Friends of Mine
Adam Green
June 23, 2003
Rough Trade
Adam Green
June 23, 2003
Rough Trade
Last year, Green debuted with "Garfield", which was quirky and gloomy and quite surprising. Despite relatively average reviews across the board, we saw potential in Green's first effort. He now returns with "Friends of Mine" which has a slightly different feel to it. Don't worry, it's still quirky and eccentric, but expect strings, lots of strings. Also, strings attached.
We described Green as a clever and witty songwriter before and it has never been more obvious than on "Friends of Mine". Just listen to Jessica where he cynically sings to Jessica Simpson or the driven Salty Candy where he lets it out a little more or even We're Not Supposed to be Lovers.
There is also a downside to this manner of expressing. Yes, it's funny and witty and Green is a very clever lyricist who can spin a tale, whether its a mocking tale or a social commentary. But the danger lies in the fact that his believability may become shaky.
On "Friends of Mine", Green manages to find a decent balance between warmth and irony and songs like The Prince's Bed, Friends of Mine and We're Not Supposed To Be Lovers really show there's a talented musician performing but the balancing act is tricky. One wrong step and it may send Green over the tipping point. However, throughout his new release he manages to stay on the wire and adequately navigates it to remain quirky but also become more accessible and forthcoming. And while the string arrangements may be a little too present at times, it does add to the warmth of the record which is refreshing.
We described Green as a clever and witty songwriter before and it has never been more obvious than on "Friends of Mine". Just listen to Jessica where he cynically sings to Jessica Simpson or the driven Salty Candy where he lets it out a little more or even We're Not Supposed to be Lovers.
There is also a downside to this manner of expressing. Yes, it's funny and witty and Green is a very clever lyricist who can spin a tale, whether its a mocking tale or a social commentary. But the danger lies in the fact that his believability may become shaky.
On "Friends of Mine", Green manages to find a decent balance between warmth and irony and songs like The Prince's Bed, Friends of Mine and We're Not Supposed To Be Lovers really show there's a talented musician performing but the balancing act is tricky. One wrong step and it may send Green over the tipping point. However, throughout his new release he manages to stay on the wire and adequately navigates it to remain quirky but also become more accessible and forthcoming. And while the string arrangements may be a little too present at times, it does add to the warmth of the record which is refreshing.
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