Kelsey aka !dareyoutomove from the main boards turned Tim into an elf, which made my day. I think it suits him better than the ninja facade. :-D My sincerest apologies, Tim, for peddling what may not be the usual classy you, though I'm sure, deep inside, you find it funny too.
*news* Well, if you live in LA, you probably have. The alternative station there, 106.7 FM, has been playing the song a handful of times this season. Call in and request! The Monmouth Ocean alternative station's been playing it too (106.3). *rare song* [If you haven't heard the song, download it here, courtesy LOBH.]
In other news, "Oh! Gravity." has broken into both (Billboard's) US Modern Rock chart's Top 40, and Alternative's Top 40. It stands at exactly #40 on both charts, as of now. "Oh! Gravity." is the featured rock video on Yahoo! Music Videos' home page. And the album is featured on the iTunes home page, under "New Releases". It stands tall at #3 in the Top Albums chart. I can't wait to see its opening position on the Billboard 200. I'll let ya'll know as soon as the chart for this week is out.
Also, the video is #1 on TVU's Most Wanted. Not-so-gentle reminders: Vote for it on TVU to keep it at #1, rate it on Yahoo! Music Videos if you haven't done that yet, vote for it every day on Fuse's No.1 Countdown, and post a review on iTunes!
*interview* IGN, on the back of its 8.2/10 review of "Oh! Gravity.", has put up Part 2 of an interview they did with Chad back in September.
*album reviews*Now for the reviews. This time we have the most positive review of the album as of yet, and possibly the most negative one too. Lets save the best for the end. The sour grape first. Go rate it really low. 1 star. muahaha.
And now for what might be the most positive review of the album yet. (Is this the kind you were looking for, Rose?) After a handful of negative reviews from Christian magazines, its a bit of a pleasant surprise that the best yet comes from a Christian site, CMCentral. Thanks Brenten for showing that this album isn't beyond the grasp of Christian journalists.
A detailed track-by-track review of the album, written and submitted by Rose, who's not just a reader but faithfully comments (heh..) and helps me behind-the-scenes:
1. Oh! Gravity:
It seems that the love affair between Jon Foreman and the laws of physics continues. Will it ever end? I have a lovely mental image of this rocker as an old man bent over a beaten guitar teaching a philosophy class. - Perhaps its not such a far throw from reality. As I have come to know and love Switchfoot through the years, they have become less like rock stars and more like friends or family, in the most genuine sense. It is fitting then, that I am a proud Aunt to this album. Aunt Rose. I like that.
In the opening track pure indie inspiration blended with San Diego rock [or as I’ve heard, your “favorite punk band of the moment”?] blurs to leave you with an important question for today’s society. “Why can’t we seem to keep it together?” When this track ends you are left with the mental image of a broken America and a longing for something that we haven’t quite reached as a nation. If Gravity can hold it together, why can’t we? Switchfoot is known for their transcending questions and Jon had this to say of his repetitive themes:
“I would say again you're fighting the same demons. And as much as you'd like to move on and start fighting new ones, sometimes you're still fighting the same ones... Many times these are songs that come straight from the heart. A lot of times, your heart still has wounds you're recovering from.”
The distorted guitars and discord of Fontamillas aka “the Fountain of Sound” make this tune very easy on the ears. I might also add I love how much Chad’s drumming has developed on this album. The beat is simplistic, but very “classy.”
The only disappointment in this song to me [might I remind you that I am very biased on anything having to do with this band] is that the album version is cut shorter than the radio edit by 10 seconds, depriving the listening fans of Drew’s crooning. I will leave it at that, because I feel the title track has been review, over reviewed and popped into the microwave to be reviewed again.
2. American Dream:
I believe that someone from the Fallout said that the name of this song reminded them of Jon Stuart holding a guitar. I would have to strongly disagree, though the muse does bring a smile to my face.
Tim Foreman said that they tried to stay away from the “Wall of Guitar” that is usually coexistent with what we normally consider rock. Since this is Switchfoot, I’d like to think they never really fit into that genre to begin with.
“I want out of this Machine” - Well, so do I. This anti-materialism song sends the message that “maybe we’ve been caught singing red, white, blue and green” - In other words, maybe we get caught up in our physical needs and wants. I am endlessly amazed at Foreman’s ability to say what he’s trying to get out without forcing his opinion on anyone with an uncanny talent to make it catchy . While this is serious subject matter, the word “bling” even manages to make an appearance. I secretly believe that this song was written solely for that purpose, but know better. As far as reviews go, “talk has always been the cheapest thing.” Let us instead pay attention to the chaotic guitars on this track.
3. Dirty Second Hands:
You’ve never heard this side of Switchfoot before. - I’ve heard it compared to an Alice In Chains b-side that takes away from the rest of the album, but let us hope that is not the majority’s opinion.
I’ve heard it called bluesy, country-alt and a plethora of other things, but the sound to this song is unique to it’s makers, and doesn’t quite fit in any genre. While Chad did say “label’s are a necessary evil.” I’ve had to put this one into the same category as Nickelback and Greenday. My apologies to Switchfoot fans everywhere.
Along with the materialistic tendencies we have here in the Land of the Free, Dirty Second Hands continues instilling the fact that “we invent our own enemies” and that we are constantly wasting our time on unimportant things. We will ultimately have to face our worst fears and enemies, and lo! We just might be facing ourselves. I myself, don’t want my “blood to run pink.” - Enough said. The dark tones of this tune run deep and Foreman just might have a point. I’m overjoyed at the product of un-pressured writing and tracking from this band.
4. Awakening:
Though Steve Lillywhite [producer] might have put a stop to the original Bob Dylan-esque intro featuring the harmonica, you can’t beat his ability to produce a durn good anthem. I feel like this is where “Lonely Nation” should pick up Its placement in the album also brings your mind some relief from the cold realities of how far we have fallen as humans and gives us some hope [not that there was no hope in the album before this track]. - It doesn’t hurt to have some nifty key changes in the bridge, either. It’s certain this one is a favorite with long time fans. The lyrics to this track don’t require much interpretation, and who can’t relate to the line “last week saw me living for nothing but deadlines/with my deadbeat sky.” I know I can. - “I wanna wake up kicking and screaming.”
5. Circles:
Oh! Where to start? We’ve been waiting for this one for a long time, and Switchfoot comes through with their promise. They said we’d see Circles in the future, and it was well worth the wait. Sean and Sara Watkins [Nickel Creek] helped the guys take this track off of an almost 4-year-old shelf and breathed new life into it. It’s grown up some from the 30 second track that some hardcore fans were familiar with. Even this short glimpse of the future gave us insight to a Switchfoot we’d never dreamt of before.
This is an alternative track, the whole album has an indie feel to it. I might say this is album is less mainstream than we’ve ever heard from them before.
“Am I alive? Am I on purpose?” As Chad once informed us, this is definitely a musical musing for thinking people. The theme is keeping with the idea of the album title that we can’t hold it together, and we’re “spinning out” of control, but not without questioning the reason why. - At first listen it might seem a tad repetitive and simple, but with it’s synth effect and backing vocals, its driving guitars send home a firm hope for change, “don’t believe in this modern machine”. - What was it that CCM said? “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” - Something’s broken, but it is definitely not this song.
6. Amateur Lovers:
Yeah I know what you’re thinking…and apparently so does Switchfoot. - Sex, drugs and rock ’n roll…right? Wrong, “we’ve all got a disease, deficiency of love.” and have no idea what we’re doing. This one is pretty straight forward, “we’re just amateur lovers, with amateur friends.” We’re all in the same rat race, but eventually we all become starved for a real love instead of what Cosmo is selling. This one says Easier Than Love II to me. To hear Foreman repeating the last night of this song “professional” over and over hit’s a very mature point. For you dimwits who haven’t caught on yet, let me point out the obvious. Amateur/Professional, Amateur/Professional. Thank you and goodnight.
I love the simplistic guitar on this track. Tim Foreman rips out the bass lines like never before on this album. - Jerome’s also got some nice jazzy keys you’ll catch yourself humming every time you turn around.
7. Faust, Midas and Myself:
A man who made a pact with Satan, a man with a touch of gold and…Jon Foreman? Doesn’t sound like a rock song, does it? I was really tentative about this song after reading the lyrics. Story songs have never been in my list of favorite things [notice Sound of Music reference]. My doubts were quickly put to sleep after hearing this catchy melody and once you hit the chorus “What direction? What direction?” You’re hooked. Rhythmic and insightful, this is not your typical fairy tale. We’re not sure what personal experience Mr. Foreman has in mind when singing this song, but we’re sure there’s a moral ending. This isn’t something we’ve heard from Switchfoot before. - As they say, there may be some darker content, but it’s definitely set to a happy tune. I must say that I enjoy the lack of the driving guitars, a simple guitar continues through this song and it’s enough to carry you through.
8. Head Over Heels [In This Life]:
Alert the media, it’s been a few albums since we’ve heard a love song from Switchfoot. - I have to say this is not one I’m sold on. The lyrics are sweet and definitely came from an honest place, but some of them are just a tad too familiar. “Your everything that’s fair in love and war” sounds a bit too U2-ish to not mention [yes Jon, we know you met Bono]. There is a distinct Yellowcard sound when the bridge is reached “You’re my only one”, sound like you‘ve heard it before? You have. I’m not accusing Jon of plagiarism, I’m saying it’s hard to make a unique love song. Everything’s been said before. I’d probably classify this one as a rock ballad. - Don’t get me wrong, I love this track. It’s on repeat in my iPod. I think I just accidentally used product placement…Oops. It’s a catchy soft rock song.
9. Yesterdays:
Death is a hard subject to write about. I‘m going to sum up this song with one quote…you need to sit down and close your eyes to listen to this one, believe me, someone you love will come to mind.
“Every lament is a love song”
Remember, folks a song has bigger impact when you actually hear it versus reading just the lyrics. - I strongly suggest buying the record just to hear Jon’s voice looped through faders and played like an instrument. I wish this were the next single.
10. Burn Out Bright:
If Burn Out Bright and American Dream are relatives, they must be twins. Except a decision has definitely been made when you get to Burn Out Bright. The Harmonies are gripping and the bridge again rocks out and says more than your average band. This band may be about sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll, but you can definitely tell Grandma about these ones. - They’ve got purpose. This is a classic Switchfoot song that rocks out hard.
11. 4:12
It is intentionally cruel that they make you wait till the very end of the album to pull this card. I don’t care who you are, this track is dancey and you can’t not move to it when you hear it. A wide smile is sure to come to your face. There’s a very real quality about the visuals Jon is spitting out “you’re waiting tables and parking cars, you’ve been selling cell phones at the shopping mall”. Again the theme of this album seems to be focused on how focused we are on materialism and how “we still can’t believe that all we are is material. It’s nonsensical.” With the raw guitar and the key change this is probably my favorite track on the entire album. Okay I take that back, it’s like trying to pick a favorite child. This one is just light and fun and makes you tap your foot, maybe even clap along. Pop-rock made by San Diego boys sounds good.
12. Let Your Love:
This is the kind of Switchfoot love song I remember. Jon is an acoustic genius, not to mention one of the most talented lyricists we’ve heard since Bob Dylan. With his comparisons of our man made world and God made world, he sings a sweet ballad that speaks of a resolve, that maybe it’s alright that we can’t hold it together if you can find something worth fighting for. Maybe you didn’t expect to hear about monkeys on this track, but it fits. To me this is actually the best lyrical song of the album. Or maybe I’m just a sucker for an original love song. - This is a great way to wrap up the euphoria that is Oh! Gravity. And as I began, I end the same “In this world of news, I’ve found nothing new.”
Is Switchfoot about Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n Roll? Yes, yes they are. Just not the way you thought.
Switchfoot aren't open about their faith? SAY WHAT?!
Foreman says that spirituality remains in the mix as well; in fact, he adds, "it might be more explicit now than it ever was."
"I think my faith is a journey I'm still on," Foreman explains. "I think we've always been very upfront about our faith and the music, and I think to take that element out of it is to miss a lot of the points for various songs.
"To be associated with Christ is an honor, and to hear that we're called Christians, that's probably one of the highest compliments I can think of."
Take that! And that's not even a Christian website. Hopefully that silences people who seem to think they "hide" their faith, which they never have. They just never flaunt it--except on this rare ocassion where Jon has let those people hear what they want to hear, and what has always been true.
*humour* And this has to be the funniest thing I've read all week. You love it too, admit it.
Gellie said on the tagboard that she's gonna quit reading reviews, because what others think doesn't change what she feels about the record (which, I hope, goes without saying for everyone.) I understand where she's coming from, so, I thought I'd post a disclaimer: The only reason I somewhat care about reviews is because, as a supporter of the band, I find myself curious to know what the world thinks (not that it needs to affect what I think). And, I guess, knowing the general critical consensus gives me a better idea of what song most people like, or what song a certain type of music fan/reviewer likes (useful when trying to introduce someone to the band). Besides, I guess I'm just attracted to the idea of attaching words to things I like (conversely, to see what words others attach to it). Maybe I don't get tired of wordplay, because words always fall short of doing justice to something I love. Paradox? Anyway, here's the round-up of reviews from the past couple days:
Sheila Stone believes that if she has nothing good to say, she won't say anything at all. Its not usual to see a reviewer concede "I don't know if this is my style, but you may love it, so check it out."
Washington Post's short review mistakes Switchfoot's characteristic diversity for an identity crisis they're currently undergoing (obviously this person hasn't listened to previous Switchfoot records):
The still-spiritual foursome steps away from its Christian roots with this catchy, genre-bending album of alternative rock.
On "American Dream" they sing: "Like a puppet on a monetary string/ Maybe we've been caught singing/ Red, white, blue, and green/ But that ain't my America/ That ain't my American dream."
Switchfoot fares best when not taking itself too seriously, as on the super-catchy title track and other pop-punk tunes.
But the band seems to be undergoing something of an identity crisis, and the result is a hodgepodge of guitar-driven stadium rock peppered with poppier, MTV-friendly songs.
The much-respected IGN.com loves "Oh! Gravity." but has just one complaint. An 8.2/10 from IGN doesn't come easy.
[The above 3 reviews courtesy Vicky.]
KING5.com likes jittery jangling, Oh! Gravity., dreamy insomnia, and other fancy words. I liked that.
I love "Amateur Lovers", but other than that this was a good review. EDIT: Anthony writes in about something regarding the above review that slipped my radar:
Phil, that CB music review, in the third paragraph, he claims Switchfoot dropped the 'J-word' once they turned mainstream, to have mainstream appeal. But Switchfoot have never used the 'J-word' in any song.
Thanks Natalie for pointing me to another review that got it right. This one doesn't mistake diversity for identity crisis. Its good to know I'm not the only one who thinks "Yesterdays" is a hit-in-waiting.
[From now on, I'll try and post a few words about the poll question every week. This will also serve as a way to archive polls and results, and to discuss the question in the comments section. This is the first such post, so I will link the results of the previous two polls at the end of this post. Once this poll ends, I will update this post with a link to the results.]
I think its time Switchfoot released something that reflects their diversity, for a change... "Awakening" and "Head Over Heels" (the tracks billed to be the next singles) are the most musically straightforward tracks on the album--fun tracks, potential hits, but no surprises, nothing too original. They released such tracks as singles on the previous 2 albums when there were better choices in my opinion (Stars and WAOT were in my bottom 3 tracks on NIS). This brought in fans that don't really appreciate, say, the "4:12" or the "Happy Is A Yuppie Word" side of Switchfoot. Not that these fans are bad, but I'd like to see them put out stuff that better represents the album and exposes them to a newer fan base than the Top 40 crowd. Switchfoot isn't a Top-40 sounding band, and their single choices aren't helping the world realize that. "Oh! Gravity." was an exception--a good choice, as it stands out from the rest of the stuff on radio (there's nothing to worry if it isn't a huge hit--ultimately, word of mouth is the most respectable way to spread). So I think they should take it a step further and release "Amateur Lovers" or "Dirty Second Hands" or something like that, and once the buzz about the "new Switchfoot" begins to do the rounds, they can top it off with "Awakening". Another great option, I think, would be (and many will disagree) the floating, lounge sound of "Yesterdays". Sure, it might result in Switchfoot being on the soundtrack of every tear-jerking TV program--but that would still mean, a blowout hit. I don't know if the guys would want that for a song as personal as "Yesterdays", but that song manages to be unlike anything Switchfoot has released before, while still having "hit" written all over it.
Ultimately its all in the label's hands, and they only think of what will make the most money at the outset. And Awakening is a safe bet, for that. Besides, mainstream radio DJs don't go easy on an artist whose recent singles have flopped (read: Stars and WAOT). So, if luring the indie and alternative kids isn't the main goal, its a good idea to release "Awakening" to win over mainstream radio first, and then release something more diverse, once they have people's attention. But my point is, they should soon release something that doesn't aim at moving the most units, but at reflecting the depth of the band's work.
Don't forget to vote your opinion (the pollbox is on the sidebar, if you scroll down a bit), and don't hesitate to further explain/discuss it in the comments section. Thanks for reading.
Previous Polls: 2: What is your favourite Switchfoot DVD? (see results) 1: Which of these artists that Switchfoot brought on tour would you like to see again? (see results)
When Scott Speer (who directed Switchfoot's "Stars") decided to make this music video, he thought it was okay to rip off his earlier work. Either that, or Belinda is a huge Switchfoot fan:
*interview*LOBH, one of the premier Switchfoot fansites, has been doing some interesting interviews with people behind Switchfoot's music, like the producer, mixer, music video director (and, yes, the merch guy.) The latest is an exposé on the album art from none other than the artist Joshua Levy himself. Check it out.
hearitfirst.com celebrates the new release with some videos of Jon talking and the rest of the guys dying of boredom, because thats probably the 101st time they've had to hear Jon say what he just said. They also have a contest, and pictures. And you have to sign up to enjoy these things. Oh! Hassle.
Switchfoot will be featured on the Feb '07 issue of Surfer Magazine, which will be bundled with a CD with the song "Oh! Gravity." in it. Luke has not only let us know about this, but he's generously taken the trouble to transcribe the article and to post pictures of the cover, the CD, et al, here.
*rare song* Walmart has "Oh! Gravity." with an exclusive bonus track: a remake of "Shadow Proves the Sunshine", one of my favourite cuts from Nothing is Sound. Preview and buy the track here.
A blogger with a dislike for pop and punk reviews O!G. here.
Cheryl thinks this album will take Switchfoot to Laguna Beach.
A lesser Jon thinks that Switchfoot's multi-platinum success gave Jon Foreman "severe second thoughts" about his faith. A bold accusation. Slow to understand and quick to judge?
The Relevant Magazine review, which opens with a terribly misinformed line, seems to care more about the cool than about the music (Thanks Luke for transcribing!):
No one ever takes Switchfoot seriously. And no wonder: Their latest release is just further proof that enthusiastic yowls and yelps from a blonde-haired Californian can sell records faster than any label head ever dream. Yet even their hit songs have an underlying intelligence and (watch out secular radio) spiritual fervor. The themes are always about making the most of your time on earth, crawling before you walk (or just being content with crawling).
Of course, there is still a lot of yelping. Frontman Foreman just can't help himself on songs like "Burn Out Bright," which seems like an imitation of former glories. And while the promising "Dirty Second Hands" single hinted at an early-period Rolling Stones revival musically, these are all mostly alterna-anthems for suburbia. "Awakening" is the best toe tapper here, escalating into a palatable Nirvana state, but its still just a bunch of crazy guitars and scorching vocals from a cool white dude.
Yet, Switchfoot is an interesting anomaly. The band members write literary exurban odes that wink wink at you about fleeting stardom. They know, for example, that driving a Lexus has a certain appeal (on "American Dream") and sure, the camera is pointed in their direction, and its owned and operated by MTV. But every great gift on this earth pales in comparison to eternal bliss. They're saying, go ahead and smell the roses, but remember who made them and don't get too distracted. Oh! Gravity. gets better with each listen because you start to hear truth among the posing.
The only gripe with the band is that they keep hinting at the answer, and even sort of call you over to the cross and say "God's right over here," but never really play their hand. They're the best band in Christian music who could be atheists, and often pass too easily for Foo Fighters light. It might be easy for some people to choose any door (Scientology? Buddhism?) on the road out of the city of negativity. -John Brandon
Is that even a real review? I mean, talk about the music yo. And I guess, if you become successful and you sing about the lures of success, you're a poser? Hmm. Or did I miss something?
Switchfoot's Oh! Gravity: "Like a puppet on a monetary string/ Maybe we've been caught singing/ Red, white, blue and green/ But that ain't my American dream." That's not a bad stanza from singer/songwriter Jon Foreman, and one you'll hear on "American Dream," featured on his band's sixth LP. The San Diego quartet is hoping production by Tim Palmer (U2, Pearl Jam), executive production by Steve Lillywhite (U2, Dave Matthews Band) and songs like "Faust, Midas, and Myself" and "Burn Out Bright" do the trick.
New Year's Resolution: Stay spiritual but distance themselves from soft Christian artists like Matt Redman and Steven Curtis Chapman, who also have LPs dropping this week. This is another tightrope, albeit a slightly thicker one thanks to the success of acts like P.O.D.
An indie music podcast "Ears to Hear" had good words about the new album.
Yes, Switchfoot is a Christian band, but moreso than most of the bands out there making faith-centered music, Switchfoot is also awash in talent. If you like modern rock, it's impossible to discount the music being made by these guys merely because they're religious. It's quality.
The Trades chip in with a great review. Well written.
The Calgary Sun reviews the album, giving it 3/5 stars.
As for the much-awaited JesusfreakHideout review that just got out, John DiBiase (with all due respect) seriously needs to diversify his tastes and start listening to some non-Christian music. Because O!G. is not so easily digestible if you're on a staple Christian music diet. Its full of indiepop and new wave influences, both being genres I love. Besides, his review seemed to be a mere expansion of his "early thoughts"... it doesn't sound like he gave a chance for the album to grow on him. And he called "Burn Out Bright" brit-pop?!? What kind of reviewer says that? I mean, from what angle does that song sound like brit-pop? "Yesterdays" is brit-pop, not freakin Burn Out Bright! And if he thinks Jon's repeated screaming is pretentious or whatever, he's missing the point of the song - Jon doesn't scream that cause he enjoys it, but because its the central to the message of the song. He's being sarcastic, like in "Easier Than Love". The more he screams "lets do it again!" the more he's trying to point out how stupid we are to keep doing "it" to ourselves.
Though I'm aware that, often, to compare art is to tread on gray area, here's something I posted on the message boards a while ago:
NIS's most brilliant moments probably tally up to be as brilliant as O!G's most brilliant moments, if not more brilliant... but comparing the albums as a whole, musically, O!G is a more complete and better work of art than NIS, in my opinion. Besides, a lot of O!G is musically like an entirely new artist (straying from NIS's mainstream, wide-appeal sound), so I prefer seeing this new identity of the band for what it is, than comparing it to SF's previous work.
The thing about music is, it evokes feeling, so when we compare different music/albums, we tend to compare how they make us feel, rather than the music itself. But different feelings/vibes can't be rated as better or worse than each other, they're just different. NIS's sound took you into this dark and mysterious world, which can be memorable and more addicting (but not necessarily better) when compared to O!G's brighter sound which can be likened to the state of emerging from the NIS tunnel. O!G doesn't take itself as seriously as NIS did, so I dont listen to it expecting the same poignant vibe, or the same concept-driven, focused sound... this one's a more fun and bouncy album thats musically all over the place (in a good way), experimenting with more varied musical influences, with lyrical themes that are very loosely tied together compared to those in NIS. In short, its very fresh and full of surprises, while not as heavy-handed or intense as NIS. If NIS was an answer to people who dismissed the band as "Christian rock", this one sounds like an answer to those who think they're "boring".
There's another thread on the boards where people ranked the new album's tracks in the order of most favourite to least favourite. Here's my ranking, after a month of repeated daily listens, for those who care:
1. Amateur Lovers 2. Dirty Second Hands 3. 4:12 4. Circles 5. Oh! Gravity. 6. Burn Out Bright 7. Let Your Love 8. Yesterdays 9. American Dream 10. Faust, Midas & Myself 11. Awakening 12. Head Over Heels
That was harder to do than any question I've encountered in any test. Interestingly, 'Head Over Heels' was in my top 3 after the first few listens and now its the last one (though I still love it), showing that what's initially the catchiest isn't always what sticks with you for the long haul.
That's right, the bonus track that comes with "Oh! Gravity." is somehow open to be legally downloaded by anyone, here. I'll just add, if you're downloading it without having bought the album, you should feel guilty.
And thanks to awakening9292 for the heads up on this review by Unrated Magazine.
Watch Switchfoot on ABC News + fundraiser gig + more press
*video* Oh! Gravity. got a sweet promo spot on ABC News. The reporter doesn't say anything original, he was obviously reading off that review that you, me and your grandmother have already read. But it makes my day to hear "Oh! Gravity." playing in the background when they're talking about Omarion. And who else thinks that reporter looks like a not-so-brown version of Russell Peters?
*album reviews* Its been raining reviews, here's yet another one. We've had tons of reviews and I'm yet to see a negative one. EDIT: here's yet another review.
*news* In other news, the band will be playing a fundraiser for a surf organisation in UK.
*interview* An interview Chad did with About.com. [Thanks LOBH.]
*interview* Some really interesting outtakes from the interview they did with nctimes.com. Features some never-asked-before questions, as well as Jon's response to ChristianityToday's complaint about them retreading past themes.
*album reviews* Thanks DivineComedy for the heads up on Infuze Mag's and Fierce Shop's reviews on O!G. The Infuze review is probably my favorite review on the album so far. Also, here's a blog review by a friend of the band.
*news* In other news, the Switchfoot podcast was one of a hundred podcasts selected as People's Choice for the Best Podcasts of 2006. Its listed on the second page (see the iTunes podcast page).
The "Jackass Movie" side of the Switchfoot guys has been unleashed at ohgravity.com! To quote the Street Team email:
Check Out OhGravity.com and Watch Gravity At Its Best! Head toOhGravity.com to watch amazing videos of Gravity doing its work, all set to the sounds of Switchfoot. Check out some of our favorite crashes, accidents, faceplants, and experiences with the laws of gravity. Spread the word and send your friends some "Oh! Gravity" for the holidays. Click Here To Watch NOW!
I think its a neat idea. Great way to spread the word about the band... direct people to this site of crazy videos, and they unwittingly get exposed to the music. *evil grin*
Lastly, switchfeetnow002 informs us that O!G has been featured on the front page at loserkids.com.
The legendary Andy Barron clicked these pictures. They're pictures of pictures he himself took, now blown up and larger than life.
The pictures came with these words:
I dont know if anyone else will care or even see this, but right now im on sunset blvd up in hollywood hangin out with a buddy, and as we goin along on the bus, i saw a photo i took of the band super huge in a virgin megastore, and then again on the whiskey a go-go. pretty exciting, at least for me. definitely the biggest ive ever seen one of my photos. heres some crappy shots i took on my cellphone. the first 2 are from the virgin megastore, and the other ones are from the whiskey. enjoy!
*album review* ChristianityToday.com is one of the Christian websites I have more respect for, so I've been waiting to see what they thought of "Oh! Gravity." (which is why this review will get special attention from me) and the wait has ended. I would've liked to see a review from the same guy who reviewed NIS (who seemed to really "get" Switchfoot), but this wasn't bad except for a few things that I had objections about. Its interesting that this magazine gave NIS 5 stars and O!G 4.5 stars, because I think the vice versa would be truer.
I chuckled when she said "Golden" from NIS should've been a single, because I feel like there were many more single-worthy tracks on NIS. And "Golden", in my opinion, was musically the weakest track on NIS, no matter how noble-intentioned it was. Did she even listen to NIS more than once?
[This] could be the central thesis of the project: "I want to live and die for bigger things."
I disagree. Yes, that is a sentiment that runs throughout Switchfoot's catalog, but I wouldn't call it the central thesis of this album.
Right down to its name-checking of Lexus cars, "American Dream" shares a little too much in common with Christian radio favorite "Gone." Both of those songs clearly mirror the idea of "wanting more than this world's got to offer"
This is what I didn't get at all. I mean, "Gone" was about the brevity of time, while "American Dream" is about not anchoring your life on material things. They're sonically different songs too. Apart from the "Lexus" mention, I don't see anything similar between these two tracks.
The reason I point these things out is, they're often an indicator of how big a pinch of salt the concerned piece must be read with. Her only gripe about the album was that its thematically too similar to Switchfoot's previous efforts. This is more reason for me to think she's not really followed all their albums, because I think "Oh! Gravity." reflects the most lyrical progression there has ever been, between two Switchfoot albums. The title track, DSH, Yesterdays, Let Your Love, Circles are all entirely new themes for Switchfoot, and the remaining tracks, though they're issues Switchfoot's tackled in the past, they've done it again in the freshest of ways, so I won't hold it against them. To me, Switchfoot is a theme band. An epic sort of band that stands for a way of looking at the world, so time and again they're bound to zone in at the same ideas from different angles. But I understand and share the (maybe slightly selfish?) desire to see Jon's view on pain, pleasure, homosexuality, surfing, or M&Ms, because his observations are known to be thought-provoking.
*interview* A while ago, the magazine did an interview with Jon. I think its my favourite Jon interview. I pulled out some quotables I loved and put these in the "Ongoing collection of quotes" post (see the links section) where I'll collect relevant post-O!G quotes by the guys, as and when I find such gems in interviews and the like. This interview was full of them. It was hard not to pick everything he said as a quote. Here are a couple that pertained to the "Christian rock" issue:
[Signing to Columbia was] a realization of something that we'd wanted to be from the beginning. When we were signed to re:think Records, the goal was to get the music out to everybody. When Sparrow bought re:think Records, it was evident that our music wasn't going to be in the hands of everybody. As a Christian, I have a lot to say within the walls of the church. But also, as a Christian, I've got a lot to say just about life in general ... So to be able to be on Columbia and on Sparrow felt like the realization of the two sides of what we had to say. It's a dream come true to be able to have songs that are outside of the box.
That was probably the best brief explanation I've seen so far from Jon, that, in a single quote, answers both people who put them in the "Christian rock" box, as well as to those that call them sellouts. He rounded it out with:
I feel like people want us to be flying their flag. People will use our words to prove them right. We are not trying to fly the flag of Christendom, and we never have attempted to lift that flag.
I've always been a little bit leery of putting "Christian" as a tagline for anything. If you're going to attach the name of Christ onto something, then you'd better have thought about it for a long time and really feel like that particular product, whether it's a CD or a church or whatever, is worthy of that name.
***JON FOREMAN*** [Signing to Columbia was] a realization of something that we'd wanted to be from the beginning. When we were signed to re:think Records, the goal was to get the music out to everybody. When Sparrow bought re:think Records, it was evident that our music wasn't going to be in the hands of everybody. As a Christian, I have a lot to say within the walls of the church. But also, as a Christian, I've got a lot to say just about life in general ... So to be able to be on Columbia and on Sparrow felt like the realization of the two sides of what we had to say. It's a dream come true to be able to have songs that are outside of the box.
I've always been a little bit leery of putting "Christian" as a tagline for anything. If you're going to attach the name of Christ onto something, then you'd better have thought about it for a long time and really feel like that particular product, whether it's a CD or a church or whatever, is worthy of that name.
There's always going to be people who don't understand what you're doing. The bigger you get, and the more what you're doing is known, the more it's misunderstood. At first I used to hate to think that somebody wouldn't know what we're doing. I would be the first one to want to talk to them and explain it. And then I realized our music isn't for everyone. To think that everyone is going to understand it and that we're going to be everyone's favorite band is a little unrealistic. Then you think, Well, I just want to be making music that I'm proud of, that I feel like is exactly what I'm put here on earth to do. And that becomes your goal. And it's a much more realistic goal, because you're responsible to One instead of to millions.
[Regarding mixed reactions to Nothing is Sound:] You can tell a really good joke, but if people don't get it, you can't explain it. I feel much more like an archeologist than an inventor. I'm not the guy who tinkers in my workshop all day long in an attempt to achieve a goal. I have no preconceived notion when I write a song. All I do is dig. And you discover a city that's been there all along. Those are the good days, you know, where songs just come to you. I can't look at the dig that happened for Nothing Is Sound and be self-critical. I feel like there were a lot of things that needed to find the surface that maybe were uncomfortable for people.
[On "American Dream" and how he wards off the corrupting influences of success:] To think that you're not susceptible to the lure of cold, hard cash and the advantages it buys us in this life is to be ridiculously foolish. I think that we've all fallen to our knees to many of the things that our nation has to offer. For me the grounding, the centering of my soul is something that comes in various forms, whether it's in meditation or reading or even travel to foreign countries. There are a lot of ways that you can kind of loosen your grip on the American steering wheel, and those are the things that I find to be really healthy.
[On how his faith has changed in the tumultous years of success:] Oh, man, in a million ways. The closer you get to the monster, the tighter you grip the sword.
We are all interdependent upon each other. Independence does just not exist within the human species. We need each other. There's no way you can face your demons alone.
I feel like people want us to be flying their flag. People will use our words to prove them right. We are not trying to fly the flag of Christendom, and we never have attempted to lift that flag. At the end of my life, I would love to have somebody say, "He was a humble Christian." I think that would be the biggest compliment.
I see the gospel as the antithesis of what happens on stage. We have it all wrong in a lot of respects where we interview the people who are up on stage when I truly believe that what happens off stage is more important. How we treat each other behind closed doors matters a whole more as far as infinity's concerned than whether you hit the right note on stage and you had the strobe just perfect and your guitar was in tune.
Hey everyone, I'm sorry I haven't switchfed ya'll in 2 days, I've been really busy with some stuff thats giving me a hard time. Oh, the perils of providing content for a site all by yourself. Oh well. The good news is that we have plenty of good news collected from over the last 2 days. Here's a quick list, to begin with:
*song meanings* Finally, the 12 days of Switchfoot (in a single day!) All the song stories for the new album. [Thanks SWOL!]
*interview* Amazon.com's little video of the guys talking about the new album.
*interview* Thanks to JGonzo from cmcentral.com for letting me know about a podcast interview he did with Jon. Good job, man.
Switchfoot themselves (not their Street Team) made an e-card. This one gives more emphasis to the album art (showing how important that is to the guys), and has clips of the songs that are different from the original clips they released. So if you wanna wait till the 26th to hear the album, but would like to have a bit more of a glimpse, check this out. Either way, send the e-card to your friends. [Thanks Natasha!]
Your patience is appreciated. Hope everyone's enjoying their holidays. Cheers.
Yes, you read that right, you can now listen to the whole thing. Your wait has officially ended, thanks to MTV2's "The Leak", and thanks to AGoofyFoot for letting us know. Enjoy!
EDIT: A crazy thought just occured to me. Did you notice how the wrong song plays when you click a track on that page? What if its not MTV2's mistake and the songs are INTENTIONALLY in a messed up order to reflect "Oh! Gravity."? It also goes with how all the images in the cover are thrown about and in the wrong place.
I remember one of the reviewers saying the album opened with "Yesterdays", and I thought it was a typo, but now, strangely enough, when you click "Oh! Gravity.", what plays is "Yesterdays".
Crazy thought. If thats how it is, it'd be strangely cool, a very original thing to do.
I just got word from Rose, that JIVEMagazine.com did a new interview with Jon, for a change, with an interviewer who knows a lot about the band, and gets what they're doing (she's probably a fan).
This part made me crack up:
The first tune that I can remember writing, this girl was going to come over to my house and play, I was probably in the third or fourth grade, and she got sick so I had originally written this happy song about how she was going to come over…and then I turned a major key into a minor key and wrote a very sad song about how she was going to come over. (laughs)
Its so refreshing to see Jon's newfound "he who has ears, let him hear" boldness, not only on the new album, but in the newer interviews:
If someone is close-minded enough to think that somebody from a different race or religious affiliation might not gain anything from our music, it’s one of those things where you have to say, “That’s okay.” I’m not really interested in that type of listener.
In other words, "if you don't get it, screw you"? Haha - just my humour-intended interpretation.
Switchfoot in Rolling Stone's studio: pictures. Is it just me or anyone else wants to see that beard back on Jon's face? Not that it really matters. Anyway.
"Dare You To Move" wins a Napster Digital Music Award. I didn't know the song was "Christian" (or that songs could be saved), but thats good news anyway.
"Oh! Gravity." on VH1's "December Must-Hear Albums" list, with the following description:
The sound: Righteous arena rock.
What to expect: The San Diego group hooked up with legendary producer Steve Lilywhite (U2) for their sixth album (he executive produced it), which has a harder rock edge and more political/social commentary than their previous efforts. Among the tracks are "American Dream," "Awakening," and "Dirty Second Hands."
We predict: Lots of singing praise and heck to raise!
Sorry VH1, but your predictions are a bit off. Righteous? This band is wicked. (Heh, I'm so good at being lame.) And I think they meant "hell to raise" but seems like some kind of PG-13izing bot changed it to "heck". Lame. But yes, Oh! Gravity. will raise hell, albeit without singing praise.
In other news, NIS continues its comeback trail. On the heels of its re-entry at #91 on Billboard 200, CCM Magazine's current top-selling charts feature Nothing is Sound at #9 under "Top Christian/Gospel Albums", and #1 in the "Top Rock/Alternative Albums" chart. This, more than 15 months after its release. Its about time this album got the attention it deserves. A full-page ad for "Oh! Gravity." on the magazine's back cover is also thrown in. Picture scans here.
"Oh! Gravity." e-card + American Dream studio version + new interview
Some quick updates:
An e-card in which you can colorize the album cover. [Thanks Luke for the heads up.]
Here's a music video of "American Dream" with clips from podcasts, past music videos etc. (NOTE: The video is set to the studio version of "American Dream".) [Thanks to LOBH for this info.]
Interestingly, a Fuse VJ claims that the channel broke Switchfoot into the mainstream. Hmm.
Whether that's true or not, there's a great reason to love the channel: Right now the "Oh! Gravity." music video is #10 on Fuse's #1 Countdown. And its the #4 video in the "Guilty Pleasure" ranking! Go here to vote Switchfoot further up the charts. (Under "Latest Tidbits" click the link to vote. Remember to vote under the "guilty pleasure" section too, even if you don't feel guilty about liking the video. It takes hardly any time, so bookmark the page and do it once everyday..erm..from as many different computers as you can!)
This exposure seems to have breathed life into the song's performance on the Alternative charts, as its hit its highest-yet position at #41. Can I have a hallelujah? And some phone calls to your local radio station, too?
Thanks to our friends Rose and Gellie, switchFeed brings you the first installment in the 16-part exclusive series of ETC (Jon and Tim's highschool band) lyrics... enjoy!
What are you selling and what does it cost? What does it do for the loser who lost? Do you believe in it? Why do you smile, have you been trying to sell it to me all the while? When you go into your room late at night And you turn to the window The stars are bright lights, lights
Are you looking for something to sell? Looking for someone to sell it to? Are you looking for something to sell, Mr. Salesman?
When you were younger did you know the truth? Did you know all along what you wanted to do, All of the reason for all that we buy or is society boring you and I? When you go into your room late at night And you turn to the window The stars are bright lights, lights
Are you looking for something to sell? Looking for someone to sell it to? (above 2 lines x3) Are you looking for something to sell, Mr. Salesman? Are you looking for something to sell? Looking for someone to sell it to (above 2 lines x3) Are you looking for something to sell, Mr. Salesman?
NOTE: (a) We don't mind you putting these up on your own site, as long as you don't forget to credit/link to switchFeed. :) (b) These lyrics aren't official, but transcribed by us as best as we could. (c) Please don't request the songs from me or the transcribers, as they're not intended for the public domain.
So when I hung out with Mr. Paul Meany of MuteMath fame, after the last time they played in Vancouver, this is what he had to say (paraphrased) about the new Switchfoot record (I know some of you have read this already as I'd posted it on the message boards the day after it happened, so here it is, for those who haven't read it.)
This record is like nothing they've ever done before.. they've gone to the next level artistically.. they're going into this new direction.. they've narrowed down on this amazing vibe. Jon is an amazing innovator.. this time around, the album isn't as produced as their previous works. I'd say it's more "rock" [in a raw sense] and this time the guys are doing it all.. taking time in the studio, doing it all themselves without being producer-driven, unlike before where their records were made in a quick few weeks. So there's a crazy creativity on the record.. the whole record is just, the guys having fun. Just CREATING. Jon just lets loose on this record [lyrically], he doesn't hold back at all.. usually Switchfoot songs seem to follow this set formula, but this time around Jon is just lettting it all out. He's at a totally different level.. it's their SEXIEST record yet. It's more dance-y then anything they've done before. I'm so incredibly proud of them." (He then went on to say that Switchoot is the band they've had the best time touring with and how about how deeply he respected Jon and how Jon has really been there for them and encouraged them through their hardest times. He also talked about how amazingly genuine and real all the guys are, in spite of how hard it can be to stay that way when you're constantly under the spotlight and everyone wants a piece of you.)
He'd heard it before the post-production stage, so its worthy of note that the album arguably even better than it was when Paul heard it.
Since we're on a "what people say" post, let me add a few amusing words from Aaron Marsh of Copeland to my friend Vicky (who sometimes comments here), regarding Jon:
If you haven't noticed, in addition to the recent addition of a links section and categorization of posts by labels, I've added a poll section. Don't forget to vote! I just realized the graph on the results page is really shrunken for space, it was a mistake on my part, and will be fixed for the next poll. As for this one, MuteMath seems to be taking the cake, like I expected. Its no surprise, as its something anyone who's been to their live show admits--that its one to kill for. Speaking of Mute Math, a transcript of a conversation I had with their lead singer Paul Meany in which he talks about "Oh! Gravity." (he got to listen to it really early), is soon to follow. Probably my next entry will be about that.
Its nice to see that not one post (excluding the most recent one) has been left commentless. We've had 175 hits so far today (in 16 hours), and 548 hits in total for the two days prior to that, with consistently well over a 100 unique visitors every day, which I find incredible and surprising. Thanks to those from far and wide who've been reading, its encouraging to see that kind of interest. Don't hesitate to come out of hiding and leave a comment, we don't bite. :) Have a good day ya'll.
"We were trying to stay away from things we did in the past," Foreman said. "One thing in particular that we wanted to stay away from was this 'wall of guitar' mentality, the idea that rock and roll doesn't have to have a lot of loud, distorted guitar to sound like rock. We tried to keep it to one or two or, at the most, three tracks of guitars on one song."
And some bluntspeak:
"The sign of a good producer is someone who knows when to keep their mouth shut and when to offer advice. You can wreck a song if you come in and add too much."
I must say I like that site. No, not because they said the music video is good, but the site is really good, I've been a reader for a while now.
They also posted about the video when it just came out. Go leave a comment, it'll bring the page back to the top = more (much deserved) attention for the video. Don't have it look like spam, represent well. ;)
And, not to forget, a while back, they spotlighted the new switchfoot.com layout, which received many positive comments from their readers.
Most awkward is the first single “Dirty Second Hands,” which the band pegs as “alt-country.” Instead it comes off like a throwaway Alice In Chains B-side, tarnishing an otherwise strong album of bitingly contemplative, rocking power pop.
I don't know what to tell someone who calls the genius of Dirty Second Hands "a throwaway Alice in Chains B-side" (and I'm not saying this as a fan, but as best a music critic as I can be.) To me, its more like Alice in Chains getting a little progressive. Anyway, not everyone can handle this track: some will find it "awkward", while others like me will revel in the angular, dark, schizophrenic pleasures of its indie psychedelia. Wait, what?! Uh, don't mind me, I didn't mean to beat you up with my penchant for flashy words.
I'm actually kinda pleased with the review, though it seems like they didn't read the lyric sheet (For example, "Faust" is about dissatisfaction?! Its more about finding satisfaction in the right things. "What was once routine was now a perfect joy" doesn't sound like a lyric from a dissatisfaction-fueled song.) At least they admitted its a strong album, and even though 3 1/2 stars isn't great (I'd give it at least 4), thats half a star more than what they gave "Nothing Is Sound".
Spring tour dates announced, amongst other exciting news!
...and they're touring with Copeland, could it get any better?
2.14 San Francisco, CA 2.16 Eugene, OR 2.17 Spokane, WA 2.18 Seattle, WA 2.19 Vancouver, BC 2.21 Calgary, AB 2.22 Edmonton, AB 2.23 Saskatoon, SK 2.24 Winnipeg, MB 2.26 Thunder Bay, ON 2.28 Toronto, ON 3.01 London, ON 3.02 Ottawa, ON 3.03 Montreal, QC 3.06 Burlington, VT 3.07 Boston, MA 3.08 Providence, RI 3.09 Hartford, CT 3.10 Philadelphia, PA 3.11 Baltimore, MD 3.13 Albany, NY 3.14 Buffalo, NY 3.15 Pittsburgh, PA 3.17 Cincinnati, OH 3.18 Ashville, NC 3.19 Charleston, SC 3.22 New Orleans, LA 3.23 Houston, TX 3.24 Austin, TX 3.25 Dallas, TX 3.26 Oklahoma City, OK 3.28 Tucson, AZ 3.29 Los Angeles, CA 3.31 San Diego, CA
I'm gonna try and make it to the 5 dates in red, and maybe do merch for a few. The first 3 of those dates I will make it to. This is beyond exciting - I've been deprived of Switchfoot concerts all my life (been to just one - the only time they came here since I moved from India to Canada.)
In other news, a birdie tells me that the Holiday Packages have been shipped, so you should have it in your mail soon. And here's the trailer for "Switchfootage II", which is included in the package: Rad, huh? The DVD has over an hour of footage. Anyway, on to other stuff...
On January 4th, the boys will be on TV. To quote Tim's email, "our good friend David Letterman (OK, we've only met once for about 10 seconds, but there was a real connection) has invited us to perform our newest single "Oh! Gravity" on his classy late night show". So mark Letterman's "The Late Show" on your calendars.
And lastly, read about the guys' Christmas-card tragedy here. Peace out.
Video interview with Jon Foreman in Atlanta 11/14/06
I know this is old news for some, but it was too good to not be posted here, so here's this video done by ksoccer198, a boardie and YouTuber. She seemed nervous at the start (heck, I'd be, too), but did a good job in the end.
"...flushing out that moment, I suppose." I like that. And, not to forget, the noteworthy mentions of Radiohead, Ben Folds Five, James Taylor, and Bob Dylan.
December 17: Switchfoot Live! // ETHEL ((XM47)) The guys in Switchfoot stop by the Ethel performance studio to perform a few cuts off their latest album "Gravity" in stores December 26th.
Its at 7PST/10EST. I can't be sure if thats AM or PM...try at both times, I guess?
To listen, go here, click "Listen online now", and it'll take you to the sign up page, where you can sign up for the free trial. Don't do it now, do it on the day, so your trial doesn't run out. (I don't know how long the trial's for.)
And a great exclusive COMING SOON: We're gonna put up all the lyrics Jon wrote for his and Tim's highschool band "ETC". Carefully transcribed by couple of my favourite switchpeople, these are lyrics from the best kept Switchfoot secret (well, maybe not, haha), so keep an eye out for them. [And, just for the record, the songs aren't meant to be released to the public, so don't even bother requesting them. ;) ]
Hope you're enjoying the holiday season. If you're one of the poor souls who has a final around the corner, good luck. And don't procrastinate--or you'll end up like me.
"Crazy In Love" cover: Switchfoot does a Beyonce - hilarious!
(UPDATE 31st Jan:) Switchfoot finally did an in-studio version of this, and it sounds absolutely great, I've posted it here.
Thanks to the legendary Gellie from the band The Gellie Brothers for pointing me to this video. She also summed it up: "Just when I thought this band couldn't be any cooler, they go and do something crazy like this."
Rumor has it, a well-recorded version of this will be out sometime. Can't wait.
This Holiday Life had some very kind words about "Oh! Gravity." Note that this is the second time someone has used the word "spastic" to describe the songwriting/melodies on "Oh! Gravity."
And of course, some of our good buds are releasing a brand new record on Dec 26th. This next Switchfoot release is brilliant: great spastic melodies, heady lyrics and unconventional ideas. Do yourself a favor and go get Oh! Gravity now! www.switchfoot.com. Apparently, Lou's records in Encinitas is giving out free records with the purchase, so check it and wreck it!
Love and do it well! bobby the b hive and the b hive does not lie
Yes, the b hive does not lie. Well, at least on this occassion he isn't.
I haven't offered up anything on here for a few days now, because my finals are keeping me busy. But yesterday, someone on the SF boards said that "Oh! Gravity." is Switchfoot's most "secular" album, or their most spiritually neutral album. I can see why someone would think that, but that prompted an (inspired?) response from me:
I actually disagree in a way. Yes, its got much lesser Christian trigger-words, but its got Jon's most spiritually straightforward lyrics yet. "American Dream" is pretty in-your-face. 4:12, "...begin to believe that all we are is material. Its nonsensical. Yes it is." and then "souls aren't made of stones, sticks and bones" repeated 8x. And his blunt jab at postmodernism in "Circles", the boldness of which actually took me by surprise, and its sung in the most noticeable way, during the bridge of the song, right when you're really gripped: "Don't believe that nothing is true. Don't believe in this modern machine, modern machine!"
Anyway, here's what I think is the album's loose concept, or theme: Materialism doesn't fulfill ("American Dream", "Faust", "4:12"), because your heart's not made of gold ("Faust"), stones, sticks or bones but the human soul is something of more lasting and deeper value than that ("4:12"), yet life is short ("Yesterdays"), so its worth must be lived out fully ("Burn Out Bright", "Awakening"), mainly through love, whether it be love in human relationships ("Amateur Lovers", "Head Over Heels", "Let Your Love"), or in your relationship with a Higher Power ("Let Your Love"), which is what the human soul needs for fulfillment, not things money can buy. This message is rounded out by "Oh! Gravity." which introduces you to the album's ideas by probing for a diagnosis before the treatment, with the question "why can't seem to keep it together?", while "Dirty Second Hands" takes a crack at pride which is the most common roadblock for spiritual messages to get through, and "Circles" basically outlines the kind of life you live if you don't pick this right "direction". Life begins at the intersection.
Well, I hope that gives you something to feed off of during your torturous wait for December 26th :D You'll see more of me once I'm through with my finals. But then again, I'll be gone to India for a month (Dec 15 - Jan 16) so hopefully I don't get so caught up in the fun there that I don't post here. Thanks for all your support, running this blog has been more fun than I thought it'd be, thanks to the great response from you guys. Take care ya'll, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS :) Much love and Switchfoot,
phil
[EDIT: And I'd like to thank the most talented Cassie once again for the work she's put into the layout and graphics. As soon as I find time, I'm gonna add more pages on here, and one of them will be for credits and bios, so you have a better idea about the people behind the scenes. And my official "Oh! Gravity." review, some commentary on the brilliant recent interview Jon did with ChristianityToday magazine, AND my take on what "Dirty Second Hands" means (by request from Gellie and WeAreMadeOfLove), are all coming soon.]
I didn't think the song "Oh! Gravity." had anything "U2-ish" about it, but anyway, here's snippets from a nice article...
The thing the bassist admires about his brother's songwriting is its honesty, Foreman said. "He wears his thoughts and his emotions on his sleeve -- and in his lyrics," Foreman said. "I think that's why these songs mean a lot to us, and it's also why they mean a lot to the people who come to our shows and buy our records. "They are very personal," Foreman continued. "I think he's not afraid to ask questions and tackle issues that we don't have answers for."
"I think a lot of times we use music as a vehicle to explore unknown territory," Foreman said. "You know, we have a lot more questions than we have answers. I think that's healthy, you know? I think that's probably true of most people who are really honest with themselves."
Amazon.com reviews 'Oh! Gravity.': "their best album in years"
Short 'n' sweet review. I like how he too thinks its "diverse" (something I emphasized in my pre-review). "Its actually their least compromised/ mainstream sounding release since the group left the indie scene." Glad he mentioned that. Anyway, here it is.
With Oh! Gravity, the San Diego-based modern rock act delivers their best album in years, one that fully reconciles their (Christian) faith with their (considerable) talent. It's diverse but not overly so, and while the production work of veteran Tim Palmer (U2, Tears for Fears) helps provide a radio-friendly sheen atop everything, it's actually their least compromised/mainstream sounding record since the group left the indie scene. From the chiming, revved-up, anthemic title song, which pairs compressed vocals with distorted guitars, to the moody and mildly schizophrenic single "Dirty Second Hands," this album is loud and dirty, the lyrics are thoughtful and plaintive. Lead singer/songwriter Jon Foreman clearly questions the meaning of the band's success, and the role they play in the scheme of things: "Like a puppet on a monetary string/Maybe we've been caught singing/Red, white, blue, and green/But that ain't my American dream." If only Switchfoot's conscience could be implanted in the bodies of other modern rock acts! The world might not necessarily be a better place, but the radio certainly would be. --Mike McGonigal
Hi, this isn't Phil, it's Kamila and I'm guest-writing on his blog, after being a guest at his listening party =D It was amazing!!!! Kudos to Phil for organizing it and putting everything together =D
The album is amazing. We listened to it a few times (3 or 4?), with repeats of a few songs by request, and for the most part the lights were out so that we could just connect with the songs. About the tunes, I absolutely love every single one of them. They are still rather new to me so I can't write a detailed review; these are songs that need to sit for a bit, need to be reflected upon. But let me tell you, the music sounds really, really good in the dark!
I can say that I love the way that all the songs sound. The way the melodies flow or the choruses rock, Jon's voice with a guitar or the entire band, the lyrics and the music; I've never really noticed it with any other album. Not sure if that makes an iota of sense to anyone else besides me =P
So, the songs themselves. I'm not great with words, and I'm certainly not great at reviews but I'll give it a shot. I love Head over Heels (In This Life), which is a really honest but sweet love song that isn't over the top or unrealistic. I love the arrangement of Let Your Love Be Strong, the way it builds and the mood it creates, and Jon sounds amazing on it. American Dream and Awakening are awesome, just pure rock and so much fun to scream along to. I love Awakening, and have loved it ever since I heard it live for the first time; the studio version, in my opinion, captures the energy of the live song really well. 4:12 and Circles I can't really remember all that well, they'll need some more listens. Yesterdays is a beautiful song, it captures so many feelings on so many different levels. Very sad, but not despairing; this is one of those songs that just flows, and Jon sings it so well. 'Every lament is a love song' pretty much sums it up. Amateur Lovers is a really fun song, it just makes me smile. It's a modern Valentine's day anthem! Burn Out Bright is a great song that's got a great beat and is also fun to sing along to. Faust is really cool; it's a different kind of sound but it's brilliant lyrically, especially the ending. Jon writes so much good stuff, and this one is one of my favorites; it's fairly simple but really powerful ('a heart made of gold can't really beat at all').
On the whole, this album seems to be moving in a direction that's more positive (for lack of a better word) than NIS was; it's not as dark but I almost want to say that it's more personal.
Okay, I'll give the blog back to Phil now, who writes much better than I do. Thanks for reading!
Listen to "Oh! Gravity." tonight! Join our online listening party.
I just posted this on the Switchfoot boards:
Okay so I found a way to let you all join my listening party tonight!
I've set up a skypecast here. Download Skype and listen in at 8pm Pacific Time! (the "join skypecast" button will appear on the page at 8pm)
I'm not worried about permission from Sony because what you'll be hearing will be analog (far from CD quality), not digital- the CD will be playing on my CD player and you guys will get to hear what comes through my microphone. So our voices might be mixed in with the music ;) I hope you'll put up with my singing-along, which, I warn you, might be terrible. Anyway, my mic is pretty good, lets hope this works out alright with decent quality, cuz I've never done this before.
See ya'll tonight!!
Talk to other fans while you listen. We'd also love to hear your thoughts about the album, so we welcome your comments below!
