The Verve Pipe Album: “Villains”

I bought this cd back in the bands mainstream heyday with the Freshmen and really enjoyed the whole album (97 I think, and the freshmen is probably my least favorite song on here). It got a lot of play in my cd player at the time. Quite a few years have past, and I own like 600 cd's, so I haven't listened to this album in a while. A couple days ago I popped it back in my player and it sounds better than ever. And it still sounds fresh. I almost forgot how good this album is. This is one of those albums you can just put in, push play and let the whole thing go without having to skip over tracks. Highly recommended!

A fivesome from Michigan's short but detailed existence had its climax back in the summer/fall of 1997. As "Photograph," the first single from The Verve Pipe's release, "Villians" hit the air waves, something came over alternative music fans. The uncessing itch for perfected alternative rock was satisfied.

Several came to the knowledge of this amazing band, whose character traits included threaded bass lines, clean-cut guitar riffs, and sweetly harmonized pop vocals, through their second and more successful single "The Freshman." The song was a agonizing take on the pressures of young adult life, epitomized by unwanted pregnancy, suicide, and lacking relationships. And though the listening audience chose to focus on the individual song, leaving the REAL band basically underexposed, it remains today a classic moment in musical history.

The rest of the album, underestimated by the masses, was nearly flawless when it hit music stores in that summer of '97. The opening track, "Barely (if at all)" opened waking souls to the possibilities to rock music, proving that great music doesn't have to be superficial or meaningless to the philisophical listener. "Drive you Mild," bore a similar effect on those pacient enough to hear its masterpiece of irony. Though the album produced several singles- "Cup of Tea," "Villians," "Freshman," and "Photograph"- the best songs were the lesser known counterparts to the singles, slipping through the cracks due to incredulity. They still ring true, despite lack of attention and paled enthusiasm. They include more ironical takes on the superficiality of morals in "Reverend Girl;" or the human mind's supplication to defeat, but potential for tyranny in "Ominous Man." And the two songs "Cattle" and "Veneer" left fans spell-bound and hopeful. They would continue to look on awe-struck, stopping only to reflect on the tranquility and peace of mind that music can bring, when its power is not abused and its lyrics can provide an introspective view of an individual life. Collectively, this was one of the greatest musical moments that modern listeners would be priveledged to hear.

This album came out while I was in middle school, and I'm not sure I listened to much else back then. I originally purchased the album for "The Freshmen," but I think it's now the least-listened to song (thanks to the overplaying of it on the radio). My music collection has added several thousand songs since then, but I still find I listen to this album more than just about anything else. The transition they make from gentle gentle lyricism to surging melodies and back again has given me a true appreciation of versatility at a time when there's so much that sounds the same. The Verve Pipe has a truly original sound that just can't be duplicated.

Those who gave this album one star obviously do not know what beautiful rock music is. I bought this album when "Photograph", the first single came out. I really enjoyed the album but didn't really get into it. Three years later, I recently played the album because I hadn't listened to it in a while. Now, I can't stop playing it. This is an amazing album from beginning to end. My favorite tracks are "Veneer", "Ominous Man", "Photograph", "Myself" "Villians" and "Reverend Girl". Those who feel that "The Freshman" was the only good song on the album should stick with Matchbox 20, Hootie and the Blowfish and other lightweight wanna-be rockers. Let the real rock musicians play. I can't wait for their new album, which comes out next month.

Villains was the first CD that I purchased of the Verve Pipe and have since purchased three more of their CD's because of what a strong first impression Villains gives off. The strongest track is "The Freshmen" which even those who gave the CD negative reviews raved about. However, the CD has much more to offer. Every song is unique in its lyrics and beat; it has soemthing for everybody. If you are a new listener and have yet to purchace a CD by the Verve Pipe, i strongly reccomend Villains. If you have purchased other CD's of theirs and are looking for another, Villains is a great choice!