Review: Dan Wilson - Free Life
Label: American Recordings
Released: October 16, 2007
If you enjoyed Dan Wilson's band, Semisonic, than you'll enjoy his solo work as well. You'll also have to explain to all your friends why you like music that sucks, but that's beside the point. If you had the good sense to hate Semisonic than you'll likely hate this also...mostly.
Dan Wilson takes more of a folk rock approach on this album with only some alt rock leanings. Of course, I should be hesitant to use the word rock at all in this case, because it's something Wilson really fails to do. There's nothing wrong with the playing on this album and Wilson clearly has a good voice. The production is a bit thin in places, but stays crisp. The album is entirely listenable, but also entirely unenriching. Really, there are a few songs on this album that actually approach being good in places where the music sounds more organic and Wilson keeps his voice out of the upper registers. While a good soul singer can hit the high notes and energize the song, Wilson's voice has the opposite effect, deflating any energy the song may have built.
In a sense, Dan Wilson is like an alt rock James Taylor. There are hints that he's got some talent, yet his complete inability to fulfill his own promise makes the album fall even flatter than if it had no promise at all. If you like Semisonic, you might give this album 8/10, but I'd give you 1/10, so your opinion doesn't matter.
Rating: 3/10
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By the way, I have an extra promo copy of this CD. It's free to the first person who can make a compelling argument for why Rick Rubin touched this with a ten foot pole (he's executive producer). You can leave your answer in the comments, but be sure to contact me here as well so I know how to get in touch with you if you win.
posted by bob_vinyl at 11:08 PM
3 Comments:
Please, please, please tell me that the cover isn't some cheesy Photoshopped clouds forming themselves into a giant 'fuck you' finger.
Oh, and as for why Rick Rubin was executive producer, well... I don't really know. But keep in mind, generally the executive producer puts up the money but isn't involved in the day-to-day creation of the album. So why did Rick Rubin deem this worthy of money? I dunno... maybe he had too much laying around, and Barry Manilow wasn't interested in getting the Rick Rubin treatment?
Here's an interesting fact I just learned: Wilson was part of Trip Shakespeare. I never liked them, but they were well-regarded back in the day.
Here's another interesting fact I just learned: Allmusic was very generous with four-star reviews for Semisonic, White Lion, and Silverchair.
And the last fact for the night: If you need a flyswatter and the only thing nearby is a copy of Santi by The Academy Is..., it'll work just fine. Whack away.
Hmmmm... this is the second time you've completely trashed something and then offered a copy to your readers. Maybe you should rename the site to RNR Passive Aggressive Nonsense.
Chuck - Despite the fact that your info about the role of the executive producer isn't exactly a revelation to me or most other people, you should be careful. If no one else enters, you might find yourself the less than proud owner of a new Dan Wilson CD!
It did occur to me that both things I've had copies of to offer to my readers have been stinkers. I'll talk to my connections in the business about that. Seriously though, I think there will be some better stuff coming.
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