Report Card: Incubus: "A Crow Left Of The Murder"
Mar 26, 2004 14:10:33 GMT -5
Post by singingsparrow on Mar 26, 2004 14:10:33 GMT -5
1: Megalomaniac: A
(Probably my favorite single of theirs, though "Warning" and "Stellar" were also brilliant. The controversial video only enhances the anthemic feel of this, which the song hits home, unless, of course, you're with Bush or other political leaders who play dictatorship!)
2: A Crow Left Of The Murder: B
(Something about this track sounds short of perfection it sounds a bit too generic. Nevertheless Brandon Boyd's lyrical integrity makes it listenable.)
3: Agoraphobia: A
(A great third single candidate. One of the best lyrical, introspective tracks of the set.)
4: Talk Show On Mute: A+
(Can Brandon Boyd be maturing into the next Michael Stipe? This haunting George Orwell reminiscence is a most deserving anthem for this generation. Mainstream radio picking this up is a challenge, but this is extraordinary songwriting.)
5: Beware! Criminal: B+
(The classic Incubus sound is recognized here exclusively. No, Brandon, we knew you'd notice, and we love it!)
6: Sick Sad Little World: A+
(A jam: Incubus style. This would have to be the composition centerpiece of the album, showcasing all their talents together in perfect form.)
7: Pistola: C-
(The lyrics sound a bit corny, with the fast-tempo guitars making this all sound but a bit delirious. The SFX sounds and sonic pitches are a small plus though)
8: Southern Girl: A
(A lovely, sensitive ode to Brandon's beloved. A more recent Red Hot Chili Peppers resemblance is felt here, with the acoustics and heartfelt vocals making this a bonafide rarity.)
9: Priceless: D+
(The over-enunciation of Brandon's vocals can't help but sound annoying, while the sound doesn't get anywhere for two minutes, despite the SFX change-of-pace at the 2:07 mark. Ironic how a song of this title actually means the least to me here.)
10: Zee Deveel: C
(Nothing real interesting here on a lyrical standpoint. Cliches surround the chorus, while also explained in the most common way. The sound is also a bit flat here.)
11: Made For TV Movie: B
(Unlike "Megalomaniac" and "Talk Show In Mute", this is not particularly catchy, nevertheless anthemic to its own integrity. And here we're witnessing history's agonies and frustrations, repeated, through Brandon's intellectual mind.)
12: Smile Lines: B
(Brandon generalizes his thoughts a bit here more to the typical high school insecurities. We can relate, Brandon, believe us. :) )
13: Here In My Room: A-
(A beautiful Beatles influence fills the atmosphere of this lovely mid-tempo piano ballad. Even Burt Bacharach would be pleased! Bravissimo!)
14: Leech: B-
(Odd how they chose to make this the closing track to the album. It certainly doesn't fit at the end, as "Here In My Room" would have suited the closure much better. Ah well, what are you going to do? One of their less interesting tracks, but they still push above most other Alternative artists even at their most mediocre moments.)
Sincerely,
Noah Eaton
(Probably my favorite single of theirs, though "Warning" and "Stellar" were also brilliant. The controversial video only enhances the anthemic feel of this, which the song hits home, unless, of course, you're with Bush or other political leaders who play dictatorship!)
2: A Crow Left Of The Murder: B
(Something about this track sounds short of perfection it sounds a bit too generic. Nevertheless Brandon Boyd's lyrical integrity makes it listenable.)
3: Agoraphobia: A
(A great third single candidate. One of the best lyrical, introspective tracks of the set.)
4: Talk Show On Mute: A+
(Can Brandon Boyd be maturing into the next Michael Stipe? This haunting George Orwell reminiscence is a most deserving anthem for this generation. Mainstream radio picking this up is a challenge, but this is extraordinary songwriting.)
5: Beware! Criminal: B+
(The classic Incubus sound is recognized here exclusively. No, Brandon, we knew you'd notice, and we love it!)
6: Sick Sad Little World: A+
(A jam: Incubus style. This would have to be the composition centerpiece of the album, showcasing all their talents together in perfect form.)
7: Pistola: C-
(The lyrics sound a bit corny, with the fast-tempo guitars making this all sound but a bit delirious. The SFX sounds and sonic pitches are a small plus though)
8: Southern Girl: A
(A lovely, sensitive ode to Brandon's beloved. A more recent Red Hot Chili Peppers resemblance is felt here, with the acoustics and heartfelt vocals making this a bonafide rarity.)
9: Priceless: D+
(The over-enunciation of Brandon's vocals can't help but sound annoying, while the sound doesn't get anywhere for two minutes, despite the SFX change-of-pace at the 2:07 mark. Ironic how a song of this title actually means the least to me here.)
10: Zee Deveel: C
(Nothing real interesting here on a lyrical standpoint. Cliches surround the chorus, while also explained in the most common way. The sound is also a bit flat here.)
11: Made For TV Movie: B
(Unlike "Megalomaniac" and "Talk Show In Mute", this is not particularly catchy, nevertheless anthemic to its own integrity. And here we're witnessing history's agonies and frustrations, repeated, through Brandon's intellectual mind.)
12: Smile Lines: B
(Brandon generalizes his thoughts a bit here more to the typical high school insecurities. We can relate, Brandon, believe us. :) )
13: Here In My Room: A-
(A beautiful Beatles influence fills the atmosphere of this lovely mid-tempo piano ballad. Even Burt Bacharach would be pleased! Bravissimo!)
14: Leech: B-
(Odd how they chose to make this the closing track to the album. It certainly doesn't fit at the end, as "Here In My Room" would have suited the closure much better. Ah well, what are you going to do? One of their less interesting tracks, but they still push above most other Alternative artists even at their most mediocre moments.)
Sincerely,
Noah Eaton
