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+
Other coverage for this album
Opus 2000Reviewed by Jason MoreheadMusic is a fickle mistress. One minute, you're the darling of the critics and at the front of the kids' minds. The next, you're appearing on a Rhino compilation. And there are those things that are often mixed blessings. For example, the dreaded "you just recorded a perfect album and now you have to follow it with something even better" syndrome. Radiohead has it, thanks to OK Computer. According…Decapolis 1999Reviewed by TimThis isn't my fancy, but it is the best at this style of indie rock, or whatever you want to call it. B+Decapolis 1999Reviewed by ConradIt's great for what it is, not my cup of tea though (I like upbeat tempos). You'll like it if you like thoughtful music. Stuff to listen to when you are in a quiet contemplative mood. If you like that type of music, its really really good, worth checking out. B+Decapolis 1999Reviewed by TomPedro the Lion is one of my favorite bands. Their music is mellow(for the most part) and simple, yet their songs are written extremely well. Close your eyes, lay down in your bed, and let yourself get wrapped up in the story like songs of Pedro the Lion. David Bazan's voice is full of pure emotion that goes right from his heart to yours. A-Decapolis 1999Reviewed by dmkThere's something to be said for subtlety. Amidst the glut of kick and scream, swing and shake your booty rock coming across radio waves these days, it takes a truly unique spin on music to catch the picky music listener's ear and make them listen. Pedro the Lion is hardly the most original band in the world (Nothing eclectic in the musicianship or the presence), but it seems the entire lack of…Similar sounding releases
2005Chris StaplesBlackest Hair, Bluest Eyes
2003Joan of ArcSo Much Staying Alive and Lovelessness
2002Victory at SeaThe Good Night
1996BedheadBeheaded
2001The FramesFor the Birds
2003Live in JapanWhen I Was a LiarMore from Pedro the Lion
2000Progress
2000Winners Never Quit
2004Achilles Heel
1998It's Hard to Find a Friend
2002Control
1997Whole EP
