Search - New Amsterdams :: At the Foot of My Rival +3

How Did You Miss This?

Sao Paulo | 02/07/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I asked myself that question all the way through about four listens of this album. I own one other New Amsterdams album, but I bought them at the same time, so this was an introduction.



For me this is a really poignant album. It is very thoughtfully arranged, which it sounds like from longtime New Amsterdams fans is characteristic of the band. This album is just a great listen all the way through.



It also has its standout moments. The two rock tracks on this album are really phenomenal: "A Beacon in Beige" and "Without a Sound (Eleanor)". In this sense the album reminds me of Augustana.



Other standouts: "Silverlake" and "Drunk or Dead". Some may ding them for somewhat simplistic lyrics, but the same can be said about critic favorite Elvis Perkins or pretty much every other artist (including Dylan at times, IMO). So then as always it is up to the listener. I will put this lyric from "Drunk or Dead" agaist any other tune I've heard this year



Don't tell me about the sins of man

I felt the sting of God's right hand



Don't miss this."