Mike Broadman

Blues Traveler

I used to like these guys in college, then stopped following them after Straight On 'Till Morning- an album which, IMO, is half great and half dull.

Recently, I picked up their last album, Bridge, because it was cheap and was very pleasantly surprised. While they got famous for being something of a jam band (though never to the point of Phish or even Dave Matthews), I like them best when their songs are tight and hard-hitting. Bridge is a highly focused, melodic, and clever set of songs. My favorite Blues Traveler album so far, and I'm a fan again.

On Tuesday, they come out with a new album. Anyone else looking forward to it?

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AaronD

I recently went on a blues traveler binge thanks to half.com and I'll have to agree with you about Bridge. I find that disc spinning in one of my CD players quite frequently. I especially like 'Girl Inside My Head' and 'Back In The Day'.

I didn't know about their new album until I saw John Popper on The Daily Show, but I know I'll have it soon. I also recommend his solo effort 'Zygote', it's an excellent album.

-Aaron

\"Those who desire to give up Freedom in order to gain Security, will not
have, nor do they deserve, either one.\" - Thomas Jefferson

Mike Broadman

So did anyone pick up the new one?

I'm spinning it for the second time now. The songs are consistently good, but they're not hitting me as hard as the material on Bridge did. I think where Bridge was an all-out rock blitz, this is an attempt at maturity and temerance. I admit I'm a sucker for hooks and power grooves, so it's taking me a couple of listens to appreciate this album for what it is.

There is an increased presence of piano and organ while Popper's harp is downplayed. Fortunately, the sound quality is pretty good.

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