I have often spewed the preaching of Blue October, within this forum as well as in daily conversation. Justin Furstenfeld is one of the most phenomenal lyricists of modern day. Plagued with internal demons like a really cool Poe, he weaves tales of madness and fury seeped in love and passion. Insanity never sounded more beautiful.
I cant recall a day that I haven't flipped on one of their songs- that's rather interesting from someone who with audio ADD, I cant sit still long enough to hear a song through but for Blue October, I'll sit down shut up and feel it.
Now there is Ugly Side, acoustic Blue October. I have often thought spoken word would be a great vehicle for these songs. Maybe if spoken people would hear better.
I looked forward to this release and once it arrived savored it like a rare chocolate. Slowly unwrapping it not wanting the voracity of my want to dilute the power of what I held in my hands.
The opening song "Ugly Side" missed it for me. It seemed more hollow than it should, less intense and I began to be concerned that maybe acoustic was a mistake. Justin in his nasal falsetto seemed more awkward than powerful. The harmonies were somewhat curious, was this perhaps not engineered properly? "It Hurts it hurts' followed by cheers just was wrong.
But hang on, don't ever give up on Blue October.
After a rather disappointing start the real sound arrives in the form of "The Answer" my "AH HA" moment, there they are powerful strong and disturbed, just the way they should be.. "Into The Ocean" works but its more of a white boy rap in this version- I'm not complaining. I actually dig it
The hands down winner on this little morsel is "Picking up Pieces" the violin is haunting, the fantastic drumming just sends chills down my spine. This song is by far one of the most engaging of recent releases, Justins commentary is perfect. As a matter of fact this song is perfect and if you're on a budget get this one. Wow. Jawdropping.
I had looked forward to the acoustic version of "The End", meh.. its good but the original version is much more sinister. I guess its hard to be spooky acoustic, not sure. I am in no way calling this version bad- its very, very good. The Ugly Side version just falls a teeny bit flat of my expectation.
I love this album. I love Blue October. I am not sure how I can feel such a connection to a band as this but I do. Emotionally vulnerable with a chip on their should the guys of Blue October take you on a psychiatric roller coaster that will have you reaching for a stiff one to numb the flood of feelings. Intense even unplugged, seriously grab Picking Up Pieces if nothing else and do it quick.