Search - Pedro the Lion :: Only Reason I Feel Secure

C&R W. (unhappybirthday)
Reviewed on 9/27/2011...

This is a great album. Strong song-writing and nice music. Stand-out (amazing) tracks include,"Criticism as Inspiration" and "I am Always the One Who Calls". I love the honesty of David Bazan's lyrics. This re-issue includes 3 extra tracks.

"It makes me feel so good to always tell you when you're wrong. The big man that I am to always have to put you down, put you down. It makes me feel so good to always tell you when you're wrong. The big man that I am to always have to put you down. It makes me look so good to always put you in your place. I can write it in a song but never say it to your face, to your face." - "Criticism as Inspiration"

"Clear as a bell are the short breaths that you take when you're distracted. Same as the way that you roll your eyes when I've asked too many stupid questions." - "I am Always the One Who Calls"

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Biased and Conscience Stricken

Peter Swift | Cogan Station, PA United States | 04/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It pains me to call this remastered EP my favorite from Pedro the Lion, but sadly it is. I feel as if any musical credibility I have is lost when my favorite album by an artist is not only an EP, but also a remastered and rereleased EP. The full name of this EP, of course, is "The Only Reason I Feel Secure...is because I'm validated by my peers." See? Even the title is great! However, the music is far more interesting than the title. From the way I understand the lyrics, I would say that this EP has far more spiritual directness and openness than any of Bazan's previous releases - even to the point of including a hymn (Be Thou My Vision) on this release. The songs "Letter from a Concerned Follower," "Be Thou My Vision," and "Diamond Ring" all have a distinctly Christian message and with the exception of "Vision," they all reflect a superior writing style in their intelligent and heartfelt lyrics (not that Vision doesn't, but...well, Bazan didn't write it). The subtle sarcasm in "Concerned Follower" powerfully drives home a problem with contemporary philosophy and the secularizing power of information and technology while "Diamond Ring" fools listeners until the last verse when the audience is forced to recognize God as the narrator. The other songs certainly can't be ignored - whether full of spiritual content or not. "Criticism as Inspiration" is a fantastic song about pride and moral superiority with a clever ending that partially turns the tables on the narrator. Following Criticism is "I am the one who always calls" which describes a seemingly failing long-distance and impersonal relationship that relies on the internet and phones...discussing modern methods of communication seems to be taboo in this genre of emo/folk, but Bazan's lyrics are unabashed and intelligent. The line: "my faith in zeros and ones / to host our romance" is obvious...but very original and descriptive. Bazan's lyrics, as usual, are fantastic.The last couple of songs on this extra long EP are also not throw-aways. While they might not be original, Inventor and Big Trucks are still both fantastic Pedro songs and their inclusion as "rarities" is definitely worthwhile. I proudly give this EP 5 stars but I'm tempted to post this anonymously."

Who says you cant say the 'F' word and be an f-ng Christian?

marvelsquantis | Las Vegas, NV | 01/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a Christian, its hard to find good 'Christian' music that isnt dripping with cheese or the words grace or Jesus in every other line and yet is till some what transforming. Pedro the Lion is a band that has been able to find that rare balance between reality and hope without turning into a bunch of saps with huge ad libbed solos and such. Great lyrics and stripped down instrumentation make it seem like you are having a jam session in the living room with some freinds. The 'scrathiness' of the album adds to its grittines, which helped me at least, to invite these truths into my world. While the lead singer can sound a bit like a whiner at times, his style matches the music. Who searches for meaning without a little bit of heartache in the voice? Def. a great album, for believers and non- believers and anyone else who just likes good music."