Everybody here's got a story to tell
Everybody's been through their own Hell
There's nothing too special about getting hurt
But getting over it -- well, that takes the work.
Those four lines from "Duck and Cover," the song that opens the new Glen Phillips album Winter Pays for Summer, sum up thirteen tracks that mark Phillips' transition from lead singer of toad the wet sprocket to a more mature, thoughtful singer/songwriter.
Winter Pays for Summer is an album that explores both sides of the coin, a portrait of a man dealing with the joy ("Thankful") and pain ("Half Life") that life brings, and his quest to bring balance to it all. Through this examination, we are treated to introspective, ruthlessly self-examinatory tunes with some serious depth to them. Not only that, but Phillips and company (guests include Andy Sturmer, Jon Brion, Kristin Mooney, Ben Folds, Bleu, and Dan Wilson) give this disc a vitality that renders it almost too lush, with soaring harmonies and songs that range from quiet ponderings to radio friendly pop to concert hall rave ups.
"Courage," done in a Harry Nilsson/Rich Mullins vein, is a throwback to early '80's pop, dealing with the different ways people choose to cope. "Cleareyed" and "True," both co-written with Dan Wilson (Semisonic), deal with learning from the past and love, and the perspective that growing up can bring.
"Falling," the most toad the wet sprocket-tune of the disc, shows a man's inability not to fall deeper into love. "Half Life" is the evil twin, painting a somber picture of someone who either can not or will not devote themselves to a relationship.
"Gather" is a cry for peace, humility, and safety. Whether it's directed at the White House, a friend, or a marital partner is impossible to determine, but its plaintive message grabs the listener by the heart and refuses to let go:
The more we fight, the less it bends
Lay down your arms, gather your friends
Strengthen your heart, and this will end
Lay down your arms, gather your friends.
"Don't Need Anything," a Randy Newmanesque piano piece, shows its subject realizing how good things truly are, and reveling in his contentment, honestly appreciative for the gifts he has been given. It is the perfect closer to the album. As "Duck and Cover" portrays the search for peace and fulfillment, "Don't Need Anything" gives us hope that it is, in fact, attainable.
Amply supported by producer John Fields, Glen Phillips has given us the first intelligent pop masterpiece of the year. Winter Pays for Summer is, from beginning to end, an album that belongs next to the best works of Michael Penn, Aimee Mann, or The Waterboys on your CD rack. Simply, it is a wonderfully crafted album.
5 tocks
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