There's a reason Winter of Our Discontent was already a pick of the month at the Tollbooth. At the time of its release, this reviewer called it "syrupy sweet synth pop. Warm bass lines, aggressive beats, luscious harmonies, and beautiful melodies add up to terrific pop songs." It was true at the time of its indie release, and it's still true now.
The album features what may well be the best song Joey B. has ever written. "Story of Our Lives" is one of the great pop songs of this or any time.
While it's understandable this re-release for BEC Recordings would not be identical to the version from A Different Drum, the independent synth pop label, it omits one of the best songs from that release. Starting with songs like "Ambler" on the classic Hope Springs Eternal Joey's songs have increasingly become personal and poetic reflections. "Heidi's Song" features some of Joey's most winsome lyrics yet. But this special edition release has dropped that song, along with "New Gold Dream" another of the standout tracks from the original release. So in addition to buying this new copy, fans will want to pick up the earlier version, for these two songs alone. The songs replacing those two are solid, but not as good.
It's encouraging to see BEC's interest in the band. This is a group that, despite its loyal fanbase, has never found its niche among Christian labels. Grunge, ska, punk, and other flavors of the month always garnered label support. BEC's no major label, but it does have a substantial following as a part of the Tooth & Nail family of record companies. Hopefully that credibility and a financial push could get this spectacular album into more hands.
The theme of winter is woven through the album, as Joey B. sings about the cold, gray world around him. Yet in the end, he simply longs for grace. Joey Belville's production skills have always been good, but have never been better than they are here. Virtually everything was played, created, and recorded on a computer. Yet the album maintains a warm, joyous feel. The original release may well be the group's most consistent album to date, although the special edition loses some of the thematic coherence.
Buy the new edition, if for no other reason that to support a band that deserves it. The music won't disappoint. But don't stop there. If you love hook-laden pop music, pick up the indie release to experience how warm Winter can sound.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Jonathan AvantsRecently signed onto the Tooth and Nail subsidiary label BEC, the echoing green was given a chance to birth their most recent underground baby into the wider populace with the help of the larger, more mainstream label. Now mind you, I usually despise it when an artist re-releases a previously- especially if it was a recently- released record with one or two "bonus" tracks and calls it a Special…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Steve WhiteHis musical prowess is undeniable, as the Echoing Green's Joey Belville creates syrupy sweet synth pop. Warm bass lines, aggressive beats, luscious harmonies, and beautiful melodies add up to terrific pop songs. Known for combining the fun of '80s synth with today's electronica, it's as a lyricist that Joey B. has shown the most growth. The band's latest, Winter of Our Discontent shows Belville…Similar sounding releases
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