PRINTAlbum Review: Fastball — Little White Lies
Photo Courtesy of Fastball
Courtesy of Fastball
April 16, 2009 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Songs that all Sound the Same should be the title of Fastball’s latest album. Instead, the ’90s hit makers have gone with Little White Lies, which dropped Tuesday.
Little White Lies is chock-full of songs about nothing, which is not a big departure from the rest of the group’s catalog. The group was made famous by its hit songs “The Way” and “Out of My Head,” which, not surprisingly, also sound very similar to each other.
Fastball’s fifth installment opens with “All I Was Looking For Was You,” a bouncy little tune with a hint of Texas twang (makes sense being that two out of three band members are from the Lone Star state). “Always Never” has a retro sound and relays the desperation of a trio of aging pop artists. The song comes off sounding as if the group is trying too hard to be relevant years after its peak. The next three tunes drag on, and at some points they sound like one extra-long song. The only real bright spot on the disk is “How Did I Get Here?,” a slow jam that stands out as the sole track worth putting on repeat. The rest of the songs are beachy and happy but run together, seemingly without substance. “Rampart Street” is a dead ringer for something off of one of the group’s earlier albums.
Reaching the end of the CD leaves the listener feeling relieved. You didn’t hate it, but you’re glad it’s over. Ultimately the tracks all bleed together and leave only the emptiness of lost time as a parting gift. Tune in for laid back jams that don’t require much cerebral action, but don’t expect any diversity.
Vox Rating:
I completely disagree with this review. While the songs are indeed laid back and listenable without too much requisite thought, it is not to the point that they is "simple". The band does a fantastic job at achieving vocal harmonies in a clean, breezy way reminiscent of the Beach Boys and the Beatles; a nice change of pace amidst the drudgery of the current pop/rock landscape. It is a shame that they are too often judged by their two mainstream hits.
Posted by Andy Carpenter on Apr 16, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. (Report Comment)
I don't know what the reviewer was smoking but I think this album is VERY strong. Not a weak song in the bunch. Maybe she is not that fond of power pop. The harmonies are tight, the songwriting is strong. A very welcomed break from all the other crap that is out there. If you get to see these guys live by all means go see them.
Posted by John White on Apr 16, 2009 at 6:34 p.m. (Report Comment)
Mallory? OMG, what a review! Do you know anything about music? About GOOD music? This album is a gem, and I would strongly recomend it to everyone, except Mallory, of course.
Highlights of the album? Every song, except The Malcontent. It just doesn't work for me. Angelie is haunting. Give it a listen ;) One more thing. If you like The Beatles, you'll like Fastball. Rock on.
Posted by dirty harry on Apr 17, 2009 at 8:28 a.m. (Report Comment)
As an eclectic music lover, I think the review done was spot on. It is obvious that Fastball has been trying to "recreate" themselves for years after the pop world/radio stations fell in love with "The Way" and "Outta my Head."
Personally, I feel bad for the reviewer and think its too bad that the three commenters above were so harsh in their comments. Guys, could it be that author might hold herself to higher standards when it comes to music (John, besides my 11 year old niece who is a fan of "power pop")? Or it is that each memeber of Fastball had to get on here to save themselves from the truth....you be the judge.
Posted by Bob Swanson on Apr 17, 2009 at 2:46 p.m. (Report Comment)
Mr. Swanson,
My comment was in no way a shot against the reviewer (if you read it that way then my apologies); I simply disagreed with her opinion, and I feel that I explained myself clearly.
Furthermore, if you listened to "The Harsh Light of Day" and "Keep Your Wig On", the band's two follow-ups to "All the Pain Money Can Buy", you would see a clear change in tone and production to the album that gave us the two big hits. Power pop, while perhaps a childish name for a genre, is an apt description for the band, and could characterize a number of the Beatles' albums as well. While I hope that the author does hold herself to a high standard of music, I hope that she doesn't use it as an elitist way to put down others' taste, as you seem to be doing here.
Posted by Andy Carpenter on Apr 17, 2009 at 7:22 p.m. (Report Comment)