First of all, I've only skimmed through the album once. At first glance, I'm pretty disappointed when looking at it in comparison to Lemons. About 4 songs in, it becomes evident that their EP To All My Friends: Blood Makes The Blade Holy mostly, if not entirely, consists of songs that were throw aways from the album. The ones that didn't quite make the cut (not to say To All My Friends didn't have some great songs). But honestly, I was hoping that EP was just an experiment with the whole soft rock / guitar sound. I was hoping it wouldn't leak over to the album; but it did.
It seems that Slug has totally disregarded his abstract roots and is going entirely for direct visuals. I recall him mentioning getting away from the more abstract stuff in an interview after Lemons was released. I guess he took that to heart and did it entirely... I'm disappointed.
Although he keeps up with his phenomenal storytelling, it's 100% direct and lacks the finesse and way with words that he displayed on Lemons and previous albums. I hate to say it, but I think Slug is running out of things to say. I may be 100% wrong in this though, but I don't know..
I pray that he isn't totally shying away from the abstract art that made me love his music so much.
At any rate, my favorite songs so far, after only one listen:
The Last To Say
Just For Show <<< The single for the album
I Don't Need Brighter Days << Reminds me of his flow / imagery on Lemons
If You Can Save Me Now
Something So <<< Amazing fucking song. Tells me Slug still has it.
My Notes <<< Great flow. Classic slug.
I'm debating on Became. The storytelling is great but, again, really direct... His twists aren't as amazing as they were on songs such as The Waitress, Yesterday and Your Glasshouse. And his imagery isn't as good as it is in songs like Her Musicbox and Painting.
I wrote this while still listening to the album. At first glance, it seems like he was going entirely with that experimental style. After hearing the second half of the album, I have hope. Maybe the rest will grow on me like To All My Friends did.
Your thoughts?








