The Hotelier - Goodness (May 27, 2016) Album • Page 112

I just think the way the song opens up and explodes about half way through is so awesome and powerful because I did not expect it to happen.

 

That's fair, it didn't do anything for me personally

 

"Skin caked with the sap of pine" could also be a reference back to "Your Deep Rest".

 

The mark of a truly great album is having such wide and varying opinions from listeners on favorite tracks, sections, moments, etc and this album has just that.

 

I love how diverse this band is, musically speaking. They had hinted at it with INGO, using harmonicas and plucked power chords plus playing a bit with tempo, then expanded more on Home with the post-rockish guitars on "Among The Wildflowers" the almost frenetic punk speed of "In Framing" the heavy, aggressive post hardcore of "Life In Drag" and the increased use of keyboards. Thats all come to a point here on Goodness, stretching out more and expanding their sonic palette further with an acoustic number in "Goodness Pt 1", the spacey-ness of Sun and End Of Reel, the purely piano led "Fear Of Good", and "Goodness Pt 2" which is pretty much nothing but drums and vocals for about half the song before it explodes. I just love how willing they are to try new things and theyre all so skilled and talented that they make it work flawlessly.

 

Exactly. I've also always believed that this is an objective measurement of a great album.

 

I get chills listening to everyone singing during the first interlude (the one after the spoken word.) The way that leads in to Two Deliverances makes me smile so wide.

 

Couldn't agree more. Hell, I can't truly pick my favorite moments yet. There's too many and I'd keep changing my mind on which I like better.

 

So today me and my wife went to visit a house we are putting an offer on and as we left to drive home I put this album on. She never really agrees with any of my tastes in music except for top 40 stuff we both like, but she's never complained when I have this band on like she does with rap. So I turn it up when Soft Animal comes on, a song I have played many times since it's release and all of a sudden she sings out "MAKE ME FEEL ALIVE, MAKE ME BELIEVE THAT THERE'S A GOD SOMETIMESSSSS" right with the song and it floored me. Seriously such a special moment for me/loving this record even more.

 

Honestly it's one of those parts/songs where I wonder (about the writing), how did everyone agree this was awesome and a good idea...

 

This made me smile. Moments like that with my girlfriend are what keep me going every day.
Just to share a little thing about my life: I met my girlfriend online and she lives roughly two hours away. We're both in college and haven't moved in with each other yet. We see each other roughly once or twice a week and make that drive, which has been tough. We met through music, and it's something that has kept us so close over the past three years. Little moments like that are so special, and I cherish every one of them.

 

The melodies on this thing are so crazy good.

 

End of Reel and You In This Light might be my favorites but ya know I pretty much love this top to bottom

 

The lyrics on here actually remind me a bit of sunbather

 

This album still totally reminds me of EndSerenading so much

 

I keep saying stuff like this, but another thing that really makes me love The Hotelier is that Christian is unafraid to write lyrics that don't necessarily coincide perfectly with the musical melodies / beats....whatever. I think it's a piece of what makes the band very unique / why the lyrics can be so impactful in addition to the instrumentals.

 

I really love the interludes for this album. I think they, more than most interludes, actually strengthen it as a whole. They kind of give the album a little room to breathe, if that makes sense.

 

I can see that.

 

Agreed. It gives you a little break between the songs, and kind of sets the mood for what's to come next.

 

Yeah, there's just a lot to take in with the album. It's nice to have some sweet little acoustic tracks to break things up, but not unravel it at all.

 

Those last two minutes of 'End of Reel' are incredible. How can anybody not get "closer material" out of that song? It's literally the only song I can picture as a closer for this album, based on those last two minutes.

 

Going along with how The Hotelier love to add little details to their albums, I love that this album makes reference to all 4 seasons in some way.

 

that's pretty heavy. endserenading is my favorite album of all time. I hope this ends up close to that.

 

This band writes immaculate 6/8 ballads.

 

Wow that is amazing!! Had a similar moment Friday.. My gf and I were doing housework out back and we played the record the entire time full blast, when we were done everything we just sat on out back porch and enjoyed the record with a few beers.. Really special moment. I'm glad she loves this band as much as I do