Alphaspin
July 25, 2006
Masterplan
This is the song that provided the line that became the album title. The thing that you notice first is the strong and distinct vocals by Ashton Mayne. Also, I found myself moving to the beat pretty much right away. This song is definitely catchy enough to be single material. It sets the right mood for the rest of the record, so I find it a strong opener.
Only You For Me
This is a great song, written by singer/songwriter Ru Pope, who is a friend of the band. It’s a cute little song. I would say it’s not really fit to be a single, but I love it. The intro is awesome. Just a little melody loop that reminds me of several other songs and bands even though it’s just a little different from all those so that it has it’s own signature. It’s one of those songs you find yourself singing along to all the time. Easy lyrics to remember. And even though I don’t think it would be single material it is absolutely catchy.
Sunday Drivers
First thoughts: HIT SINGLE. Really. This song hit me instantly. I keep singing it when I walk on the streets or humming it when I’m in a good mood. Catchy melodies, awesome vocals. And the guitar is very subtle yet important in this song. Warren Hill does a great job on that. Ash sings: “It turned out nice again” & “no reason to complain”. I couldn’t agree more. This song is absolutely one of the best songs on here. I keep listening to it.
Colonel Joe
Colonel Joe is one of those songs that had to grow on me. I don’t think it’ll ever be one of my favourite Alphaspin songs. I really like it, but I think that most of the tracks on this album are better. Not necessarily musically, but I’m not able to get into this song as much as I can with the other songs. The intro is great though. At some points this song reminds me of “She’s Not There” (known by Santana). The guitar sometimes reminds me of Santana too. Cool song, just not it. At least not for me.
Yesterday’s News
This is my absolute favourite song on the album. Lyrics I can relate too. Amazing piano arrangement topped off with Ashton’s clear vocals. He really gets into this song. It could definitely be a good radio single, in my opinion. This well-written power ballad would probably be received very well by the critics as well. Also the electric guitar kicks in at the exact right times. It doesn’t blur out the melody and brings something extra. The songs builds up to a climax and then slowly builds down to the end without losing power. A gem.
Sanity Protector
This song is a little harder. Distorted guitar in the intro. Kinda reminds me of Idlewild & Feeder sometimes, even though the vocals are so different. But musically I would put it in the same category. (I don’t like to compare music, but it makes it easier to explain what I mean). It is catchy and it is pure rock & roll. I wouldn’t release it as a CD single, but it could be done. I just don’t think it would be a smart move commercially. And I want to mention the drums in this song. Really, really tight. James Smith does a great job here.
50-1 Outsider
Another piano-based song. It starts out quietly but then it catches up on the pace and starts moving. Not really one of my favourites. It is a very solid song, but in my opinion it doesn’t stick out. Everything is tight and very professional and the chorus is actually pretty catchy, but I kinda feel like this song is the little brother of “Masterplan”. What I do think about this song, is that it could be very cool to hear it live. A live version of this song would probably have just a little bit more body or a little bit more energy. I’m not really sure how to explain, but you could see it like this: it’s like moving up the mountain but it can’t get over the top. It’s close, and it can almost make it, but it misses the top by a few inches.
Caterpillar Clouds
This song reminds me of The Beatles & Oasis a lot. Maybe a little Neil Young or Billy Joel kicked in. But I feel like Paul & John decided to write another song together. Not single material, but what a beautiful song. It has some rough edges, but that does very much justice to the song. I guess, in a way, it reminds me of “Strawberry Fields Forever” sometimes. It has the same kind of feeling. Enchanting.
Wasted Time
Oasis-style song. If the Gallaghers had put this on “What’s the Story Morning Glory?” it would’ve fit right in. Also the vocals sound a little similar to Oasis. Very nice harmonies too at times. Not the best song on the record, but definitely not one of the least either. A good album track.
The Reason Why
The intro reminds me of Pink Floyd. But when the vocals set in, it sounds like Radiohead meets The Beatles. I think, if I’d compare this song with another band’s work, I’d say earlier Radiohead. (The Bends-period). Though it definitely sounds different. It’s more progressive than the other songs and more alternative. Refreshing, yet this song is the “weird bird” among the flock of songs. Give it some time though. You’re either not gonna like this song at all, or you’re gonna think it’s awesome. I think it is really good, though I wonder if it fits with the rest of the songs on the album. Definitely no single material. I like to listen to this kind of songs that remind me of older bands that we don’t hear nearly often enough.
Cooped
Alphaspin being themselves. Catchy, mainstream but with an alternative twist. Drums & vocals get the focus on this song, but rhythmically this song is very tight. It would be a cool song to begin or end a live set with. Maybe partly a capella or something. It hints towards Billy Joel & Ben Folds a little, but the song is very well-written and very well-performed. Good choice for the album closer.