Counting Crows Album: “This Desert Life”

Description :

Counting Crows: Adam Duritz (vocals, piano); David Bryson (acoustic, electric, 12-string & slide guitars); Dan Vickrey (acoustic & electric guitars, sitar, background vocals); Matt Malley (12-string guitar, bass, background vocals); Ben Mize (drums, percussion, background vocals). <p>Additional personnel: David Immergluck (pedal steel & electric guitars, bass); Joel Derouin, Eve Butler (violin); Matt Funes (viola); Larry Corbett (cello); Dennis Herring (keyboards); David Lowery, Chris Seerfried, Gary DeRosa, Cinjun Tate, Charles Gillingham (background vocals). <p>Recorded in Hollywood, California in 1998. <p>Looking beyond the puerile zeitgest that cluttered the charts in 1999, Counting Crows frontman Adam Duritz continued to be the epitome of the sensitive lyricist, using songs as a canvas for what was going on in his life. Like its predecessors, THIS DESERT LIFE contains an abundance of musical riches. Camper Van Beethoven/Throwing Muses producer Dennis Herring shares the helm with Cracker's David Lowery. The duo vigorously supports the Crows' homespun leanings while at the same time tapping into the same vein of Americana from which many insurgent country bands draw inspiration. <p>Duritz is a denizen of the subconscious who delves into the intertwining relationship of memories and dreams amidst the chugging pace of "Mrs. Potter's Lullaby." On the lushly bittersweet "All My Friends," he looks back at his life in the hopes of finding a future mate. Counting Crows offset the dark mood of THIS DESERT LIFE with a few less severe-sounding numbers. The bizarre imagery of "St. Robinson in His Cadillac Dream," is undercut by chiming mandolin and sweeping organ. "Hanginaround" is akin to "Hey Jude" with a hip-hop beat. Also included is the hidden track "Kid Things," a folksy rocker reminiscent of early-'70s Rod Stewart.

I fell in Love with the Counting Crows when their first Album "August..." was released. And after I saw them live I was hooked. I eagerly bought "Satellite" as soon as it was released. I didn't like it nearly as much and was very disappointed. "This Desert Life" has won me back. This is the Counting Crows I love, a beautiful melody and soulful words that speak to you. If you loved their first album you will love "This Desert Life". Nice to see they grew without compromising what made them great in the first place.

I can't say that i like this album better than CC's previous two (or three if you count Across the Wire). But don't let some of these reviews fool you: it's not worse either. It's a bit different from the first two because there aren't any songs as fast-paced as "Mr. Jones" or "Angels of the Silences." It is a mellow album, but soulful. I didn't love it after the first or second listen. But the songs grow on you--the Van Morrisonesque "Hanginaround," the slow build up of the traveling "Mrs. Potter's Lullaby" and the pleading "I Wish I Was a Girl." You'll catch yourself humming these songs before long. And let's be honest: the only thing you want from this review is whether I think the album is worth your money. Definitely.

I'm sure that most of the bad reviews are by people who've only listened a few times. It's that type of album.

For the first couple of weeks, I felt that this was their weakest album, but I can't say that now. As a matter of fact, "Side 2" is one of the best "sides" I've heard in years.

The taste test - I played August and Everything after to completion, and it remains one of the greatest albums I've ever heard (and I've been very into music for over 30 years). I then followed that up with This Desert Life, expecting it to pale in comparison. I found myself playing it over repeatedly. After a song was over, I couldn't wait to hear it again, but before I could repeat a song, I started getting into the next one. So I kept repeating groups at a time.

That's when I know it's working.

And, c'mon! It's not "whiny". It's emotional!

Okay, first know a couple of things about me: I'm 46 years old, a child of the 60s... I grew up on Bob Dylan...and Neil Young...and Paul Simon and Bruce Springsteen... But, I don't dwell in the past... I listen to new music... But I look for great lyrics, great songwriting, adventurous musical challenges...style and character in the voice and phrasing...

When I first heard AAEA, I was blown away... But I've also learned a few things about reviewing: 1) Don't always try to compare an album with past works...Judge each on its own merits 2) Don't judge it after one listening...albums either grow on you...or get stale fast (I've owned this one since it came out)...

Here's my take: Yes, some songs pale by comparison to others, but even the lesser songs are good standing alone... A few cuts stand out as excellent: 1) Mrs. Potter...The lyrics are outstanding...they say a lot about fame...and desire...The music builds...It is long, but I wish there was more... 2) Saint Robinson...The music is outstanding and distinct, the lyrics are spellbinding...Adam's phrasing and style sets it apart... 3) High Life...that inside-out major chord is mesmerizing...

Is there another Mr. Jones or Round here? No, but need there be? These songs stand on their own...

I have to admit that on first listen to This Desert Life, I felt that my anxiety for its arrival was overstated. However, the more I listen to it, the more I realize just how good this album is. I can see that true fans will love this and those who were lukewarm to the Crows before will remain that way. I found this to be a much more technically precise album with some interesting overlapping sounds that is mostly atypical of the previous CC efforts. While this is not my favorite of their 3 albums, it is strong enough to keep me listening over and over and thirsting already for the next offering from Counting Crows. For all you nay-sayers, yes, Adam is self-indulgent and whiny as can be, but his passions cannot be denied. My recommendation? Go with it and enjoy the music, it's quality far exceeds most of the garbage being belched out by the corporate music machine, catering to the narrow-minded MTV crowd. Let's hear it for integrity!