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Album Review
This album is
amazing. It's musically and lyrically interesting. My favorite songs
are: down to tha altar, bicycle, and goodbye (both versions). It is on
the mellow side, with some faster songs thrown in here and there. you
should definitely look into making this album part of your
collection.
5
stars? I really would've only given the cd 4.5 (or maybe 4.25) if I
could've, but it is definitely better than a mere 4. First of all, the
first seven songs are "new" (though Plankeye fans will know
that two of the seven songs are simply remixes of "Goodbye"
and "Bicycle"), and each of the following twelve songs is
taken from one of Plankeye's first five releases. Let me first tackle
the issue of the "Bicycle" remix. Now personally, I absolutely
love the original "Bicycle" from "Commonwealth." And
I was weary at first that Eric and Louis would tackle the song without
Scott's vocals (which make the song what it is, I believe). And at first
I hated the new mix, skipping it every time. But . . . and there always
is a but, I must admit that is has grown immeasurably on me. I still
like the original better, but now thoroughly enjoy the new mix as well.
As for the remix of "Goodbye" . . . stick with the original
(Track 19) - it is a million times better. But looking at the cd as a
whole, the new songs are great ("Captain" especially). For
those who liked "Relocation," some of the new songs mirror its
tendencies. Likewise with those who enjoyed "Strange Exchange"
more. But all in all, this is truly a must have cd for any Plankeye fan,
if not for the new version of "Bicycle," than for the five new
songs themselves. And finally, for anyone not familiar with Plankeye,
this is the perfect avenue for trying them out (before commiting to one
of their previous albums over another). From "Scared" and
"Open House" to "Chemicals and Sleep," there is a
full spattering of songs both post-Scott era and during his run - all of
them good. Thanks and happy listening.
Grace Hotel
Overall rating: + + + -
Commonwealth
1 Whisper to Me (2:50)
2 B.C. (2:31)
3 Push Me Down (Veiled) (5:19)
4 Struck by the Chord (4:31)
5 Placement (2:42)
6 Commonwealth (4:15)
7 He (3:47)
8 Bicycle (4:08)
9 Beautiful (4:05)
10 Who Loves You More? (4:22)
Album Reviews
I got this album in the 6th
grade. I'm graduating from high school now and I sill love this record. It's a
shame that the rest of the earth won't hear this because one, it's old, and two,
it's Christian. I don't like this record because it's Christian, which is more
than I can say for most of these morons who can't broaden their horizons past
Tooth and Nail records, (which is making a comeback now), but I love this record
because he actually means what he's saying. If Scott was singing this
emotionally about loving himself, I'd still listen to it. The music is
incredible. If you're reading this though, you're probably listening to the new
Jars of Clay record or something. Go listen to something good, (Sunny Day Real
Estate, Blood Brothers). ~ Ryan
In around 40 minutes, Plankeye made an awesome rock record.
It's such an awesome rock record because it is just that, a straight up rock
record. Plankeye doesn't fall easily into one subgenre or the other, they just
flat rock, and by doing so actually have their own unique sound. Anyway, onto
the songs... they're great. There's a fair mix of slower songs and catchy,
energetic rockers. One amazing thing Plankeye does is put big rocking guitar
solos in pop songs, something more bands should do. The lyrics are also great.
Just get this album.
~ philster
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Grace Hotel
Overall rating: + + +
Strange Exchange
1 This Is (4:12)
2 Meaning of It All (4:29)
3 Chemicals and Sleep (4:15)
4 Let Me Be Near You (5:59)
5 My Wife (1:43)
6 By Design (4:27)
7 Remind (4:34)
8 Bring It Down (3:44)
9 Way of the Earth (4:10)
10 (Untitled) (8:00)
Album Reviews
Plankeye has been flipped inside out since Scott Siletta left to go play with his band "Fanmail." Not only has the line-up changed, but the sound has been redefined. Scott Siletta's voice is no longer there ... which some have argued, made Plankeye, "Plankeye." I was in that school of thought with the last album, "Relocation." It wasn't the same band I had grown accustomed to hearing. It was much more melodic, and the punk influence that had long since driven Plankeye was all but gone. I didn't like it ... it was change ... change is rarely fun ... but now, I'm over that.
This April, Plankeye releases it's latest album, entitled "Strange Exchange" on BEC Recordings. Somehow, someway, BEC has delivered a copy of it to us here at www.christianrockradio.com well before it's release date. We have the unadulterated version, sent even before the cover art has been completed. It's just a blue cd with some writing on it, in a white cd sleave. I thought it was a joke at first! This album sounds nothing like the Plankeye of old ... if you want that sound, then get the Fanmail album, because Scott Siletta is determined to continue putting that music out there. "Strange Exchange" is an artist's album. It has some serious "emo" inclinations of the like of "Sunny Day Realestate," "Jimmy Eat World," and "Appleseed Cast." It's not as sad as "Relocation" was, but it's far from as happy as the old peppy punk of Plankeye in
yesteryear.
Once you can get over the fact that it is simply not the same band it used to be (and believe me, it took me a while to get over this fact!) ... you will be amazed to find what an amazing group this is! The music is far more passionate than ever before. The words are completely and unashamedly Christian. It's recorded to sound a little like an "Indy" album. It's sort of dry and not over produced like many albums today are. It's unique ... and very very impressive. When this album hits stores in April, go get it ... especially if you are a musician ... it really is an artist's album.
~ christianrockradio.com
With this album, it seems that the new Plankeye has finally found the sound they were looking for. I was somewhat disappointed with their last album “Relocation,” just because it was such a drastic change so soon. I thought it was a decent album, but it seemed as if they were desperately searching for something new really fast to fill the void of Scott leaving the band. There was a range of dynamics on that album that was great, but they were still wandering around aimlessly hoping to figure things out, while trying to keep the band together.
It seems as if time away from it all has done them well. The first thing that sticks out right away with these new songs, is the quality of the vocals. Luis and Eric share the vocal duties again, as they did on the last album. They are much stronger and clearer this time around, because they have truly found a range comfortable for them both. They aren’t trying to reach notes that they can’t hit this time. The overall quality of the songs is great as well. They have definitely spent time on each song and it shows, in the sound and also the length.
“My Wife” is the shortest song, but it is a beautiful acoustic track that allows you to take a break from the previous songs, and is a nice bridge that takes you into the second half of the album. It seems as if they did some experimenting on this album with different sounds, and the use of some electronics. It sounds good in the mix because they added it in subtlety, not bashing you over the head with it. The songs are very “in your face,” but quite mellow overall, somewhat like their last release. This is just a great rock album that I’m sure some of the indie rock kids out there just might like it.
Grade: B
~ Travis of
decapolis.com
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