Golden State
by J.P Moriarty
The return of Bush. From the first song that has recently gained radio airplay, one may think that this album was going to be a return of the raw Bush that really captured a fan base with its debut album, Sixteen Stone. But is this really the case? Would this be the beginning of a new chapter in the book of Bush? Or has the first single misguided us into believing it is something that it really isn’t? Well, after listening to Golden State, the newly released album from the band, that question is laid to rest fairly quickly.
Track one of this disc is titled “Solutions,” has a nice mellow vibe that goes into a heavy, yet somehow relaxing chorus. This is a great start to the album, which sounds like, what I would describe as a more matured Sixteen Stone. As the record goes through the next couple songs, it really gives the feeling of the Bush of old, including the first radio release “The People That We Love.” Though in my opinion it may not be the best song on the CD, it is still a good tune and will prepare people for what’s to come.
I move on to track four where I find a song called “Superman.” Yes, I know, the last thing the world needs is another “Superman” song. But against my better judgement, I listen to the song and surprisingly find that this is still pretty darn good. That really sums up the level of quality that is found in Golden State. I mean, any band that can make a cheeseless Superman song is on a wavelength of its own right now. Oh, and the guitar tone throughout the CD. Damn do I love them Mesa Boogies. So frickin thick, yet you can still make out every note strummed.
This CD, as I go from track to track, really has a great mix of their traditional bass driven verses with the heavy guitars making themselves felt when the chorus kicks in, as found in “Hurricane” and “Reasons,” along with simply kick ass rocking songs like “My Engine Is With You.” But when I got to the song “Inflatable,” I just knew that this was the one that goes out to all the ladies in the house. Seriously though, if this song doesn’t make the girls swoon, nothing will. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, as this song really is something special on this album filled with great songs. And that says a lot about it.
My personal favorite song on this CD is a number called “Land Of The Living.” This, this is the Bush I remember and loved. Damn, did I mention how incredible this CD is yet? I mean, honestly, this is how I remember feeling when I first bought Sixteen Stone. Just song after song, never skipping a beat. Maybe instead of trying to sneak in a line item into latest bill to combat terrorism, making it legal for the record companies to hack into private citizens computers to remove mp3 files, they should pass a bill making it mandatory for every CD they release to be this good. Fascist bastards. But I digress.
The remaining songs at the end of the disc include “Out Of This World” and another by the name of “Float,” a song with a chorus that is just simply thick and great like a good Guiness. A great end to an absolutely great album. Obviously, this purchase has really been worth it for me. Oh, did I mention how good this CD is. Yes? Good.
Well, to everyone who thought they shot their wad in their first album, please check this out. I consider myself a fan of their good music, but not so much a fan that I would like a song or album simply because they wrote it. They earned my admiration with Sixteen Stone, but didn’t impress too much with the follow-ups. But with this album, they re-set the bar a little higher of what I believe their capabilities are. Of the new CDs I’ve heard in 2001, this is definitely on the Top 5 list.