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Blotto
Singles Collection 2004-2007 |
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Tracklist |
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01 - 銀色バス~希望という名のバス (Giniro Bus ~Kibou to Iu Na no Bus~)
02 - UNDER THE BIG TREE
03 - BLOWIN' IN THE WIND |
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Review |
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I must admit, I'm a little biased; Highway61 is my favorite group. Ever. That said, this single is still fantastic. Whether for the old fan or the new listener, you'll be giving this one tons of repeat listens.
What makes this single unique is that this song is really not new. "Giniro Bus" is an old favorite from their indie days before getting signed to a major. It was the second song I ever heard from them (off of the Punk Rock Camp !! compilation) and the first one that really wowed me. You could say that "Giniro Bus" is the reason why I'm willing to spend hundreds of dollars on the band. It's almost a given that I'd love this single then, but there's still the fine line of paying respect to the old version while keeping it fresh for a new hoard of listeners brought in by the major label push.
If there was any doubt about if they could pull it off, it's all unfounded. Giniro Bus ~Kibou to Iu Na no Bus~ manages to update the old song with fresh additions. I have feared that they would grow lazy with their recent minor successes, but the spit and passion is still all there. The performance on all three of the songs on the single is great, each one bringing something new to the table while still remaining classically Highway61.
"Under The Big Tree" is an instant classic. Great trademark Highway backing vocals, harmonica and classically folksy lyrics give this song a definite place in the pantheon of Highway61 classics. The Dylan influence extends beyond the cover and they manage to do something great with it.
"Blowin' In The Wind" should suck. A punk band covering old classics is not something that should really be done that often. Thankfully, Highway61 is more than capable of giving their covers respect, spit, and even a little shine (see their cover of The Maytals' "Pressure Drop" for more evidence). The pounding drums, the guitar twang, Tomoshiro's harmonica and soulful vocals; it's all here. Even your mom should love this little update.
This release along with their last single, Power To Live, is building up some feverish anticipation for their upcoming third album. They've yet to disappoint and I don't see the trend breaking anytime soon. |
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