Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness - Upside Down Flowers (November 11, 2018) Album • Page 7

Holy shit

*MIND BLOWN*

I somehow never realized they had inner band issues. But I guess they made amends by the time the reunion tour happened.

 

How long has Bobby been playing with the Wilderness? I didn’t realize he was playing with Andrew again.

 

Pretty sure the Pen and the Piano tour was the first full-length commitment he was a part of (and the new upcoming tour)... I don't know if he is "officially" a member of the project, but given his increased involvement, it could be the case!

 

now that Bobby's back Andrew should do a cover of "Bobby Jean" except "Bobby Raw" while they stare aggressive love into each other's eyes on that inflatable duck

 

Wow - I didn't learn that until I was today years old

Also, amazing song

 

So good as always. Cannot wait for this to come out next week.

 

This is freaking incredible

 

This is highly anticipated for me. I have such high hopes. This seems on track to be his best work since Jacks Mannequin era.

 

“Paper Rain” is top three or four on the record for me, which is terrific. You guys are in for a treat.

 

any insight on what you like better? i'm a huge Andrew fan and have only really loved Paper Rain and Ohio so far.

 

I think my three favorites are "House in the Trees," "Careless," and "Penelope." The first of those might be my favorite song he's done since Glass Passenger.

I expect this record to be a lot less polarizing than Zombies. I have a hard time imagining any long-time Andrew fan not loving this. It sounds a lot more like a Jack's Mannequin record to me than it does like the first two Wilderness records. Butch's contributions are definitely a part of that.

 

Song is great. Album sounds great. We haven’t gotten one in this space from Andrew in a very long time

 

yeah I just wasn't a huge fan of Teenage Rockstars and Blue Vacation so I got nervous.

 

I really like "Teenage Rockstars." "Blue Vacation" is catchy, but it's probably one of my two least favorites on here. Kind of think there were better pre-release songs here than the ones he picked, but on the upside, the last four tracks haven't been spoiled at all and that's the best part of the record.

 

Haven't listened to any since Teenage Rockstars, but I'm sure he'll be playing a few on Sunday at the Dear Jack Benefit.

Also noticed Matt Nathanson was in Boston yesterday and am secretly hoping he's going to pop up Sunday night.

 

Ive only listened to this song once and it’s already great! Lyrically reminds me of Springsteen in the best way.

I really could get into the “stadium pop” style that was on a lot of the Zombies record, so these songs have got me very excited.

Also not sure if “stadium pop” is the best term for the last record, but couldn’t think of what else to call it

 

I have really enjoyed all of the songs compositionally / melodically and I cannot wait to hear the album as a whole! That being said, I have tiny a qualm revolving around the heavy handed use of the effect and lack of audible dimension to Andrew's vocals. We've been spoiled with 4 straight albums with fantastic production (Glass Passenger to Zombies) that really showcases what he can do as a vocalist (especially the live takes of these songs) and the studio versions of these songs have left me feeling a little meh about whether or not I will revisit this as much as the other records of his. (I am one of the people who did really enjoy the Zombies record, starting with North and onward)

Time will tell, but good, solid songs beat out good production every time...

 

I think this is the best produced album since EIT. It finally has character again.

 

I like your point regarding character - I feel I may be jumping the gun with the feeling since I haven't heard the album as a whole.

 

Weekly Poll: Favorite Andrew McMahon Album

 

It sounds really good on headphones. The arrangements just feel lush and very well produced/mixed, where Zombies felt more like a wall of sound to me. There's benefits of both styles, but I think this one feels a lot more textured and organic. There are so many moments where the non-piano/non-keyboard instrumentation sticks out to me (the acoustic guitars on "Monday Flowers," the bass work on "Goodnight, Rock and Roll," the electric guitar on "House in the Trees") which is not something that's happened on an Andrew record for me since Transit.

 

I do expect the vocal effects will be a sticking point for some listeners, though. It's a definite stylistic choice on this record, and I think it really works, but I can see it being tiresome for people who otherwise really like the songs.

 

Heh, as you said ... wait until they hear "Goodnight, Rock and Roll."