I'd probably pick "Kill" as well. I don't really think anything off of "Clarity" necessarily represents the band as a whole. The production is so far off from their other records and although it's an important piece of their catalogue, I don't find that it represents their later material properly
I don't understand how the production on Clarity is far from their other albums? Do you mean in the sense that it uses a very broad palette of instrumentation, whereas their other albums are a little more straight-forward, production-wise?
That would be my personal pick. I just always assume that "Kill" is so great to me, but that doesn't mean it will translate to new listeners as well. It might be my all-time favorite JEW song though.
I mean, I guess. I know it sounds demeaning, but to me the record sounds "dated" in a way. I really don't mean that in a bad way though. Just in comparison to their later material it's less polished. The guitar tones are rawer, and the drums are big and roomy in a different way. And the songs themselves also play a big part in that.. I can't see them releasing another "Just Watch The Fireworks." The record is more vulnerable in a different way than their others if that makes sense. And yeah I agree. After "Clarity" I think they stepped into more of a mainstream (for lack of a better term) production style and I think they really benefited from that because they still wrote these incredibly emotive, powerful songs while adding that pop element. That to me sums up the JEW I know and love. Just an opinion of course
zach had a little side project thing that he started with his wife in between damage and this, and he said he learned a lot about writing different things in regards to like electronic drums and stuff like that which he said helped him on lot on this record. in fact he said he wrote one of the chorus melodies on one of the tracks (didn't say which one) and i believe that is a first for him. all i'm trying to say is that i'm not surprised to see more interesting/unique drums on this record. zach is awesome.
I only listened to You Are Free a couple of times last night and it's been stuck in my head all day today.
Here's the conversation (I'm surprised by his response actually): Me: What did you think of the new American Football album? His responses (multiple texts): I mean, I liked it. Felt familiar which was nice. His voice isn't as shaky as it was in 99. But then again, it was better in 99 than it was in 95 When cap n jazz was around His choices are weird
I was at last night's Columbus show and it was still in the setlist. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you, it was great to see live
Actually, end is beautiful doesn't sound like anything else they've ever done. Bad call on my part. Song is fucking gorgeous tho