Description:
Old 97's frontman Rhett Miller has always stuck to songs of heartbreak, I-done-bad confessionals, and the occasional exercise in rave-up solipsism. Regardless of which of those areas he's explored, he's set his lyrics in flawless melodies and delivered them with infectious energy. With The Instigator, Miller is at least partially on his own. Here he fronts a band that's less about fast-paced rocking and more about pushing his passionate yowl to the fore. He's still wondering if he's "gonna be lonely for the rest of my life" ("Come Around"), and he's doing so with such heart-rending conviction that yo
Old 97's frontman Rhett Miller has always stuck to songs of heartbreak, I-done-bad confessionals, and the occasional exercise in rave-up solipsism. Regardless of which of those areas he's explored, he's set his lyrics in flawless melodies and delivered them with infectious energy. With The Instigator, Miller is at least partially on his own. Here he fronts a band that's less about fast-paced rocking and more about pushing his passionate yowl to the fore. He's still wondering if he's "gonna be lonely for the rest of my life" ("Come Around"), and he's doing so with such heart-rending conviction that you can't stop listening. And Miller's still creating melodies that shine in any setting. Straying from the guitar/bass/drums setup of the 97's, Miller employs organ on the tender "World Inside the World" and a decorous acoustic backing on the midtempo, pop-radio-friendly "Point Shirley" and "Four-Eyed Girl." Miller's energy bursts forth on the opener, "Our Love," and on his lo-fi paean to Chicago, "The El." Fans who like the Miller who pours his heart all over the stage will love The Instigator. --Andrew Bartlett
Album Description
Debut from frontman and main songwriter for acclaimed Dallas quartet Old 97's. 12 tracks. Elektra. 2002.
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Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
Release date: 24 September 2002
EAN: 0075596278829 UPC: 075596278829
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