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Blues Traveler
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Truth Be Told
Sanctuary Records
Release: 8/05/2003
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Rated:
Review by:
Lindsey M. Keen
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The early 1990's opened our ears, and eyes for that matter,
to great jam bands like Blues Traveler, Spin Doctors,
Widespread Panic and Phish. 2003 has been a difficult year
for listeners, to say the least. Most of us know that Phish is
finished; Widespread Panic will be on a temporary hiatus
after this fall tour; and the Spin Doctors...where are they
now?
Throughout the years, Blues Traveler has remained a staple
figure in the industry by cranking out powerful albums, one
after the other. And even while experiencing great heartache
with the loss of bassist Bobby Sheehan and the two-time
hospitalization of
vocalist John Popper, the band has nevertheless grown
stronger, continuing to play for their fans. In 2000, the band
added keyboardist Ben Wilson and bassist Tad Kinchla and
announced a summer tour, their first attempt to move on
since the death of Sheehan. The following year, Blues
Traveler released their first abum with the new lineup,
Bridge, and has since provided their fans and
music lovers two more albums, What You and I Have
Been Through, a travelogue of classic BT hits, and
Truth Be Told.
Don't be fooled by the humble sound of Truth Be
Told. Behind Popper's hypnotic harmonica style
comes some of the best songwriting BT's released to date.
Each band member collaborated with Popper to offer
talented lyrical statements, while continuing to focus on the
band's ability to remain unassuming yet
extraordinary.
Ultimately, the new release has quickly moved up my list of
favorites and has earned the greatest reward my rockin'
heart could give out, a semi-permanent fixture in my CD
case. I'm obliged to point out that this album isn't as
harmonica-driven as many of their previous efforts, it
organically blends the talents of all members, forging a unity
constructed since the death of Sheehan. Even so, it's songs
like "Eventually (I'll Come Around)" and "Thinnest of Air"
that evoke the dancer in us to throw our arms into the air,
spin in circles and shake our money maker.
"Can't See Why" expresses Popper's flamboyant personality
on the harmonica, Chan's fiery electric guitar stylings,
Brennan Hill and Tad Kinchla's pulsating low-end rhythms
and Wilson's heartbreaking piano, blending them all together
to create a rock-n-roll union. Then there's "My Blessed Pain."
This one's so hot it makes your jaw drop. While many of the
songs in a way try to replicate some version of their
traditional
sound, this one stands alone in its humorous lyrics and
swinging melody.
Truth Be Told gives a fresh new vibe to Blues
Traveler fans and puts forward a flavorful, diverse sound,
more rewarding in comparison to their previous releases.
The album's name should say it all; each song gives
listeners a truthful insight into the lyrical lives of all members
of the band and continues to carry on the distinctive sound
that Blues Traveler calls their own. |
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