In 1995, Sunday Blue made their debut with Breathe, a critically-acclaimed album that drew a lot of publicity--too much, in fact, for Gray Dot Records' distribution. More importantly (to this reviewer at least), the extraordinary pop sensibilities of Drue Bachmann were being revealed. A near-fatal touring accident gave Bachmann inspiration for a new album, for which he reassembled most of the former members of Sunday Blue to create My Friend Stephanie. Heart-wrenching lyrics characterized Makeover, MFS' first record. The collapse of Innocent Media, the label to which the band was signed, left Bachmann in charge of everything from drawing radio support to booking and merchandising. The hard work paid off though, with a string of successful singles and a triumphant 1996-1997 tour. With All the Pieces, they returned to Gray Dot Records, and were finally able to settle down in a secure financial position and a good record label. Now, three years after All the Pieces, they return with One of Those Days.
One listen through One of Those Days will quickly assure the listener that My Friend Stephanie are a band to be reckoned with. Drue Bachmann's trademark vocals and honest lyrics propel an album of extraordinary talent and artistry. Excellent production helps pave the way for tight pop songs, melodic rock hooks and electric tracks. From the synthesizer-woven "If You Want It" to the intense and emotional rock song "Reality," One of Those Days gives us glimpses of the genius residing inside Bachmann.
This is modern rock at a high standard, rising above a lot of other bands and setting a benchmark for anyone wishing to make creative music. The tone shifts from intricate ballads to radio-friendly pop/rock songs. The title track is, as far as I'm concerned, the best track, sticking in your head like a piranha to its prey.
However, it is certainly not the only highlight on the disc. "Believe In You," which first made its debut as a demo on Gray Dot's Toast & Olive, has been fixed up a bit, with more electric guitars and a fuller sound than the original version. The pianos and contemplative mood of "Are You There" remind me of Ben Fold Five's "Brick."
The real prize in One of Those Days are the lyrics. Bachmann speaks from the heart, whether recalling memories, talking about lost love or thanking his parents. "1969" takes a political look at the year in which he was born, and is a lesson in history for those from more recent years. In aforementioned "Are You There," he talks about the comfort mothers can provide, as he states in the liner notes: "In the arms of your mother's love is a very safe place to be." "So Happy" is a friendly reminder that he knows how to write happy songs. "Mom and Dad" is another song to Bachmann's parents. As an introduction, Bachmann's father speaks about a time when Drue was in the hospital, and the family could hold thanksgiving together around his hospital bed. This little speech does get kind of tiring, but can easily be skipped because it is placed as a separate track. The acoustic atmosphere of the actual song makes it a nice tune of thanks.
The wind blows on an autumn day
As my mind thinks back I just have to say
I'm thankful
I'm so very thankful...
I've been criticized from the very start
But two people have been there with all of their heart
Maybe not understanding the things that I do
But they know that God speaks to me as well as them too...
After an eight and a half minute remake of 'Lullabye', drummer Tim"Yoki" Watts delivers a final couple of blows to the skins, and, like a heart that's been pounding rapidly but has calmed down, the album is over. But with a satisfied feeling tingling your body, you stick the record in for another spin.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
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