The Bacon Brothers' third CD sounds like the work of bar-band regulars who've found themselves in a real studio with some real money. Prolific actor Kevin Bacon and his music-biz-vet brother, Michael, stretch out on the op... more »ener, "Paris," which is marked by polyrhythmic drums, over-the-top orchestration, and the raspy Knopfler/Springsteen affectations of Kevin. Lyrically, the brothers veer from straightforward, earnest love songs ("Sooner or Later") to something more topical (baby boomers get a sound thrashing on "Summer of Love [Woodstock '99]" and the alt-country effort "Don't Leave the Lava Lamp on for Me"). Flat storytelling, meanwhile, mars the likes of "Paris" and "Baby Steps." Still, while Can't Complain is far from groundbreaking, it's an easy listen for fans of tie-dyed rock. --Kelly Minnis« less
The Bacon Brothers' third CD sounds like the work of bar-band regulars who've found themselves in a real studio with some real money. Prolific actor Kevin Bacon and his music-biz-vet brother, Michael, stretch out on the opener, "Paris," which is marked by polyrhythmic drums, over-the-top orchestration, and the raspy Knopfler/Springsteen affectations of Kevin. Lyrically, the brothers veer from straightforward, earnest love songs ("Sooner or Later") to something more topical (baby boomers get a sound thrashing on "Summer of Love [Woodstock '99]" and the alt-country effort "Don't Leave the Lava Lamp on for Me"). Flat storytelling, meanwhile, mars the likes of "Paris" and "Baby Steps." Still, while Can't Complain is far from groundbreaking, it's an easy listen for fans of tie-dyed rock. --Kelly Minnis
"The Bacon Brothers are an actual rock band and not the vanity project so many other bands with movie star front men turn out to be. Kevin Bacon sings with authority and when his lack of range betrays him, he still attacks each song with gusto. Michael's voice is well suited to the more folk-like sound of the songs he sings lead on, but when he tries to rock he does not quite carry it off. The songs themselves range from bad ballads like "Paris" and Heart Half Full" to cute numbers like "Baby Steps" and "Leave the Lava Lamp On For Me" to truly good numbers like "I'm So Glad I'm Not Married" with its solid rockabilly sound and Kevin's ode to the tour bus, aptly titled "Bus." And with "Summer of Love (Woodstock '99)" Kevin writes a classic with a song that neatly sums up that particular disaster. This band is worth checking out and even though there are rough spots; you definitely get the feeling these guys are working hard."
I Love This One Too
J. Carroll | 07/26/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In naming their first CD "FOROSOCO," the Bacon Brothers told us that they enjoyed exploring the intersection of many musical styles. "Can't Complain" continues this tradition and adds a stronger interplay of Michael's classical music training.The Brothers put their interplay interest to great use in the song, "Paris." The basic song, in the folk rock genre, tells of the paranoia of culture shock. Playing against this is the string quartet's intro and background playing. Listen carefully, and you can hear echoes of "An American in Paris," in which a tourist had a much happier reaction to the City of Lights.Meanwhile, a straight rock approach tells the story of a teenage boy going to Woodstock 99. He should have been appalled by what he experienced, but it was the best time he ever had.As in their prior CD's, the stories and characters are as interesting and varied as their music. Kevin tells us of his love for his tour bus while Michael reminds us that the "60's weren't so great by referencing Ira Einhorn, the "Unicorn Killer."I'm glad the Brothers continue to share their enthusiasms with us."
Can't Complain
Honyomi | Dallas, TX USA | 05/14/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These legitimate musicians put together another work of fantastic brilliance. I first heard "Bus," "Can't Complain," and most of the other songs on this album in concert and bought the album the next day! Kevin's lyrics are witty and his brother's musicianship is amazing. This album has great range in emotion from humorous to serious and symphonic to old school rock n' roll. If you somewhat liked the other CDs, then get this one; if you like Kevin Bacon, then get this one; if you like music, then get this one!!"
Can't Complain Is Brilliant
Honyomi | 07/10/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Bacon Brothers latest CD, "Can't Complain " is absolutely brilliant!! What the title means is you can complain, and should continue to. This is an amazing record...the string arrangements are fabulous, check out She Is The Heart, Paris and my personal fave, Heart half Full. Again, Kevin and Michael's songwriting is impeccable, and the vocal and band performances top notch. I have seen this band live in concert many times and they are true professionals. I read a review in Billboard Magazine today that said "Can't Complain is a strong collection of acoustic-rooted pop tunes, anchored by taut, memorable melodies and vivid lyrics...This is far more than a fleeting musical fancy for an over-indulgent actor"They are great musicians, songwriters, and producers..BUY THIS CD AND BUY EVERYTHING ELSE THE BACON BROTHERS HAVE EVER RECORDED. You won't be dissappointed, unlike the reviewer above... P.S. He'd probably love the BB's, if they didn't have the darn movie star in the band. That seems to get in the way for many music reviewers....."
Breathtaking; blown away
Kimi Whitesel | Middletown, Delaware | 07/10/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"i found the CD "Can't Complain" to be an assortment of musicical talent combined together to form one really - put together CD. Kevin and Mike have a wonderful talent in music. They even blend well with their back-up musical talents. I bought the CD at a concert in Wilmington, DE, and, between my husband and me, we have just about played the CD raw. The whole CD was great, but, I have to say, "She is the Heart" is almost hypnotic. It is a beautiful, heartfelt, poetic song. If they continue to put out the musical talent showed in "Can't Complain" they will really hit the big time. I love them!
Kimi Whitesel"