Search - Benjamin Gibbard & Andrew Kenny :: HOME: Volume 5

Yarrrrr

R. Fortier | Bellingham, MA United States | 02/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This being an EP one really can't expect too much, but then again every now and then some bands put out their best work on EPs. I wouldn't say this EP is the best of either of Ben Gibbard or Andrew Kenny's work, but its not far from it. Starting off with the more upbeat Gibbard this EP starts of with a faster tempo. The songs Gibbard lays out are in his classic style, upbeat, melodic, and good. As i said I don't think it is his best work, but it is definitely good.



Next comes Andrew Kenny. American Analog Set, or AmAnSet as the hipsters call them, is amongst my favorite bands. One of the major reasons for this is due to Kenny's soothing, soft, and able voice. He does not let me down by any means. For those of you who already listen to American Analog Set, this is a similar style music, but accoustic, so that means no xylophone, drums, or any of that complication.



I'm going to have to disagree with many people and say that Andrew Kenny is the star of this E.P. And I'm not going to say he is the better artist, but purely because I believe the standout song on this CD is Kenny singing "Secrets of the Heart."



Gibbard and Kenny are both in some of the best bands currently together, and it is somewhat refreshing hearing both of them doing their own thing. This EP is a great buy for either Death Cab for Cutie, Postal Service, etc. or American Analog Set fans. Their is nothing you should be unfamiliar with that these frontmen sing, but it is different just hearing them and their guitars."

Gibbard proves he can do it all. Kenny turns in A great song

York Roberts | Boston | 01/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, we all know he showed his acoustic ability with All Time Quarterback a few years ago, and yeah, it was all right. The CD that was reissued by Barsuk proved that Gibbard can hold his own by himself.



What this split proves is that the major songwriting force behind Death Cab For Cutie and The Postal Service is capable of great things with just an acoustic guitar and a simple chord progression. His songs (all 3 originals) are vibrant and full of life and emotion. "You Remind Me Of Home" could very well be Post Parlo's theme for the HOME series. It's a vivid ride through suburbia pointing out the summits and valleys of a small town. The song is double tracked vocally which gives it that extra kick that even further showcases Gibbard's strength and presence as a vocalist (a 'flaw' that has been pointed out by nay-sayers). "Carolina" is simply marvelous. "Farmer Chords" is an amazing piece of songwriting that is as happy as it is listless. The song begs you to hum along, and you will. Gibbard's cover of Kenny's "Choir Vandals" is superb.



Though some reviewers bash Andrew Kenny's soft-spoken, quiet tunes, they have some redeeming qualities. If you are not a fan of American Analong Set or you have never heard them before, this is no place to start. If that is the case get "Promise Of Love", I assure you, you will enjoy it more than these three songs. Although "Secrets Of The Heart" and "Church Mouse" are not Kenny's best material, he is in top form on "Hometown Fantasy" which is equally fitting as a mission statement for the HOME series, in a much more somber way. Kenny delivers an honest, straightforward composition with a simple refrain that is as hum-able as "Farmer Chords". Kenny's cover of Gibbard's "Line Of Best Fit" is excellent. He does little to alter the chord progression or shape of the song, but he ultimately pulls it off better than most anyone could have (save, perhaps Gibbard himself) on an unaccompanioned acoustic guitar.



Yes, I would agree that there is nothing technically amazing on these eight songs, but, if you want technicality, go listen to Rush. You aren't considering purchasing an acoustic Ben Gibbard/Andrew Kenny split for its technicality, you want it because it showcases both songwriters (particularly Gibbard) and proves that the best songwriters can create great songs with just a melody and a six string.



A MUST for any real Death Cab or AmAnSet fan.



Buy the Bright Eyes/Britt Daniel HOME split as well. Support Post Parlo, they are a great little label."

Why not!

S. Easton | 03/02/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a fan of both Ben and Andrew, so of course I had to own this cd. I was a little disappointed in length, about 23 minutes total, but it's still worth every penny (then again, its not that expensive in the first place). Also, I wasn't blown away by Kenny's performance like many people on Amazon have been claiming. I honestly believe Ben flexed his musical muscle better than Andrew. Gibbard's songs are just more memorable. Kenny does have an awesome voice, but the songs he sings seem to fade away in the background (which can be a good thing for certain occasions). However, Kenny's songs are still growing on me.



I'll put it this way; on my computer I rate each song from 1 to 5 stars. A 1 star song is like a slap to the face; where as a 5 star is an honor. I gave 3 of Gibbard's songs 4 stars and all of Kenny's songs got 3 stars (very high 3 stars, like 3 and a half).



I really hope I don't piss off any AmAnSet fans :)"