tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144078016221098458.post3446722347949488415..comments2023-10-14T04:44:04.484-05:00Comments on Stars and Slights: New O.A.R. Single HeavenBrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06502350985835869354noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144078016221098458.post-30139116780202272322011-06-28T19:20:11.595-05:002011-06-28T19:20:11.595-05:00I've heard the acoustic version and it's n...I've heard the acoustic version and it's nice but too sparse. I added this acoustic performance from a radio show they did recently because it's much closer to how it should sound in my opinion. <br /><br />It's a decidedly catchy tune that I think will be infinitely better live sans choir and with a little sax here and there.<br /><br />Again, let's just hope the entire album isn't like this.Justin Cateshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06491881987890926778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144078016221098458.post-31728429981088518732011-06-28T13:12:55.450-05:002011-06-28T13:12:55.450-05:00It's a decent enough song, but I'm sorry t...It's a decent enough song, but I'm sorry to say that it's starting to sound like a blend of full-blown pop rock and something Ricky Martin-ish. The choir cheapens it for me; bands like Kings of Leon and Airborne Toxic Event have all tinkered with this on recent albums. It's some trend in trying to fill-out otherwise basic tunes. Again, strong musical qualities. I just have a sort of loathing for the departure from classic, rhythmically-driven, pseudo-reggae O.A.R. Their increased popularity among the under 18 crowd should speak loudly enough.Sienknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144078016221098458.post-6724840108514125812011-06-28T12:59:56.040-05:002011-06-28T12:59:56.040-05:00I think they actually went with a new label for th...I think they actually went with a new label for this album, so perhaps that is playing a role in the production quality. Now that I think about it, they also had this issue on "All Sides".<br /><br />I do agree that there is a miss on sax here.<br /><br />There's an acoustic version of Heaven that I got via free download from their website and it actually sounds a lot better than this 'studio' version.<br /><br />As far as the rest of the album it's hard to tell how it will go but I am reserving judgment until hearing in its entirety.<br /><br />At the very least, the sentinment and inspiration behind the album can not be forgotten, regardless of whether the production quality is up to acceptable standards.Brianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06502350985835869354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7144078016221098458.post-80660905154851109322011-06-28T12:06:11.732-05:002011-06-28T12:06:11.732-05:00"A new drum kit or recording style is promine..."A new drum kit or recording style is prominently displayed on Heaven, giving the tune an almost techno layer smoothed out with R&B notes."<br /><br />If by that you mean they compressed the hell out of the drums until they sounded like a programmed beat, than we agree.<br /><br />I like the lyrics, and Marc's voice is actually really strong here but the production makes it sound like just another garbage top 40 pop song. <br /><br />I mean a choir? Really? Super cheesy and i just can't get over those "drums". And BRILLIANT call on no sax solo. When I think of O.A.R. I think of Jerry playing guitar.<br /><br />Thankfully, if you believe the band the rest of the album isn't like this. All I can say is it better not be.Justin Cateshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06491881987890926778noreply@blogger.com