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Blotto
Singles Collection 2004-2007 |
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Tracklist |
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01 - Cover me Shakespeare
02 - Straw
03 - 45
04 - Splash
05 - Remind
06 - velvet underground
07 - jupiter hotel
08 - kitty south
09 - Hello Mr. Eugene
10 - 夢の奥のもっと奥 (Yume no Oku no Motto Oku)
11 - Slits |
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Review |
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One of the most awkward changes a band can face is going from being a four piece to a three piece. This is what happened to noodles when guitarist Junko left the band previous to the album ivy. I've seen a few bands face the same predicament, and end up sounding just as good, and sometimes better, than their past incarnation. Sad to say, upon listening to ivy, it really didn't seem that way for noodles. Fortunately, the band has brought back some of that four piece charm in a three piece setting with Cover me Shakespeare.
The one thing that made noodles a more successful four piece were those little phrases that a second guitarist added to the song. Simple as they were, they did serve a an important purpose by preventing homogeneousness. When they went missing in ivy, noodles didn't possess enough oomph to catch the listener's attention. Upon an initial listen, Cover me Shakespeare seemed like the same fare, doomed to the same mediocrity as its predecessor.
However, rather than try to write songs to fit the current band lineup like in ivy, the band has decided to adapt to what worked when they were four. Yoko's now much more confident in her guitar playing, enough that she's started to really fill in for Junko. Solos run abundant, from the quick-paced "45" to the vocally-harmonized "Velvet Underground." "Jupiter Hotel" definitely feels as if Junko's in the band again with its memorable little riff that duets with Yoko's vocals. Those little flourishes that made the band stand out are back for the better.
Likewise, not all of Shakespeare is a return to form. There are a few tracks that tread the tired ivy path. "Straw" is too heavy for its own good and could stand to be less squashed together. "Remind" sounds too much like past songs while "Mr. Eugene" is a solid song that doesn't mesh well with the rest of album. "Slits" should have been moved; it doesn't carry itself well as an album ender. Yet these songs don't really hurt the album.
Cover me Shakespeare doesn't break new ground for noodles, but that's what makes it an enjoyable listen. In spite of a few niggles, it is a much needed return to what just plain works. |
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