They've come a long way since the days of "If I had $1,000,000." Following the success of Stunt two years ago, the original boy band Barenaked Ladies are millionaires.
Barenaked Ladies
Maroon
Reprise Records
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The band's new cd, Maroon, which they released last week, has a slightly different sound than its previous albums, though. It still has the silly character customary to BNL (the CD was named because "maroon" is such a good word to rhyme with). And it still has its catchy ditties, but it also offers a whole new moodier and more honest sound.
Songs take on dark subject matter ranging from commercialism to being in a car crash. But it is done in an upbeat way so that people have to take a step back before they realize what they're singing along to.
The CD is definitely one that could be listened to straight through. Its mixture of tempos and rhythms keeps the listener from boredom. The CD begins with the same traditional BNL pop, but as the album progresses the songs slow down. The secret track at the end is rather depressing, sung by Kevin Hearn, who had a bout with cancer since Stunt was released.
Even the lighthearted-sounding "Pinch Me," which debuted on radio before the CD was released, seems to talk about a relaxing summer afternoon, but really it speaks about someone who is overweight and can't get out of bed.
Despite this, though, the tune is catchy and the lyrics can't help but spark a smile, especially "Take a drink right from the hose" and "I just made you say underwear." This song is also the only one featuring Ed Robertson on lead vocals, unlike past CDs where there has been a mixture of both Steven Page and Robertson.
The only song one might skip over is "Baby Seat." The lyrics' message of growing up and not letting people walk all over you is a good one, but the song itself is whiny and annoying.
The entire CD is in keeping with BNL's offbeat nature, but Maroon proves that the band has evolved from singing about dijon ketchup.
