The Weight Is a Gift

by

Nada Surf

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Matthew Caws understands the value of hardship and speaks of it so eloquently it moves me every time I listen to "The Weight is a Gift". Ever asked yourself the age-old question, "why do bad things happen to good people" or "why me"? Ever think about personal responsibility in regards to your feelings? This cd may bring comfort and answers. It does so for me.

But that was not my first impression upon listening to this cd. After the first listen I was so-so about it; basic, well-crafted pop that would likely gather dust on the shelf. But instead of blowing it off I kept listening and Nada Surf pulled me in. It's very well recorded, the band plays great and Caws has a wonderful voice, and all this leading to a performance that is more than the sum of it's parts. Now I cannot listen to "Weight" without being moved.

There is a lifetime of experience in these 11 songs and Nada Surf lays it out ever so eloquently. In regards to both the music and the metaphor, believe it: the weight IS a gift.

I know this isn't going to necessarily be a popular opinion, but I don't think this album has much going for it. Please, if you are considering purchasing this album get a pair of headphones and listen to the samples first. The first few tracks were strong, but it certainly tailed off. I suppose after the surprise classic 'Let Go' I may have been expecting too much. But that piece of work was head, shoulders, and belly button above 'the weight...' both lyrically and instrumentally. If you are looking for a 'blonde on blonde' type of track, you are not going to find it here. Am I dissapointed? Yes. Will I still give the next Nada Surf album a listen? Of course... but I wont be expecting too much if this album was any indication.