Disco de Barenaked Ladies: “Another Postcard/Next Time”

"Another Postcard" follows in a 5 year tradition of upbeat, catchy singles released by the Barenaked Ladies. Though not as lyrically mature as "Pinch Me" or as infectious as "One Week," "Another Postcard" is a fine addition to the goofier side of the BNL canon.

Ed Robertson's rapping, made famous in "One Week," takes a decidedly reggae-flavored turn here as he maneuvers through nonsensical rimes about "chimps in Jackboots" and "chimps dressed up in women's underwear." Fortunately, in a welcome move not typical of CD-singles, lyrics to the song are printed on the CD insert.

The real winner on this disc is an acoustic version of "Next Time," one of the new songs from BNL's upcoming album "Everything to Everyone." Though I have yet to hear the album version, "Next Time" as presented here with piano and guitar accompaniment is destined to become a show-stopper when played live. Sometimes, less is more, and it is hard to imagine how the album version could improve on the sparse, yet strangely orchestral feel that this song generates.

This single is largely redundant if you already own (or plan to own) the special edition of "Everything to Everyone," which contains both versions of "Next Time" and, of course, "Another Postcard," but for hardcore BNL fans, this is a must buy.