This is an open forum for staff members, contributers, and fans alike to submit their reviews on the latest music releases and concerts. In an industry that is drowning with overprocessed, grossly overrated, unoriginal crap these days, this is our chance to allow the real stars to shine, if only on our humble, little stage; and expose you to some of our favorite talents.
Reviews are given 1 - 5 stars.
1 Eleanor
2. Mockingbird
3. Low Millions
4. Here She Comes
5. Statue
6. Julia
7. Diary
8. Hey Jane
9. Money Thing
10. 100 Blouses
11. Nikki Dont Stop
It’s no wonder that Low Millions’ singer/songwriter Adam Cohen titled his band’s debut album “Ex-Girlfriends”. He’s seemingly had quite a few of them- and has written songs about each of them. Nikki, Julia, Eleanor, Jane… they’re all here.
And further judging by the subject matter of the songs on this disc, there’s a reason why they bailed out: Exhaustion. Sex, sex, money, and sex seem to be the only things this lyricist, the son of composer Leonard Cohen, cares about.
Don’t misunderstand; the music on this album is exceptional. Guitarist Michael Chaves weaves tasteful guitar work around Cohen’s lyrics, and the rhythm section of Jorgen Carlsson and drummer Erik Eldenius bring their cards to this table to make this album a textbook example of well-executed pop.
The lyrics, though…
In the song “Diary”, for example, Cohen can’t figure out why his ‘ex-girlfriend’ would think he’s horrible, wishes he were dead, and thinking he’d look “stunning with a bullet in (his) head”. Well, dude, you ARE breaking into her diary with a screwdriver.
“100 Blouses” chronicles the search for someone who is similar to his (let’s say it together now, kids!) ex-girlfriend by dating other women. And if that didn’t sink the ship, let’s not forget these lines: “I’ll take a friend of yours out to dinner/then I’ll take off all of her clothes/and look for you in her.” Romantic!
The best song on this album is “Nikki”. For all of the examples of lyrical sensuality gone horribly wrong on this disc, this one gets it right. The music, along with sultry bedroom imagery, shapes a ‘getting’ it on’ anthem that even Chef would be proud of. The music is great, but sir, you’re creepin’ me out. Here’s $20 bucks that says their next LP won’t be called “Current Girlfriends”.
Reviewed by: Corey Rotic | December 2005
