A true accident if there ever was one. Bad Books was never an intended nor calculated side project of singer/songwriter Kevin Devine and Andy Hull of Indie Rock band Manchester Orchestra. With no agenda or expectations, what was birthed just one week later was Bad Books, a fully realized album encompassing five compositions each from both Devine and Hull, with the members of Manchester Orchestra filling out the sound and the band. In contrast to previous outputs from the two parties, Bad Books cradles a much more noticeable pop aesthetic and energy than either artist has ever showcased before, meshing elements of Elliot Smith and Simon & Garfunkel with Brand New and Silversun Pickups. With press surrounding the band buzzing for the better part of a year, the rabid fan base of both artists have been clamoring for this album. Bad Books' run of high profile dates starting in NYC around the CMJ Festival will kick start this band's time in the spotlight and exposure on par with prior Manchester Orchestra coverage: performances on the top late night talk shows, a cover story in Alternative Press, features on AOL Spinner and more. Expect this album to sell through the rest of the year as both bands continue performing.
J**N
Right in the middle (and that's a good thing)!
Awesome album, awesome album, awesome album.I got my first listen a few days ago when the band put it up to stream and have been hooked ever since. The music is great - it's different enough from Manchester Orchestra and Kevin Devine's individual stuff that it warranted its own album, and that's a good thing. Seeing that Hull and Devine can both branch out and create great music together is no surprise, and whether you're looking for rock-ish collaboration stuff or acoustic solo stuff, you'll find something here.I should say that on my first listen I was really only expecting songs where both Hull and Devine were singing and playing together; the songs I had heard before the album was released were all in that format so that's what I came to expect. If that's what you're looking for - and the songs where the two work together (at least in an audible way) are great - then songs like "You Wouldn't Have to Ask" and "Please Move" will be great for you. I'd say that the "harder" songs on the album have the sort of rock touch that Manchester's songs usually have, but with the lyrical finesse I've come to expect from Devine. That's not to say that Hull doesn't have lyrical finesse - "Baby Shoes" and "Texas" definitely showcase Hull's lyrical (and vocal) ability - but I think the "rock" songs on the album are a good combination of both.As a big fan of Devine, though, I have to say that my favorite song on the album is "You're a Mirror I Cannot Avoid." It's the sort of beautiful acoustic song that got me hooked on his music to begin with, and to me adds a nice touch to the rest of the album. I'm a big fan of the balance between the solo stuff by Hull and Devine and the rest of the rock songs I mentioned earlier - to me the whole album really fits together and just "works."If you're a fan of either Manchester Orchestra/Andy Hull or Kevin Devine, I can almost guarantee that you'll love this album. If you're a fan of rock, you'll love it. If you're a fan of indie stuff, you'll love it. If you like good songwriting, you'll love it. Hell, if you're a fan of music in general, I think you should like this album. Do yourself a favor and check it out - you might be missing out on two great songwriters and musicians otherwise.
N**H
Exploratory Album
Five songs on this album are written by Andy Hull, the front man for Manchester Orchestra. The other five are written by Kevin Devine, a simply phenomenal solo singer/songwriter. This collaboration explores the use of some rarely used guitar pedals, effects and techniques along with heavy harmonies and, as always with Andy and Kevin, powerful lyrics. There is a second Bad Books album out now and while it is obvious they have had more time to refine this collaborative effort, this album is a must buy. There is nothing like it. 5/5
H**M
MO + KD = Bad Books = Great Music
The debut album from Bad Books is a fantastic collection of memorable, catchy, and poetic art that could cause you to explode with happiness. I enjoy the music of Manchester Orchestra and I love the music of Kevin Devine but even if you've never heard of or listened to either band before, you should give a listen to Bad Books. Not only will you get great music but it will expose you to some of the most talented musicians around today.My only reason for not giving this a perfect score is that as an overall album experience, something is missing. It is more of one of those albums that is filled with great songs but doesn't quite come together in the end to make a cohesive final project. Hope this helps!
M**R
One of My 2010 Favorites
Back in the 60s and 70s when music was innovative and fresh and musicians knew how to play and sing and write songs this is what I remember it sounding like. WTF I'll say it... Great folk rock!
S**R
Grew on me
I'm a big fan of Manchester Orchestra. Bad Books is different. More Bright Eyes, less Black Sabbath. At first it was too "poppy" but after a while I began to crave more. While certainly an Indie-Pop album (band), they do it well. Well Done, Andy Hull. Keep cranking out the hits.
L**B
Clickbait Headline
To any person looking at this album, going back and forth on whether to buy it our not. Buy it. Thus album is a worthy addition to any library. Plus it's only five bucks. You can't go wrong with spending five bucks on this. Trust me internet stranger. Trust me.
A**N
I'm a Follower. Great change of pace.
I'd follow Andy Hull off a bridge. Great music. Nice change of pace in sound.
Z**H
love it
Bad books rule!
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