Search - And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead :: Worlds Apart / Back in NYC / Porpoise Song

Set the record straight

Edward M. Charlton | Richmond, Va. USA | 10/15/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, so we have one extremely negative review and one completely joyous take. How is the new single? Well, for one thing, it's certainly different. As a huge fan of the band's entire catalog, this was the first release where I wasn't knocked of my feet with the first listen. It's not that it is bad (contrary to the negative review) but simply it's not the typical Trail of Dead style that so many fans have grown comfortable with. "World's Apart" is a short, jangling track that after a few seconds erupts into a beautiful melody, complete with COnrad Keeleys beautiful voice. While the music is not as bombastic as previous releases, the lyrical content and delivery is sharp. A strong chorus gives the song a unique feel, almost wistful, which has recently left many as saying that the song has an irish, pub rock feel. Think of it as a Pub song for the sonic pedal rock set. The two covers are okay, and are played pretty straight forward, with perhaps a little more edge than the originals. But again, Trail of Dead are brilliant song writiers, and that is their specialty. Lastly, remember the band's infatuation and connection with art rock, a musical genre that is supposed to confront the listener, not lavish them with a style that they have grown to expect."

Relax people...

J. Williams | Toronto, Canada | 11/27/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Just because the one original song on this single doesn't sound like anything on Source Tags and Codes doesn't mean they've sold out, or that they suck now, or anything. So you don't like the new song. Big deal. The fact that at least 2 reviewers think that Trail of Dead will never be the same based on ONE song is ridiculous!



I had the pleasure of seeing Trail of Dead live not too long ago. They still rock just as hard as they ever did. The new song is pretty good live to. It's played with a 12 string...



Another new song they played live is a song called "Will You Smile Again". In fact, they opened with this song. You think they don't rock hard anymore? Download this song, if you can. Then tell me they don't rock just as hard as before.



And a word about the covers. As a person who owns all their other singles, I feel I can say that their singles is where Trail of Dead like to experiment the most. They have songs on there that don't sound like anything else they've ever done, and if you're an idiot - like a couple of these past reviewers - you can get really freaked out, and go "oh no, Trail of Dead isn't the same anymore!" Or you can say, "interesting...I wonder how this off-shoot experimentation will affect thier next album." And frankly, if you expect a band, especially one like Trail of Dead to sound like one album forever, you're a moron and shouldn't be allowed to listen to good music.



In conclusion, no "Worlds Apart" doesn't sound like anything off of Source Tags and Codes. That makes me excited about the new album to see how they're going to surprise me and make me think about what they choose to do with their music this time around. Other people think they've sold out because they don't sound the same forever. Unless you're a hardcore fan who likes to pick up all their singles just to hear those songs that didn't make it on an album, it's probably not a necessary buy. If you are that person (like me), go ahead and pick this one up. I don't think you'll be disappointed. And if you think the new album is going to sound like Source Tags and Codes, don't buy it. If you think it's going to be a sell out record, buy it and be proven wrong."

Methods are definately in TOD's madness

Joseph Meiring | Muncie, IN United States | 11/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're a true fan of the trail of dead, you should understand that a large part of the band's focus is the evolution and growth of its sound. Following their releases, from their first self titled all the way to this new single (and very likely their new album), this sounds like an engenius direction to take the band. I completely disagree with some of the previous reviewer's opinions that the band's new sound is constructed to get on the radio, or to sell out. Quite on the contrary; from what I've heard, I feel that their music sounds more experimental than ever. Guitar textures are nothing like anything on the radio and their concept is very unique. To get another taste of their new sound, go to their website and check out the clips from the new upcoming album... their absolutely amazing. I am completely convinced that this is going to be a groundbreaking album for the trail of dead... personally, one of my most cherished bands of all time. Rock on!"