End of an Era
Bradley Whiddon | Oklahoma City, OK | 08/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Every time the Mendoza Line graces us with a new album, I'll say to anyone within earshot "This is not only their best album yet, but the best album of the year!" I have to admit that some of those proclamations haven't stood the test of time, the album falling out of my rotation after a couple of months, due to no fault of their own. And I always seem to go back to 'Like Someone in Love' more than any of their other efforts when I'm feeling "Mendoza Linish", which is quite often.
Starting with 'We're All in This Alone', where Shannon McArdle first made her presence known, save for some backup on their previous effort, her songwriting has gotten better with each album. Her first stabs at it left a bit to be desired in my humble opinion, but with each new album I've been amazed at how great she has become. I don't think it was until 'Fortune' that I really began liking her songs as much as I did the others. With this new album, however, her songs take center stage. Her voice has never sounded better and her songs never more fully realized.
Timothy Bracy, though, is a different story altogether. I have to admit that it was his songs that I first fell in love with oh so many moons ago when I first heard 'Like Someone in Love' and it's his songs that I find myself drooling over with each new release. From `The Triple Bill of Shame' and `The Queen of England' to `Fellow Travelers,' `Our Consumptive King,' and `Settle Down Zelda,' his songs have struck a chord in me like no other. The songs on '30 Year Low' continue in this same vein and I'm sure I'll be adding `Aspect of an Old Maid' and `Love on Parole' to that list of songs that open up every mix tape I ever dream up but never get around to making.
So here I go again, just like I knew I would. '30 Year Low' is not only their best album yet, but the best album of the year. It's a rare band that can capture my attention and devotion with each release as this band has and it was a sad day in my house when I opened Pitchfork and read of their divorce and the demise of the band.
Whatever happens next, you can rest assured that I'll be first in line to check it out.
"
D-I-V-O-R-C-E
William Boyd | SLC, Utah | 09/24/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the best divorce album since Richard and Linda Thompson's Shoot out The Lights. A terrific, torrid piece of Alternative country-rock that reminds you that "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned". One of the obscure surprises of the year."
The Mendoza Line is Dead. Long Live the Mendoza Line.
armenianthunder | los angeles | 12/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A good Mendoza Line song is like a bottle of horrible rotgut bourbon. It may keep you warm for a few hours, but ultimately you'll be sobbing quietly in the bathroom at some point the next morning. That said, the Mendoza Line deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as bands like The Mekons, The Go-Betweens, and their heroes The Replacements, and their songs will last just as long. Buy this double CD for the cover of "Packs of Three," but keep it for the smoking hot new tunes "Aspect of an Old Maid" and "31 Candles.""
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1