Spin Doctors Album: “Here Comes the Bride”

Sadly, Here Comes the Bride has been overlooked by the vast majority of listeners, and that is quite a shame, because this is a wonderful album. After their meteoric rise and equally swift fall from the limelight, the Spin Doctors remain a superb band, a bastion of top-notch music among the corporate-product boy / girl groups and the pop-punk band adolescent songs that have come to dominate the American music scene. A word of warning: if you are hung up on Pocketful Of Kryptonite, this may not be an album for you --- it is different for them, and somewhat experimental. But if you are willing to give this album a fair chance, you will be most pleasantly surprised. The title song starts off the album. HTCB is really not much of a song, but don't let it turn you off from the rest of the album. Actually, it has a good, funky sound too it, it's just the lyrics aren't worthy of note. Still, it is infectious. and it kind of grows on you. The 2nd song, Vampires In The Sun, is one of the albums real treats (great lyrics and singing it has kind of a reggae feel to it). Waiting For The Blow has somewhat of a punk sound to it, yet Chris Barron's lyrics still give it that Spin Doctors feel. The Man is a sort of semi-rap song, and isn't for everyone, but if you don't like the Man or working for him (and most of us don't), it has an appeal. Gone Mad is a bit weak, but the next song, Wow, is a reggae-influenced gem and a very fun song, as is Siren Dress. Gorilla Boy is extremely goofy but extremely fun, with a very funky groove that makes it hard to sit still. Fisherman's delight, another reggae-influenced song, is very strong lyrics, sound, singing, you name it, and the horns really add a lot to it. The Bigger I Laugh, the Harder I Cry is a pop song that with a west coast guitar sound. It was the single from the album, and although it is not what one would call a strong song, but its sound is so good that it is thoroughly enjoyable. Dodging Assassins is an electronic, experimental song with allusions the Wizard of Oz, of all things. It takes a little getting used to, but is very good once you do. Diamond is the closest thing to the old-style Spin Doctors songs on here. It has that familiar funk-rock-blues feel, and yet it is different. It is a really beautiful song too. Tomorrow Can Pay the Rent is just Chris Barron singing and playing the guitar while the drummer backs him up a little (it is like some of his solo stuff, which, btw, I highly recommend), but it is another of the albums most enjoyable songs. Now I'm sure you are wondering if an album this diverse can actually be good, but believe me, the Spin Doctors pull it off. Chris Barron's generally upbeat, hippie self shines through as usual. Ivan Neville, the new keyboard player (yes, he's one of THE Nevilles), really added a lot to this album, as did the horns that were used in some of the songs. This album is so different from the earlier stuff, and it was a really bold move on their part to release it. More importantly, it sounds GREAT, and it proves that in spite of all their losses and all the hell and changes they have been through, these guys still have it. So if you appreciate quality music and don't mind trying something a bit different, give this album a chance. It is money well spent.