matt pond PA - Last Light
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Free Music Notes for Last Light
Free Music Review: very solid album
Hit: 5 Stars
I like this every bit as much as Several Arrows Later. I was hooked with the first listen. Like the previous reviewer said: no filler here. Every song has it's own little bit that adds to the album; after hearing this I'm a bit sad. I might not be in Seattle when MPPA comes to town at the end of March, and they will have swooped through Florida before I move there. What's a boy to do?Free Music Review: Reflecting on Pond
Hit: 5 Stars
Every good band will eventually find their niche, provided they are patient, creative, prolific, and most importantly tenacious. This album marks this bands first real triumph, and subsequently their transition from 'good' band to 'great' band! There is no filler here folks, only SOLID back-to-back tracks, half of which are sure-fire 'would-be' hits. I use the term 'would-be' alot these days because of the direction the music industry has taken in recent years. I've little doubt that if this album came out 15-20 years ago it's songs would be plastered all over the radio for a good 6-8 months, most likely spurring 3 or 4 single releases along the way. But these days unless you are coming directly from the 'American Idol' stage, or a 'Hanna Montana-like' T.V. show, there is little chance of that happening. It SUCKS! I know! But this is where fans of bands like Matt Pond PA find ourselves these days, unfortunately. Talented bands like this, therefore, must now rely on a 'cult following' for a fan base and pray for some token radio play. In terms of refinement and accomplishment, I would call this CD their 'Sgt. Pepper' for sure. We are treated to a non-stop flow of melodies that burrow into your brain like bore-worms within just a few listens. I'm not going to do a 'song-by-song' review or list favorites....MOST of these are favorites (and the remaining ones are even better then that)! I'll leave that to the discerning listener. But I will chastise the band for making one big booboo....As a songwriter, myself (with some production/arrangement experience), I saw immediately that the ninth track "Until The East Coast Ends" had the makings of what could have been an absolute CLASSIC song, possibly even shooting them straight into the mainstream. However, instead, the band just teases us with a short, 'demo-like', effort that ends just after a minute-and-a-half, squandering away what SHOULD have been a three or four minute masterpiece! I was so 'let down' by that 'teaser' that I wanted to take away one of their stars in the rating, but the rest of the album is just too good to do that to them! Perhaps they will one day re-visit that song and do it a little more justice! It is also troubling that such a good album has been out this long, and only has a handful of reviews. I just hope, for the sake of their fan base (which includes myself), that they have the hunger to forge ahead, despite the sorry state of the 'industry', and the lack of attention that industry gives to bands like this. Their most solid album to date...by far!!Free Music Review: ok
Hit: 4 Stars
nothing wrong with this record, not quite as good as 'Several arrows later' though, that set the bar bar pretty high. as good as some of the earlier albums, like 'maps' or 'fury'
Free Music Review: "It's Not So bad at all"
Hit: 4 Stars
Excited and eager to hear matt pond's newest album in just under two years, Last Light was far from your average album. Combining the matt pond of the past and the more dynamic sound the band now contains, Last Light is a perfect balance of both. Again, Matt delivers sincere vocals amidst catchy hooks, guitar solos, hand claps, and the almighty cello.
Despite changing members quite often, mpPA never fails to impress as new members bring their own unique elements to certain tracks (ie: guitar solo in The Crush). If you've been a fan of his work, i highly recommend this album. At the same time, if you're looking for something new to put on your iPod, I highly suggest giving this album a listen. This may break-through album and one of the best of this year.
Tracks that stand out the most: People Have A Way,Taught To Look Away, Basement Parties, Sunshine.
Free Music Review: Another Step Forward
Hit: 5 Stars
Solid effort from beginning to end. No weak spots, no filler. "Several Arrows Later" was a beautiful record, but have been enjoying this more every listen. Harder edged, more upbeat tempos, yet still filled with lots of unique lyrics that grab your attention at each repeated listen."Last Light" is a great opener, "Locate the Pieces" is classic MPPA with an almost late-era Replacements-esque guitar sound. "Sunlight", "Basement Parties" are goose-bump inducing, and "Taught to Look Away" is a gut-wrenching beautiful ballad. While songs are heavier on guitar (i.e. "Crush"), piano and strings (and various instruments) provide a richer overall sound. Songs are still emotionally charged, even without the cello being so dominant. Has everything you would want from a MPPA album, but now the intensity is turned up a notch.
Are these the best songs he's written? The most complex lyrics or arrangements compared to past albums. Probably not, but its a satisfying listen filled with songs that sound great live and will appeal to a wider audience. Its a MPPA CD you can pass on to friends who may not get the subtleties of Emblems, Nature of Maps and even Several Arrows.
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