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Amazon.co.uk Review
Review
Their legacy is based largely on just one record, 1993's universally lauded debut album August And Everything After. After seeing their career slowly peter out since, it's perhaps inevitable that the group has released a re-packaged deluxe edition of their defining moment in the absence of any new material of consequence, with the added lure of bonus tracks and a live CD to seduce the die-hards. The question is, have Counting Crows at their best stood the test of time well?
Generally the answer is yes. Global hit single, Mr Jones, is as infectious as ever, Round Here remains an affecting portrayal of small town ennui and Sullivan Street soars triumphantly. These are big songs performed with confidence and poise by some accomplished musicians, not least front man Duritz, whose anguished vocals and Dylanesque imagery are central to proceedings throughout. Raining In Baltimore, a stately piano-led ballad reminiscent of a more earnest Randy Newman, slows the pace to allow him the room to deliver a performance that's arguably the record's high point. The first disc is rounded off by six bonus tracks, including a cover of Woody Guthrie's seminal This Land is Your Land, all of which are pleasant without matching up to the album proper.
Considering Counting Crows' reputation as a somewhat anaemic live act, the second disc, recorded at the Elysee Montmartre, Paris in 1994, is surprisingly impressive. While some renditions, like the 15 minute-long A Murder Of One, are bloated and self-indulgent, others, notably Rain King and the elegiac, organ-heavy Perfect Blue Buildings, actually improve on the studio versions.
Few artists have released debut albums with the immense assurance of August and Everything After. It showcases a band that strode boldly into the limelight with their sound already meticulously honed and fully-formed, yet it can be argued that by getting things so right first time out, they left themselves creatively spent with nowhere to go next - Counting Crows were never remotely this good again. --Chris White
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Customer Reviews
The music is rock but with clear deep-south\country cajun\type influences, even if this is an LA band. That accordian for one thing. Not at all out of place in this rock setting, quite the opposite, an intrinsic part of the sound. "Recovering the Satelites" is a great follow up album to it but this debut still has the edge for me. It's a great impressionist painting of urban life, fair weather and foul weather. Aching love songs, aching anything songs. If you've never heard this album you're in for a magical surprise and, if this tips the balance, you owe me one!
"Oh it's Counting Crows" says my friend and that was when I went out and purchased this album.
What can I say abouut the album itself? Well it's laid back folk/rock. It's very laid back.
The music meanders from the start of the track and gently makes it way to the end of it. Adam Duritz has a sublime voice (which you won't find sounding anywhere near as good on any of their other albums in my view) and it makes the gentle music resonate with a beauty.
The first 3 tracks are simply stunning then it has a bit of a lul in the middle and gets back down to the action for the final few tracks.
Unfortunately I feel that Counting Crows reached their pinacle with this Album and all of their other albums I have found to be disappointing - but that is probably more to do with the outstanding quality of all the tracks on this one!
Superb, buy it now 10/10
Tells a story about everyday life in a beautifully romantic way, yet in an oddly truthful sense.
Helps any late teenager clear the haze of angst, but can wrap in a dreamworld with pure escapism depending on the mood, just as well if not better than any grunge or emo outfit.
The lyrics are thoughtfully written, with the music being telling its own tale of discovery, whilst delighting the listener with the occassional antidote of anthum status - strange for such a subtle band, but high praise indeed.
Attempts to make most people, especially those around 17 or 18 (like I was - 2001) find the answer to anything and everything, whether its needed or not - and thats no bad thing.
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