Disco de Nada Surf: “The Weight Is A Gift [Limited]”

Before I write anything, you must understand how much I love Nada Surf's previous album, "Let Go". I would certainly put it in my Top 20 favorite albums of all-time. Whenever you have a situation like that, you cross your fingers that their next album can be nearly as good. Well, I would go so far to say it's better, but in a different way. It's like a companion piece to "Let Go". They didn't dramatically change their sound like some bands might do after a huge hit when they are afraid of being compared to their previous effort. As I listened to "The Weight is a Gift", I kept wondering: "Could this band ever go wrong?"

Upon first listen, the album sounds much more "poppy" and "cheerful" then "Let Go" as a whole. This tone is set from the get go with "Concrete Bed", with it's lush vocals and breezy guitar. But the more I listen to the remaining songs, the more they resemble the tone of "Let Go". There are more mid-tempo, concise rock/pop songs and fewer ballads compared to "Let Go". It's really hard to pick a standout song, because they are all solid. I would probably pick "What is Your Secret?". I think the reason is because of the catchy lyrics that permeate this entire album....such as: "Our movies don't play much anymore/the actress was fired". Or my personal favorite phrase (from "Imaginary Friends"): "Lenny Bruce's bug eyes."

Recently I have been inundated with new music and most albums I am lucky to listen to one time in its entirety. However, I have probably listened to this album at least 10 times since I got it 2 weeks ago. I have only two somewhat negative things to say about the album. (1) If you are put off by bad language in songs, you might not enjoy "The Blankest Year", in which the f-word is repeated several times. Admittedly, I don't like such language in songs and I don't like the trend toward it these days. However, this song is so catchy you might look past it. Astonishes me that they did put it in the song. (2) There is about 5 minutes of no sound after the last song until something almost as unrewarding starts up. Again, I have no idea why bands do this. Either way, it shouldn't stop you from buying this album!

The latest album from Nada Surf is a great follow-up to what will most likely be they're finest album of the band's career in 2002's "Let Go." The new album is stock full of the wonderful pop songcraft that Matthew Caws is becoming even better at as he ages along with his bandmates. I'll admit the first listen through wasn't as captivating as I'd hope, but after repeated listens it grew on me. Nada Surf is a band that should be around for another ten years which would be a great thing because with each album they show another side of them which results in stunning indie pop/rock.

On "The Weight is a Gift" Nada Surf isn't doing anything it hasn't done before.

Thank God.

Matthew Caws, Nada Surf's primary songwriter, keeps adding to his already lengthy and impressive musical resume on this album. Songs with jangly and gauzy guitar lines and unforgettable vocal melodies ('Concrete Bed,' 'Always Love,') rub elbows with more moody explorations that are still as sweet as rock candy ('Do it Again,' 'What is Your Secret?').

'Your Legs Grow' floats through the air and ends with a brief deviation into acoustic strumming and ethereal drones. I could do without 'All is a Game' and 'Armies Walk' because they sound tossed off and unfulfilled, but the band answers those mistakes with the superb 'Blankest Year,' which jaunts through its two minutes. 'In the Mirror' and 'Imaginary Friends' are other memorable highlights.

This album is just another example of a band whose best work came well after they faded from the critical eye of major labels and big-market radio.

'Nuff said, except for this: 'Fools' -- a simple, sliding, one-string guitar line with a lilting vocal delivery -- may be the best song of this whole collection; why it's relegated to the bonus disc is beyond me.

All in all, "The Weight is a Gift" is an album that may not grab you immediately, but upon repeated listens its masterful balance of melody and muscianship becomes evident.

I have read countless reviews of this album on other web sites and they always refer to Nada Surf, on the release of albums that are post-HIGH/LOW, as a one-hit-wonder band. I don't know about everyone else, but i have been following this band since HIGH/LOW and every album is great than the previous. This album is no exception. 'The Weight Is a Gift' is by far the best recording they have released yet. The song writing is top-knotch and the Engineering on the disc is flawless.

I should go on to tell you about the single on this record, but ever song is awesome. I cannot stop listening to this album. Thank you Nada Surf for making music that doesn't bore me after one listen.

I would for sure recommend this to any fan of the Beatles, Matthew Sweet, Superchunk, and any thing indie power pop.

When Nada Surf first popped onto the rock music scene with their fun but tacky song and video "Popular", it seemed they were destined for greatness. Low and behold, the single was a one hit wonder and seemed to seal the bands fate.

After the record company dropped the guys in favor of a changing trend in music, the band decided to carry on and has since released two (now 3) followups on indie labels. While their first for Barsuk (Let Go) rewarded them an underground fan alliance with single Inside Of Love, The Weight Is A Gift is sure to expound upon that number.

This new offering has a very sublime feeling surrounding it. As a whole, it is pop perfection. The hook laden singles come in at the right moments (Always Love), while the traditional, haunting balads that the band has become known for play an important role in the albums message.

Nada Surf are well on their way to becoming the next best thing you've never heard. The growth this band has shown from album to album is astonishing, and while the cd might be labeled as an emo kid's dream come true, any real rock enthusiasts will find something to cherish about The Weight Is A Gift.