Communion [Import]

A strong collection of songs from The Soundtrack of Our Lives "Communion" while the longest collection from the band (outside of their 2 EP/b-sides collection) best known for the song "Surround Sister" has the shortest title yet. A loose concept album based around the themes of alienation, isolation and the cost of mass consumerism the cover presents with a touch of irony the serene images a commerical might use to sell you something. The band once again follows their muse combining the influences that have always moved main songwriter and singer Ebbot Lundberg's touch points. While I still miss co-founder Bjorn Olsson's work on the album (he co-founded the band with Lundberg and both were alumni of Union Carbide Productions), filled with strong riffs, melodies, this is the best collection yet from the Swedish sextet. Ebbot Lundberg continues to draw from his influences Love, The Who, The Kinks, The Beatles and others, he brings a contemporary edge to their music and a 21st century sensibility to their material.

The material ranges in quality although there isn't a bad song on the album and even some of the weaker songs work well due to the band's arranging skills. Overall though, what makes this collection work is the intricate, clever arrangements by the band, the infectious melodies and strong performances. The first disc tends to be a bit stronger (although the second disc is very good)without a single weak track.

Releasing a two CD set in the midst of the decline of CDs is a brave and idiosyncratic move. Given the current times and the themes of the album, "Communion" has a lot of relevance today. We get the lyrics for the entire album in a booklet (although I wish they were printed in BLACK not the light color presented here). The price for this 2 CD set is just right as well--it's priced closer to a SINGLE CD than a double.

For a limited time Yeproc Records includes a code for downloading three exclusive non-album tracks; "Side Effects", "Pass the Fear", "Everything Bleeds" all at available for download at 198kps so higher than the average mp3 with improved quality but not quite lossless. All three would have been strong contenders for the album and given that CD singles aren't really released in the U.S. anymore, Yeproc does the right thing making them available online. They are nice compliments to an already terrific and seminal album (perhaps one of the best of 2009 and far more ambitious than U2's latest release).

24 tracks over two discs in a variety of styles, "Communion" is the band's most ambitious album yet. I'm not disappointed with this album.

I am hearing that this record was rushed yet it comes off as if The Soundtrack Of Our Lives had spent years trying to record the greatest and most epic double album in the history of rock. I might be asking myself then "why did I download this instead of buying the vinyl?", "where's the gatefold?", and "24 tracks and zero filler?"

Actually I am not sold on all the songs on Communion and a few have actually bored me after a few listens, like the Skynyrd-esque "Thrill Me". I still appreciate the chops and diversity that TSOOL possess. As for picking favorites, I personally like the psychedelic "Reconnecting The Dots", the Hellacopters sounding "Mensa's Marauders", and the anthem of self-discovery "Pictures of Youth" which curiously transcends between slow jazz and powerful prog-rock sections. And then there's "The Ego Illusion" which climaxes as if it is trying to replicate Dave Grohl's next buzz-ballad. From there I am not sure what else to point out other than the irony that the first album I bought in 2009, and the one I have spent the most time listening to this year, had only inspired me enough to write one of the shortest reviews.

For those familiar with the Underground Garage radio hit "Sister Surround" from 2001's Behind The Music, you may be in for a bit of a surprise when experiencing Communion. The Swedes, collectively as musicians, are a progressive bunch as it is always been difficult to stay comfortable with many of their country's top bands (Hellacopters and Backyard Babies included). Take this one slow. Maybe stream a few songs online somewhere (like Yep Roc Radio). But if you had already became a diehard TSOOL fan, then Communion will sound like the best album the 1970s never heard.

Stellar Musicianship!!!
Out of the over 700 albums I own, this is going into all-time great category between albums 1 and 25. Influences of every great guitar-oriented band from each decade of Rock. Crafty, witty, uplifting songwriting to match. When I listen to this recording I am on a magic carpet within seconds, all the way beyond track 24. No matter if you are Byrds, Stones, Kinks, or Radiohead, I hope you fall in love with this band the way I have.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 7 reviews  4.3 out of 5 stars