Search - Moe :: Dither

Moe. creates yet another masterpiece

Michael J Harrington | Phoenix, Arizona USA | 02/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a big moe. fan (moe.-ron, really), and was looking forward to the new studio work from moe. since 'Tin Cans'. In fact, it came out today and I ran to the record store to get it!! The good news is that this is NOT a re-hash of 'Tin Cans', however another groundbreaking effort from a supergroup (in my eyes) that should be supergroup. The funny thing about moe. is that I am not sure if they really want 'big commercial success' (as much as they deserve it). Anyhow, it is well known that their studio CD's are unlike what you see in the awesome experience of a moe. concert, and 'Dither' is no exception. Bottom line - 'Dither' is a great, tight, melodious set of tracks that will keep the moe. fans like me excited, and this one just may expand their fan base even further. I won't do a 'blow by blow', however a few great tracks from 'L' are here ('Captain America' and 'Cant seem to find'), as well as some new great classics-to-be ('Faker', 'T6sorm', 'New York City', 'water'). Some real standouts are 'Understand', 'Water' and 'Opium' - worth the price of the CD alone! Most of the songs have less 'quirkiness' that labeled them in the 'Phish/Jam Band' category (like 'No Doy' did), however you can tell by listening to some of them that they have 'jam potential' - they just don't carry it out in the studio like they do live. Overall, most have the rocking/bluesy/jamming/kickass rock feel to them that one can expect from moe. The CD still clocks in at 73 minutes, so it is hardly bunch of 3 minute songs...Overall, this CD may disappoint moe. fans that want 3 or 4 ten minute jams or are looking for ripping rocker jam tunes like 'Plane Crash'. Heck, it initially disappointed me...however after a few listens, this CD has already grown on me (in only 2 hours!) as another collection of tunes that are uniquely moe. I had high expectations of this CD, and moe. delivered. A must for moe. fans, as the moe. element is there in a new and rather interesting form, yet the 'base' sound has not been reformed into something that a record executive has deemed as 'sellable'. (in other words, not a sell-out here at all). Just say moe.!"

Dither review

Andrew Fuller | Nashville, TN United States | 02/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As reviewer Coopsam said, Moe. has definitely reinvented their sound to a degree with Dither. It is great for first time Moe. listeners or fans that have enjoyed their previous albums. Moe. combines complex musical pieces with great lyrical tunes on this album. A couple songs were on the live album (Captain America and Can't Seem to Find) and really gained maturity in the studio. Faker, NYC, and Tamborine have great melodies and Moe. keeps their traditional sound without sounding to poppy. TGORM and In a Big Country have really great tunes to them as well. I think this album is Moe.'s best studio effort up to date. I was really impressed with Tin Cans and Car Tires, but I can't wait to see Moe. perform the songs off Dither live. Both old and new Moe. fans are sure to love this album."

It'll Grow on You...

J.B. | Washington, DC USA | 02/08/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Just like any new album, Dither shines in some places and seems to drag in others. However, keep playing it and it will grow on you. "Captain America," the opening track, is pretty solid. While DJ Logic's addition is interesting, it neither hurts nor greatly adds to the composition. "Faker" is among the best tracks. In this song Rob manages to combine soothing vocals with a twist of mystery. It is very un-moe., but still works amazingly. "Understand" is the first Al song on the album. It rocks out pretty nicely, but it never fully captues that unique Al treatment fans may be used to. "The Ghost of Ralph's Mom" sort of sounds like an 80's rocker... but that's kind of what makes it cool. It's not amazing, but it's sort of fun. "So Long," the second Al song, never really goes anywhere and fails to flow with the imagery and fun that Al usually throws into his tunes. Enter "New York City." This is another song that highlights the album. Rob once again takes the listener on a nostalgic journey that captures the aforementioned imagery that usually comes with an Al tune. "Can't Seem to Find" is Al's best song on the album because it is what the listener wants and expects from Al... upbeat, fun, catchy. It also ranks high. At first, "Water" is a difficult song to get attached to. However, after a couple of listens, it becomes an interesting tune. By no means is it a highlight, but it is still pretty good. "Tambourine" is next... not exactly sure where this song came from or why it really exists. The title, alone, hints that it may be an upbeat, fun song that attracts the listener with a catchy chorus. It never accomplishes any of these in that it is only somewhat upbeat, not all that fun, and there is never a real catchy part to it. It is also a very short tune that seems kind of out of place. "In a Big Country" is a welcome cover that truly stands out on the album. Not only is it a cachy tune, but it is the second song that rings of the 80's... perhaps because it was originally recorded in 1983. "Rise" is yet another disappointment from Al. Al's voice is such a fun voice to listen to, and in this tune it is masked by unnecessery effects. Fortunately, though, this song has some more funky effects placed on the music which makes it kind of interesting. Still, this song never really stands out from the rest. "Opium" closes out the album with style as Rob lets the listener drift away into this mystical song that floats above the ground and never settles down. A hidden track of "Captain America" exists at the end and is sort of a pain because, well, the listener has to wait in silence when it would be more beneficial for the CD to repeat or for the player to move to the next disk. All in all, this is a pretty good disk for moe. as they seemed to have a good time experimenting. The biggest disappointments are that Chuck never really gets to work in any of his stuff, Al's songs are un-Al, and there are no long, extended Rebubula-esque jams. "Captain America," "Faker," "New York City," "Can't Seem to Find," "In a big Country," and "Opium" are the highlights and should be highly praised. The rest is so-so. All in all... it IS worth buying. Enjoy."