Perhaps fun.’s reached their peak. For Record Store Day, they released a 5-song LP of redone versions of their old songs. Why? Because they can’t come up with any new material, that’s why.
The newer version of the tunes aren’t bad by any means- in fact, they’re songs of the band that I absolutely adore. I love hearing these different takes on the tunes, and they’re impressive, it’s just disappointing that the band hasn’t released anything new in a really long time.
“At Least I’m Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)” is way more toned down and feels raw, and I love it. Nate’s voice really shines and it has a very summery quality to it, like they recorded this around a campfire with friends. It’s adorable and really feels personal. It’s stripped down immensely but still has all the components and harmonies, it’s just not as produced. I am a firm believer that all music should be that way and to hear fun. like that, new and exposed, is great.
“Benson Hedges” is gorgeous. It’s way better than the one on the album and I could barely contain myself when I heard it. I instantly fangirled and wanted to dance around. It’s so well done and stunning and the harmonies are a hundred times better like this. They really transitioned a complicated tune to this format so well, and it’s by far the best on the LP.
As for “The Gambler”, one of the band’s more popular songs off “Aim and Ignite”, I was blown away by it. It feels so calm and rehearsed, perfected and polished. The piano is lovely, and carries Nate’s unique voice right into your heart. The sweet lyrics feel so genuine; you can hear the emotion. I really hope that this inspired the band to do more stuff that sounds like this, because it’s absolutely what they were meant to do. It comes so easy to them and it shows.
Who cares that they don’t have a new album yet? This LP will hold me over for a while longer.
