Vancouver

Matt Good's first solo album "Avalanche" was his best work; however this album rivals "Avalanche." The passion of this work is just as intense and personally reflective as "Avalanche" but shows a somewhat wider scope than its 2003 predecessor. The introspective "The Last Parade" (first single from the album), "The Boy Who Could Explode," and "Us Remains Impossible" shows the everyman's search for meaning in the world whether it be in one's relationships or one's sense of place in the world while "A Silent Army in the Trees" reveals the personal costs of war. This might possibly be the greatest anti-war song ever written. I hope to one day hear this song get its rightful place among the all time great protest songs. As always Matt Good does an excellent job of taking the listener back and forth from the interior world to the exterior world and our existiential struggle to find meaning in both.

Musically this album is very intense. There is a significantly heavier feel than in "Hospital Music" or "White Light Rock and Roll Review" However, the percussion is much more subdued than in all of his previous works giving this work a much tighter feel but this tighter feel does not prevent this record from really rocking out. At times the tempo of that intensity can be so slow it is almost painful but that is what give this record its beauty and emotional impact. Played live this album will be great and Mr. Good will be well served by playing every track of it in his live set.

The one surpirse form this disc is that "The Last Parade" is the first single being released. I was stunned not to see "Us Remains Impossible." Although this is not the strongest track it is a great song and quite possibly the most radio friendly and marketable. Perhaps there is still some artisitc control in the corporate world? The most poingnant track is "A Silent Army in the Trees." It will be interesting to see if Universal has the guts to relase this song. I am sure Mr. Good would have no problems.

Matthew Good is the best recording artist in the world BARR NONE. Best damn cd I have heard in a long time....at least since hospital music.

the record was delivered on time, was as advertised (very good shape) and I would absolutely order from Vancouver (Vinyl) again.