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April 24, 2007

Music Review

Not Feeling It

Band’s attempt at Brit-pop is boring and irritating

Story by: Alyssa Fry

The Shorthorn staff

— Courtesy Art

Someday, I’ll review an album from a band I’ve never heard before and love it.

That day is not today.

Twelve Stops and Home isn’t terrible, it’s just the kind of corny, bland album that suffices as background music to a romantic comedy or Target shoppers.

The Feeling’s hip clothes and British accents didn’t fool me, and I found myself reaching for real Brit-pop like The Beatles after a full listen.

The only song that stood out slightly was the single and first track, “Sewn.” Though I can picture the video for this song chock full of dull love scenes in Central Park, it’s catchy.

Compared to the other tracks, that is.

I wasn’t surprised to discover these guys are a VH1 favorite. And if they stick to this kind of songwriting, they’ll keep their cozy spot on this channel known for sappy banality.

From the chorus of track two — “B-b-b-baby, I think I’m going c-c-c-crazy” — it’s one long journey through mediocre pop. Then somewhere in there, these Brits stride over the blurry line between innocently average and annoying.

Some decent piano playing is ruined by stale lines like, “I love it when you call, but you never call at all,” sung by a forgettable, boyish voice and distracting background vocals that try in vain for a Beach Boys appeal.

“I Want You Now” is a perfect example of this sorry attempt at a Brian Wilson-esque sound. Halfway through the album, this song marks where I officially gave up. I even thought the British accents sounded forced.

This kind of pop has its place in the music world, just not in my CD collection.

I would recommend trading this album out for Abbey Road.