com/playlists/be66513f55ac6c614e36127f6a635808

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1. Too Late

2. Keep On Knocking

3. Sad Song

4. Drag On Forever

5. Hits Me

Note:  The track "Blue Tip" has been the most played and I figured most have heard it by now.  Also left the window open for a VOTW by not posting as well...  (hint hint)

 

From SEATTLEPI.COM

Amazingly, while there has been very little tinkering to The Cars' sound, we're not dealing with an overt regurgitation, as there is a freshness to every 16th note and an underlying enthusiasm propping up the harmonizing vocals. As an added bonus, "Sad Song" pulls no new wave punches with its blissful handclaps in the chorus!

 

Largely, the album propels through jarringly familiar, yet welcomed landscape, and you enjoy the ride. With only a small smattering of nostalgic sprinkles and slower tempo intervals, Move Like This is a fresh and refreshing re-introduction to a band who plays it like they never left.

6. Rough and Tumble

7. Evil

8. Sweet Rhode Island Red

9. Mr. Wonderful

10. Better Off Gone

 

From ROCKEYEZ.COM

It seems 2011 sees Mr. Waite taking a slightly new approach and coming up with some twists and turns to go along with his usual melodic rock nature. His voice is sounding as strong and distinctive as ever and his collaborative efforts with Kyle Cook (MATCHBOX TWENTY guitarist/songwriter) has brought a fresh new feel to his music. That sound is evidenced on such new tracks like “Evil” which is something of a sultry, groovy number and lead single “If You Ever Get Lonely”, which is a strong ballad in the mold of other Waite classic soft rock tunes. The album is still very melodic at its core but just has a different feel. It’s a new Waite feel but still the same old John Waite at the same time if that makes any sense.

[RJhog (Admin)]

The Cars (Thumbs Sideways)

This is really just okay with me.  But then again, I've never been a big Cars fan.  I just picked up an older Cars CD from the Wally World 5 dollar bin, but I haven't gotten to listen to it yet.  I think probably the first song was the best.  I will say they sound just like they used to.

 

John Waite (Thumbs 3/4 Up)

The only song I really didn't like here was Sweet Rhode Island Red.  It's a little silly.  I did like the guitar playing a lot.  My overall favorite was Better Off Gone, Evil and Mr. Wonderful were pretty strong as well.  I almost bought this when it came out.  I'll give it a little time and see if I wanna pick it up.  It's a definite possibility.

 

Good post Scott.  I love new music.

[Scott]

thank you sir!!!  I love it too!

[Jon]

Wow...#2 from that Cars album is a really cool tune. Wow! WOW!

[Scott]

YES, I got it right!!!

[Jon]

And if you didn't..oh well. That's life.

[Niels (Mod)]

THE CARS - THUMBS almost UP

This is not bad at all, no not bad at all. I'm not a Cars-fan, but I do like the sound of this, even though they REALLY sound like the Cars. Is it a "Mutt" Lange-production? "Sad Song" is the best song here. It's rather good actually. My favorites are the last 3 songs. Pretty good music!! Oh, and I got the hint, Scott 

 

JOHN WAITE - THUMBS a little higher than SIDEWAYS

I was a fan for about 2 months in the summer of '87, because of "Rovers Return" of course. I did NOT care for Bad English, and have'nt really heard anything by The Baby's, so it's been a while since I listened to John Waite. He's still got a good voice. I like "Rough and Tumble", and "Better off gone" is also good. The rest are not as strong, just okay.

 

I enjoyed this NMC, Scott.

[Scott]

Thank you Niels!  The album was co-produced by Jacknife Lee and the band themselves.  No Mutt Lange to be found here...  Looking forward to seeing Blue Tip !!! 

[Scott]

The Cars ... Thumbs Up

This one just keep getting better with every listen.   Its a highly recommended pruchase if your a Cars fan.  Clearly, I am.  I love Sad Song and the track Hits Me.  The latter of which does exactly that, Hits Me!  I love the shout out to Ben Orr and the fact that they used his bass to record the bass parts.  I also like the fact that they didnt try to replace him, that would have taken away from this I think.  Strong from top to bottom IMHO!

 

John Waite ... Thumbs Almost up

Theres something about Waite thats hard to turn away from.  At first I was tempted to leave this alone. But I relented, downloaded form my subscription site and it started to grow on me.  Waite writes some really corny lyrics sometimes, anyone remember that tune about the dentist on Head First - just plain weird..  And that why I tossed in Sweet Rhode Island Red in this mix to see if it was just me.  Anyway, these tracks are pretty solid and even some of the slower tracks have a nice feel to them, and theres a couple filler tunes.  My wife has a thing for his music too, so I scored some wife points on this purchase that makes it even more worth it.  I'm glad I bit the bullet and purchased...

[Jon]

Cars--Thumbs Up

Was worried about this listening to a song here and there. Think it's better when listening to the whole album.

 

John Waite--Thumbs up

I am surprised at this..I thought it was gonna be soft rocks for some reason. Pretty much rocks out, don't know if I will buy though. Maybe..and I'm with Niels on "Rovers Return". Love that album and that was the last I bought from Mr. Waite. 

[Scott]

There is the usual soft rock and ballads on the Waite album.  I posted the majority of rockers...

[Jon]

Oh. Well.