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The
Good Life
Album of the Year
(Saddle
Creek)
Once upon a time, a fairly new band named The Good Life swept
the indie scene with a burst of music that was a deadly concoction
mixed of sorrow, love, and three parts vodka. [Please drink
responsibly and preferably not after breaking up with a loved
one.] Having developed a fine underground fan base with his
band Cursive, Tim Kasher and his crew of sulking broken hearts
create another album to add to the Saddle Creek collection.
The Good Life's latest album Album of the Year must
be the most appropriate name sharing intimate stories between
the narrator and a lost love.
Kasher uses his expert lyricism and blends it together with
a folk sound. Using a mix of acoustic guitar, electric guitar,
piano and barely audible drums; The Good Life brings life back
to nights of contemplation. Kasher's songs are more like short
stories expressed severely hurt. Mainly writing about harsh
break-ups or seeing an ex-girlfriend from high school at the
local Starbucks, the Good Life keeps true to their old familiar
sound while portraying life affirming love stories.
The first song off this 12-tracker depicts a long-term relationship
within three minutes. From the first time they meet (in a girls’
bathroom) to the day she moves out. Kasher brilliantly plays
a steady folk guitar in the background with a little twang of
electric guitar; and by the end of the song, a steady drumming
of a bongo and snare. The beat picks up and then it's full-on
Kasher magic. Still, the lyrics are deep as tears fill your
eyes. The Good Life directs your senses to another point in
time as well as place. They have redesigned the meaning of story
telling. We sit in front of an open fire and roast marshmallows
while Kasher converts the fire into lime light. He changes "kumbayah"
into songs like "You're Not You" or "Inmate."
In the song "Notes in His Pockets," Kasher describes
a love affair outside of the relationship. With quick timing
lyrics and the pouncing of the drums creates panic within this
delicately written song. Adding out of tune chords from the
piano, The Good Life demonstrates an act of adultery which is
overlooked sometimes in relationships ... an old girlfriend
can meet you in the future and rekindle the flame that once
was shared between each other. Painful and true, Kasher is quick
to the draw with his song "Night and Day." Another
slow ballad with appreciation for the little details of life.
Like "cuts on her legs," the Good Life will leave
an open scar on your soul and keep you sedated for hours.
At least you get to hang out by the campfire.
Reviewed by
Simone Jung
August 27th, 2004 |
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