Towards the end of my freshman year in college, my friend Sam was raving about this new band that I had to check out. At the time, their first single "Hang Me Up To Dry" was a free download on iTunes, so of course I downloaded it. It was the kind of song that I instantly knew all of the words to and always sang along. I picked up Robbers and Cowards and the album found it's way onto my regular rotation on my iPod.
Robbers and Cowards received very positive reviews overall from magazines and music blogs. While Loyalty to Loyalty received mixed reviews. It seemed as though listeners either loved it or hated it with barely any middle ground. Last Tuesday, Cold War Kids released their 3rd album.
Mine Is Yours is a step in a different direction for Cold War Kids. The band enlisted the help of Jacquire King who has produced for, Kings of Leon, Mutemath, and Modest Mouse. On previous albums, Robbers and Cowards and Loyalty to Loyalty, I enjoyed the bands gritty and often, very un-refined sound. Mine is Yours completely raises the ante in production value and goes back to Robbers and Cowards more simplistic lyrics. They even try using a hip-hop synthesized beat in the song, "Sensitive Kid" that just sounds awkward and out of place. Some listeners may like the new sound. It does take the band to a more mainstream type of sound, and may broaden their fanbase. With that, comes the price of isolating fans of their original sound.
Some of my favorite Cold War Kids songs are:
From Robbers and Cowards
“Hang Me up to Dry” (music video)
“Hair Down”
“Hospital Beds” (music video)
“Rubidoux”
From Loyalty to Loyalty
“Welcome to the Occupation”
“I’ve Seen Enough” (music video)
“Relief”
As soon as I hear that bassline, there aren’t many things that compare to the feeling I get when I turn up “Relief” as loud as I can stand to hear it.
I’m still a Cold War Kids fan. I’m a little disappointed in some of the choices they made for Mine Is Yours. I’ll just be looking out for what comes next.
And I definitely hope to catch them when they perform in Chicago on March 11th at Rivera Theatre.
You can also stream Mine Is Yours for free here:
http://prettymuchamazing.com/reviews/albumreviews/mineisyours
Mine Is Yours track listing:
1. Mine Is Yours
2. Louder Than Ever
3. Royal Blue
4. Finally Begin
5. Out Of The Wilderness
6. Skip The Charades
7. Sensitive Kid
8. Bulldozer
9. Broken Open
10. Cold Toes On The Cold Floor
11. Flying Upside Down
Cold War Kids Official Website:
http://www.coldwarkids.com
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