2008 Woodie Awards
'Chase' worth the pursuit
By: Mike Fuksman
Issue date: 10/17/07 Section: Lifeline
- Page 1 of 1
"Chase This Light" is a tidy album full of the bouncy alt-rock that you've come to expect from Jimmy Eat World.
After nearly three years since their last full-length release, "Futures," power-pop group Jimmy Eat World has returned and sounding more clear than ever.
The production is sparkling clean, courtesy of famed producer Butch Vig.
Vig is known for his stellar production on some of the biggest releases of the '90s (Nirvana and the Smashing Pumpkins were clients of his), and his work on "Chase This Light" is nothing less than slick. You can definitely hear his influence on the band's songs.
That being said, this album is maybe a little too slick. Fans of older Jimmy Eat World material, particularly its self-titled album, may find themselves disappointed with this release.
Of course, everyone's always a little disappointed when their favorite little band breaks into the mainstream.
But Jimmy Eat World has been going strong for years, and deserve all the success coming its way, perhaps even at the expense of sounding a little more produced.
However, the vocal production is particularly excessive. There are piles of vocal harmonies squeezed into every possible space on the record. While this may sound like a good idea at first, it's about as good of an idea as taking 12 aspirin at once - more doesn't necessarily mean it will be better.
Despite the production values, there is one particular tune on the album that stands out against the rest.
Lead single "Big Casino" has the requisite authentic chorus, big loud guitars and precision drumming.
And the rest of the record follows suit, particularly on "Firefight" and "Electable (Give It Up)."
The somber track "Gotta Be Somebody's Blues" is unlike anything in the band's catalog. Plodding, heavily compressed drums and eerie strings make for a tense atmosphere.
Lead singer Jim Adkins even has the creepy sing-whisper down. It's a great tune that adds a nice touch to an otherwise ordinary record.
Three out of five stars.
lifeline@cm-life.com
After nearly three years since their last full-length release, "Futures," power-pop group Jimmy Eat World has returned and sounding more clear than ever.
The production is sparkling clean, courtesy of famed producer Butch Vig.
Vig is known for his stellar production on some of the biggest releases of the '90s (Nirvana and the Smashing Pumpkins were clients of his), and his work on "Chase This Light" is nothing less than slick. You can definitely hear his influence on the band's songs.
That being said, this album is maybe a little too slick. Fans of older Jimmy Eat World material, particularly its self-titled album, may find themselves disappointed with this release.
Of course, everyone's always a little disappointed when their favorite little band breaks into the mainstream.
But Jimmy Eat World has been going strong for years, and deserve all the success coming its way, perhaps even at the expense of sounding a little more produced.
However, the vocal production is particularly excessive. There are piles of vocal harmonies squeezed into every possible space on the record. While this may sound like a good idea at first, it's about as good of an idea as taking 12 aspirin at once - more doesn't necessarily mean it will be better.
Despite the production values, there is one particular tune on the album that stands out against the rest.
Lead single "Big Casino" has the requisite authentic chorus, big loud guitars and precision drumming.
And the rest of the record follows suit, particularly on "Firefight" and "Electable (Give It Up)."
The somber track "Gotta Be Somebody's Blues" is unlike anything in the band's catalog. Plodding, heavily compressed drums and eerie strings make for a tense atmosphere.
Lead singer Jim Adkins even has the creepy sing-whisper down. It's a great tune that adds a nice touch to an otherwise ordinary record.
Three out of five stars.
lifeline@cm-life.com
Be the first to comment on this story