This album just washed over me without stirring any feelings. I didn’t feel compelled to skip tracks (a good sign) but neither did I feel moved by it in any way. It’s the follow up to 2001’s The Bridge, which introduced Ben Wilson on keyboards and Tad Kinchla on bass. But I have to confess, I’m not familiar with their earlier material.
I gather in the past Blues Traveler have been guilty of self indulgence in the form of extended meanderings. None of that here, and despite a loose groove, all the songs are well structured - perhaps thanks to having veteran producer Don Gehman* at the helm?
Vocalist John Popper sounds like a cross between Dylan, Cat Stephens and Roger Chapman. He’s also a renowned harp player, but most is buried in the mix. The music is varied - loose R&B with a hints of funk and jazz thrown in here and there for good measure. And it’s got that late 60’s / early 70’s under rehearsed feel.
But, truth be told, there’s just nothing special about it. It won’t raise their profile but will no doubt go down well with their existing fan base.
And disappointingly for a dvd-a release, the ‘extras’ are pretty scabby and scarce - being limited to on screen lyrics and a dozen of so distinctly average still photos.
(*Thank you Don for giving us that 'lost' classic album 'Say Something Good' by River City People - well worth scouring the secondhand stores for).
***** Out of this world | **** Pretty
damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly
