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August 21, 2008

Review: 'Ulysses'

I got a chance to check out Goh Nakamura's new CD last week, and with the official release show happening last night, wanted to post up some quick thoughts on it.

Overall impressions

Probably what I like most about it -- because I think it's hard to do -- is that "Ulysses" has a consistent feel throughout the whole CD, but every song doesn't sound the same either. You still get individual highlights and tracks, but they all co-exist together without a need to appeal to every single listener, and in that way, you get what you expect.

Hot Tracks

I've been listening to the CD a lot -- on my MP3 player, computer, in my car -- and while later on I'm sure other tracks will get under my skin, here's a list of some that I'm definitely into:

Home: Probably three reasons I like this. One is that it was the first track I heard from the CD (so it sticks with me), two is the piano, and the third is I just like the sentiment of the song.
Sarah Rose: It just reminds me of "Almost Famous," Francis McDormand saying "They're on pot," and Zooey Deschanel leaving to be a flight attendant.
Suitcase: Because of the infectious melody and guitar hook.
Red Balloons: At least for now, I think vocally it's the best track on the CD, and any song which makes references to board games and geometry is O.K. in my book.
Telemachus: I like the trippy feel but I also like the placement of it on the CD.
Shoulder: I don't really know how else to explain it except that it has this kind of old school Beatles' rock vibe that doesn't pummel you, but keeps you going, and it'll definitely become a staple of my late-night-driving-windows-open-I-just-need-to-be tunage.