Adam Green
January 10, 2005
Rough Trade
When Green and his bandmates come more into their own, the songs do have some potential, especially in a live capacity but for the most part the album is mediocre. I wouldn't say it's a bad album but it doesn't feel like Green maximized his potential on this one. In addition to the arrangements, Adam Green is nearing the edge of the wire he balances on. The quirkiness is fun and all but he's in danger of becoming more of a gimmick than a serious musician. The cheeky and ironic nature of the lyrics and the songs is fine and all but it could be a little more diverse and substantive.
Standout songs are Down on the Street, Losing on a Tuesday and Emily. All these songs show more musicality and freshness than the general feel of the album. Of course most of it is drenched in melancholy and has its share of witty banter that I would've expected to balance out and grow a little by now but it seems this is the character Adam Green wants to persist with. It will certainly speak to a number of fans but it will be hard to reach more than a niche audience in this manner.