Search - Long Winters :: Worst You Can Do Is Harm

A carburetor lasts longer than a rose anyway.

Meghan Elizabeth | New York City | 06/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not sure why you don't own this album yet. First of all, you're probably already pretty sure that Barsuk Records never releases anything but the finest in indiepop technology. Second of all, John Roderick writes better songs than you can shake a stick at. We're all very glad that he chose to record some of them (many of which were written for his band of a few years ago, The Western State Hurricanes, and were left unrecorded when the band dissolved). Here he's ably backed by a rotating army of wonderful people, including Sean Nelson, Ben Gibbard, Chris Walla, Joe Bass, and Brian Young. If you had a band, and you might, you would want these people to be a part of it. You just would.The songs are all good songs. "Carparts" is the feel-rock rock anthem of the summer. The tune of "Unsalted Butter" will creep into your head and stay there forever. "Copernicus" will hurt you, and you will like it. And the lyrics, oh! In "Medicine Cabinet Pirate," Mr. Roderick quickly sums up the paradox of loving a junkie: "We could have a baby to keep us awake/or we could get radio/or we could wait for the shaking/do you hate me for saying so?/There's a chance that no one would know/There's a chance that it wouldn't show..."When I first obtained a copy of this album, it was placed in my stereo and I found I could not bring myself to remove it for several months. I do not exaggerate, and I have seen many of my friends go through the same process. It is rocking and it is beautiful and even if you're not keen on the music, you will like reading the liner notes: Mr. Roderick has reprinted a selection of letters from former friends and lovers, each lambasting him for various problems of personality. Rock and roll, baby."

The worst you can do is not buy this

wellwellwell | bog | 09/25/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After the departure of Harvey Danger, I caught wind of The Long Winters (HD's former singer Sean Nelson does backup vocals). And, although the music here is more "indie" than Harvey Danger ever was, 'The Worst You Can Do Is Harm' is a fabulous album nonetheless. (What does "indie" even mean? It seems every band not on MTV gets labeled "indie".) Every song here is beautiful one way or another, and there are countless lines that become embedded in your mind for hours on end. Whatever your taste in music--whether it's rock, pop, classical, or (dare we say) "indie"--The Long Winters are for you. An overview...The real gems are "Unsalted Butter", "Carparts" and "Medicine Cabinet Pirate", in that order. "Unsalted Butter" boasts a simple melody mixed with scathingly soothing lyrics. John Roderick's voice make the song what it is; and that's the best song here. "Carparts" is more upbeat and rocking. The subdued 'baby wasn't down with the heist' bits stand out, and 'I don't even have cigarettes' finishes it off quite nicely. The first stanza of "Medicine..." has already been talked about here (fittingly) by another reviewer, but I must say it is one of the greatest lyrical uprisings in the history of music (really). The music is rather one-dimensional, but the lyrics are just stunning. "Mimi" is an interesting track, musically, but doesn't quite compare to "Unsalted Butter". The fast-paced silliness of "Samaritan" is amiable and intriguing, though not as absorbing or as good as "Give Me A Moment", which starts slowly--almost like techno--and fades out with beautiful piano keys. "Government Loans" and "Scent Of Lime", the two lone weak points of the album, are decent, but do take some getting used to. "Copernicus" works in the same fashion as "Unsalted Butter" and "Give Me A Moment"; it just doesn't outdo either of the two. The final, untitled track (aka "Shanty Town") is basically a free-for-all, impromptu kind of thing. It's kind of fun to listen to, but it doesn't do much compared to the other genius tracks.This is one of those albums that doesn't (necessarily) require a love to enjoy, but simply a liking. The Long Winters are an extraordinarily escape from mainstream music and all that's wrong with today's musical craze. I absolutely love the aforementioned three songs, and the other seven I listen to on and off, between shuffles. The Barsuk website has full-length samples of "Carparts" and "Scent Of Lime", for starters. So if you get a brittle or comfortable feeling from listening to those songs, you will undoubtedly love 'The Worst You Can Do Is Harm'. This album is unlike anything I've ever heard; and I love it. You think you know the shape of the sky? Look again."

A worthy addition to the Northwest indie lineup

Meghan Elizabeth | 05/22/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you like Death Cab for Cutie, Built to Spill, or Modest Mouse, you'll probably like this band as well. They have a similar semi-polished sound, more accessible than the Mouse and more upbeat than Death Cab (broad generalizations, of course.) There are several bouncy tracks ('Car parts' is my favorite on the CD) and a handful of slower, folkier numbers such as 'Mimi.' Great attention to detail; love the liner notes & photos. Definitely looking forward to more in the future..."