Search - Virginia Coalition :: Ok to Go

"Ok to Go" is far more than okay!

Laura A. Fisher | Maryland/D.C. | 10/05/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With the release of their latest album, "Ok to Go," Alexandria, VA-based band Virginia Coalition is back for another round of funk- and go-go-laced rock fun. Having recently signed with bluhammock music, VaCo (as they are affectionately called by fans) has churned out a new disc that is a smooth mix of new tunes from JP, Jarrett, Andy, and Paul, with a couple of reworked old favorites thrown in for good measure.

The CD starts off with the bouncy "Pick Your Poison," the apparent first single that fans are currently trying to push for radio play. Though not the album's best track, repeated listening will cause Jarrett Nicolay's throbbing, fluctuating bassline to get inside your head. Also, the rough, grainy sound of the vocals is an interesting twist that makes it memorable. The next track, "Last Goodbye," restores all faith in VaCo's ability to deliver with both irresistible, upbeat melodies and deep lyrics that are cute at the same time, like the teasing request to, "make me laugh/ you're bad ass/ if you're arrested you can give me a call." The first of the old favorites is track three, "Walk to Work." One of the band's favorites to play live, "W2W" draws on the band's D.C. roots and relies heavily on go-go beats. It's one of those songs that is perfect to listen to while driving around on a sunny afternoon, especially when you pull up to a stoplight and make the people in the car next to you wonder what in the world you are listening to that makes you move around so much. The rollicking drum line and crashing cowbells and echoing vocals spice up what was already one of the best tracks on 2003's "Rock and Roll Party."

The slower tracks are beautiful for their earnest hopefulness, like the stand out "Voyager 2." A beautiful tune that has already become a fan favorite, it is hard to stay in any kind of bad mood when the boys get you wondering what is waiting for us in the next life. The next two, "Mason-Dixon" and "Off the Air," are also calmer tunes. A twang and a singsongy Southern feel define the former, and the latter relies on a simple piano opening that rises to a pounding crescendo before abating into softness again like the ebb and flow of waves.

But the party's back for "Abby Are You Endless," the seventh track on the album. Here, John Patrick's pulsating drums and the scratchy guitar riffs show that while they are apt at slowing things down they are happiest when they are rocking out. However, the record slows again as if to tease the listener and it is well worth it. Lead singer Andy Poliakoff (also known as Andy Wonder) has said that he put in extra time working on his vocals before recording this album, and the result is pleasing evident and occasionally breathtaking. When his voice rises on the soft but powerful "Meteor" to proclaim that "You can be comforted by just how profound/ one little sound, I know/ this quiet endeavor," he perfectly sums up the chills that one will get from that combination of prophetic lyric and soaring vocals. "Come and Go," the second reworked song, is just as beautiful.

The CD finishes with the silly but refreshing ode to 80's fashion, "Bumpin' Fresh," which earnestly excuses the bullying of the mean kids in class by reminding, "That's okay it was pizza day." Lastly, "Places People" proves that when Virginia Coalition combines twinkling piano and a beat that will make it impossible to stop moving twitching your shoulders once the music trails off. Luckily, there a bonus track in the form of a funky cover of Blackstreet's "No Diggity" that uses its congas to rock in a way that the original never could.

"Ok to Go" combines elements of the band's previous four albums and manages to match the brilliant songwriting of each. Like many VaCo songs, the lyrics will have those unfamiliar with the band scratching their heads. But the quirky rhymes and obscure references to space shuttles and supremely uncool tennis shoes just make the band all the more charming for their originality and kookiness.

My advice to you is to buy the CD, of course, but even more so, make sure that you get to one of their shows. The band is touring nationwide right now, and even after the CD release-related buzz dies down will continue to tour on a regular basis, so there's really no excuse not to see them. As anyone who's ever been to a VaCo concert can tell you, they are unmatchable in their energy, creativity, and sincere desire to please their fans and make sure they are have an amazing time. Just watch percussionist Paul Ottinger and marvel at the sweat that literally flies off his forehead and showers the audience. So listen to the CD, learn the sweet poetry of the lyrics and the melodies that you have to struggle to get out of your head, and come to the show ready to scream your lungs out and dance around in exuberance. No mere head-bopping allowed- your efforts will be futile once Virginia Coalition get your hips shaking!

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Must have!

eclectic | 06/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"OK to Go is a must have! OK to Go is a great album for those of you unfamiliar with VACO's music. It demostrates their diverse sound: rock-based with different genres infused in their songs- from r&b to jazz to tech...Try to see them live! Their live performances are unmatched- great sounds with high energy and lots of fun make for an unbelievable show. Clear your schedule to see them when they're in your town!"

Best CD in my Collection

Torrance Parker | South Berwick, ME USA | 10/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Vaco's Newest CD "Ok to Go" is by far the best yet... You can listen to this CD from the first note to the last and be surrounded by enjoyment the whole time. Lyrics are amazing, music is amazing, CD is amazing. Would recommend this album to anyone"