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Us and Them - Shinedown Review

Shinedown is on fire!

For the past couple of years, as I drive to work each day, it was a frequently wonderful experience listening to "Leave a Whisper", Jacksonville, FL-based Shinedown's first CD offering. From "Fly From The Inside" to "Forty- Five" the band's first offering was amazing. I have to admit that with "Us and Them" I skeptically had expected the sophomore jinx of the music world to prevail over their considerable if not formidable talent.

I was more than pleasantly surprised as I risked a listen.

Just like "Leave a Whisper", you really can leave "Us and Them" it in the CD player and enjoy it time and again. None of the songs grow old as you listen to them time and again . Every song is a solid work that can stand-up definately shaking a fist as it is played over and over again. Whatever magic formula Shinedown used on their first CD release is not only still with them but it has actually grown in power as the band has matured into a solid, cohesive ensemble that is in a single word is 'tight'.

If there is any justice in the music world this CD will win the band a Grammy. Although it is a different sort of music and perhaps even directed at a different sort of music audience, I would put it in the same category as as Green Day's "Dukie" or "American Idiot" as it is a defining accomlishment in that the entire CD is not only listenable but every song could easily become a favorite regardless whether it ever gains airplay as a hit on commercial radio.

Yes, Shinedown is THAT good.

Each track is well contructed. The lyrics are the exact compliment to the instrumentation, balanced in an attention-grabbing way. The current hit single "I Dare You" demonstrates careful craftsmanship in composition that one might expect for a more seasoned band. Still, it is the artistry of the lyrics that stands out. The first single from the CD, "Save Me" expresses the sensitive soul of the band, simpathizing with the plight drug addiction. With the second single, "I Dare You" the group's intricately woven tapestry of instrumentals accompanies a very strong vocal that is never overpowered by the combined force of the other musicians.

Those who wish to sample other notable works from Shinedown should check out "Tie Your Mother Down" from "Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen." With all due respect to the legendary Freddie Mercury and Brian May I actually think Shinedown's performance might be equal to if not better than the original. They also added a cover of Lyndyrd Synyrd's "Simple Man" to later versions of the "Leave a Whisper". If you bought one of the original releases, you may have missed it. One would expect a band from Jacksonville to periodically pay homage to other great bands from the city and Shinedown does an admirable job of recreating the magic of the original version.

Shinedown is currently on the Sno Core Tour 2006 and will appear locally as a headliner in Orlando at the Earthday Birthday concert April 30th at Tinker Field.

Band Members: Brent Smith -Vocals, Jasin Todd - Guitars, Brad Stewart - Bass, and Barry Kerch - Drums.

Enjoy.

E

posted by Unknown @ 9:29 AM