Pedro the Lion

Item: It's Hard to Find a Friend
Author: Tom Bastian

It's Hard to Find a Friend

(1998)

Reviewed by Tom Bastian

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Label Made in MexicoDecapolisJanuary 2002

indie rock lo-fi singer-songwriter slowcore

Before signing to Jade Tree Records the Seattle based indie rock band Pedro the Lion released a full-length and an EP on the now defunct Seattle based label, Made in Mexico. "It's Hard to Find a Friend" was the band's first attempt at a full-length release while the EP "The Only Reason I Feel Secure" was the band's much anticipated 2nd release for the label. Jade Tree records has re-mastered and re-released these two albums with brand new artwork.

Wow...where do I start. I wasn't really sure how I was going to go about reviewing these albums. Actually I didn't think I was going to review them at all until Jade Tree sent them our way. Then I decided, that I should at least help get the word out on these two re-releases for those of you who in some way have managed to not hear about this band or these two albums.

Starting out with "It's Hard to Find a Friend". Bottom line with this album is my favorite album of all time. I can honestly say that after having listened to the album for over 2 or 3 years now; the album reigns supreme in my top albums of all time list. This album has everything I look for in a song, let alone an entire album of great songs. Everything from catchy melodies to pop hooks and extremely creative and passionate lyrics, "It's Hard to Find a Friend" hits the mark on every key point I look for in a release. Jade Tree took the songs, re-mastered them, made them sound better and basically made the album available again by pressing it. I would even venture to say that this is a must have release for anyone that visits this site. I don't say that about many bands, albums or songs.

With the "Only Reason I Feel Secure" the album has also been re-mastered and given new artwork. Plus it also has been given two new songs. Both of which appeared on the much out of print 7" from 1998. The extra songs include an alternate recording of "Big Trucks" and "Diamond Ring".

Both of these releases I would consider a must have and we have the folks at Jade Tree records to thank for re-releasing these two gems. Also I believe this review allowed me to give the first A+ grade I have ever given to a release. Actually just off the top of my head the only other album I can think of right now that I would give an A+ would be the Beach Boys, "Pet Sounds". Just to kind of give you an idea of where I stand with these two releases.

A+