I’m Hearing A New Direction….
4
By dfs61
I’ve read the negative reviews of NOW’s latest collection, and, to be honest, I, too, was a bit disappointed upon first listen. Let’s face it: NOTHING they’ve done since the lofty heights of “Carboot Soul” and “Smoker’s Delight” has come close to mimicking those apexes (or apices, depending upon your vernacular). Granted, there’ve been subsequent collections — is the term “album” used anymore? — that have had some smashing tunes; alas, nothing with the consistency of the aforementioned. (I was severely disappointed with their last “album”; although, after quite a number of listens, I gave it the benefit of the doubt.) So, I digress…. This latest, “Feelin’ Good,” doesn’t quite hit the heights of years past; however, the overall consistency is quite formidable, and harks to a “fork in the road” (so to speak) in NOW’s musical direction. “Be, I Do” is simply smashing, with its itchy arrangements, and simple, yet powerful message. The opening tune is certainly reminiscent of earlier instrumentals. “H(om)e” is an hypnotic, trance-like, meditation of something both calm and spooky. (And the title is quite clever.) There’s only a couple of misfires here (in my opinion), with the loser being, “Masterplan.” Yes, the musical arrangement is other-worldly, foreboding, and even outré; nonetheless, the vocals and lyrics are (for me) tinny, juvenile and derivative. Overall, I think this is a fantastic “comeback” (of sorts) for NOW. I’d give it an extra ½ star, if I could….
