Super Extra Gravity

by

The Cardigans

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I've been a Cardigans fan since their 1995 album "Life". Every album this band puts out is quite different from the others; and Super Extra Gravity continues this tradition. It doesn't sound like any other Cardigans record.

If you're already a Cardigans fan I can explain Super Extra Gravity like this...

It rocks harder than Long Gone Before Daylight.

It doesn't rock as hard as Gran Turismo.

It's nowhere near as poppy as Emmerdale, Life, or First Band on the Moon.

If what I just wrote makes no sense to you...

If you're a new Cardigans fan I would recommend you buy their 1995 album "Life" first. If you like it - move onto "First Band on the Moon" and proceed chronologically; going back for 1994's "Emmerdale" last. In my opinion getting the Cardigans CDs in this order lets you truly experience the growth of this band. Very cool.

The Cardigans continue to develop as a band; and with each new record they take their fans in a completely new direction. That's one of their best qualities; and why Super Extra Gravity is an excellent record. In my opinion it's not their best; but it is very good.

Favorite tracks are "I Need Some Fine Wine And You, You Need To Be Nicer" and "Godspell".

The Cardigans have been a favorite of mine for many years due to their tremendous ability to balance creativity and heart. Making music that is especially rewarding because it is sonically interesting and emotionally endearing at the same time. They've done this with a wide array of sounds and approaches. Listen to "Gran Tourismo" alongside "Emmerdale" and you'll see what I mean. I don't know what to expect from The Cardigans, but I can always trust I'll find something truly original and warm, right? Well, for me, that changed with "Long Gone Before Daylight." I listened to it over and over and could not enjoy it even when I tried to force myself to like it. It left me feeling like I bought a Sheryl Crow record. Not that that's a bad thing, but it doesn't appeal to me. That said, I think "Super Extra Gravity" plays like an improved revision of "Long Gone Before Daylight." Don't anticipate varied instrumentation, time signatures, unsual melodies, surprising sounds. This is a pretty straightforward mid tempo rock album. No surprises. They attempt to strip off the fun stuff and open a vein, but for my ears, their isn't enough to draw me in. Again, I've listened to this many, many times with the hope it will grow on me, but it's a C level record, in my opinion. The opening track, however, is well worth owning.