Society always celebrates the records that top the Billboard 200 album chart. Back of The Billboards is a Music Times weekly segment that looks at the opposite end: the new record that finished closest to the back of the Billboard 200 for the previous week. We hope to give a fighting chance to the bands you haven't heard of.
Week of 09/19/2014
WHO: The Rentals
WHAT: Lost in Alphaville
SPOT: 200
First we have to note today's landmark happening: For the first time in the history of 'Back of The Billboards,' the last new album in the Billboard 200 has actually come in at no. 200! Congratulations to The Rentals!
Seriously however, the new album from former Weezer bassist Matt Sharp is an intriguing listen even if it sounds somewhat familiar. The ten tracks presented are recycled from his trio of 2009 EPs, the Songs About Time series. They've gotten full makeovers thanks to new drumming (provided by Black Keys percussionist Patrick Carney), new vocals (thanks in part to Lucius members Jesse Wolfe and Holly Laessig) and pretty much new everything outside of lyrics.
Don't expect this "new" supergroup to come to you live however (at least with the same lineup). Sharp was the central cog, traveling around the country and recording each contributor individually before combining it all. You can certainly hear this truth. Although Carney sounds as direct as ever, there's a noticeable disconnect that diverts from the live band experience.
Sharp's songs remains strong however and there's no denying that the new talent still marks an improvement over 2009's versions, even if its at the cost of production. No amount of production can replace passion however, such as that heard in "Traces of Our Tears" or "1000 Seasons." His former band could certainly use an infusion of what Sharp's got.
