The Verve Pipe Album: “Pop Smear”

I was a Verve Pipe fan for years before this album was released. I went to the album release party and had one of the most memorable concert experiences I can remember.

They had reels and reels of black and white footage of odd things being played forward and back on the screen above them during the concert that led to a very surreal concert experience. They are true artists and put on an ungodly concert that night.

As far as the album goes I would say it is one notch below 'Villians' or 'I've Suffered a Head Injury' but is still great. "Bullies on Vacation" finally made it on this album but it was written far before it finally was recorded. It is a great song, but you can hear that it is Brian in his earlier writing years.

"Senator Speak" is Brian critiquing pop culture. It is a great song and talks much of what politics have become.

"What you wanted" was a song that was timely for me. Breaking up is never easy to do - but when you have a song like this to play on a constant loop, it somehow makes it better. One of thier best songs both vocally and lyrically.

"Spoonful of Sugar" is my pick for best song on this album. Worth the cost of entry for the entire album.

TF

Personally, I go with Villains, but for me the three albums - I've Suffered A Head Injury, Pop Smear, and Villains - are like a boxed set, and I can't imagine not having any one of them.

I discovered these guys a couple of years ago - much later than everyone else. I've had Villians and the self-titled album for a while, and have been hanging out to check out the earlier sound - given that they have developed over the latest albums. I was not disappointed. It took me back to the early 90s and all the stuff that was going on - but the sound is not old. Spoonful of Sugar is full of references to the American culture, which is interesting - even for a New Zealander like me. Honest is probably my favourtie song at the moment, but all the tunes are catchy, and the guys are great songwriters. Senator Speak is not one to listen to when you are tired, it's like a continuous play on words - but funny. Brian Vander Ark has a way with words, and an awesome voice - which, on this album at least, seems to change with every song. Donny Brown is a great songwriter, too. It's great - a sing-a-long experience!

Personally, I go with Villains, but for me the three albums - I've Suffered A Head Injury, Pop Smear, and Villains - are like a boxed set, and I can't imagine not having any one of them.

I was amazed when I recieved this album and still amazed. I can't stop listen to it, all the songs leading into eachother just as Villians and their self titled. By far, the greatest song of theirs exsists on this album. "Spoonfull of Surgar" and "Out Like A Lamb". Genius! Brain Vander Ark sure knows how to write such beautiful words and Brad Vander Ark's bass playing expertise is really outlined in this album. Amazing! What more is there to say? I am waiting for their new album, "Underneath" to be released. I can't wait! And I just ordered "I've Suffered A Head Injury" most say it's not as great as "Pop Smear" but if it's the Vander Ark brothers, I know their music will keep on giving me inspiration in a time of need and point me in a direction my life should go. Go now, and order The Verve Pipe's greatest music piece ever!