It’s hard to see the point of this whole thing. 2001′s Tiger Pop is a pretty OK album as it stands. It might not be the classic the internet seems to think it is, but it’s pretty easy on the ears. So, to celebrate it’s ten year anniversary John Brodeur decided to re-record the album, and release it as a two CD set with the original. This would be fine, if the new version had anything to offer, but it really doesn’t. It’s mostly overproduced drivel: watered down versions of what are pretty good songs. I suppose I’m complaining for nothing though, because the album is priced as a single disc set.
I’ve already stated my opinions of the new version, so I’m going to focus on the original. It starts with a pretty exciting pop song, “Infected (so in love with you).. It definitely has a garage band thing going on, and the lyrics make me smile: “when there’s nothing on the radio I dream of you.” It’s kind of a throwback, a nod to classic rock.This album could have easily been recorded in a basement in the early ’80′s. That’s not a bad thing.
That song ends with radio tuning, and we’re on to “Remains of a Heart.” The song starts with an acoustic guitar that leads into a full band sound. The press I’ve read on Brodeur is quick to stress the fact that he is a one man band, playing each instrument by himself. It’s kind of fascinating to think about that while listening. Tiger Pop is very well produced, each instrument melding well together.
With the first two songs you have pretty much the entire album. Well played power pop, with occasionally witty lyrics. If power pop is your thing, you’ll dig this. A lot of it reminds me of XO era Elliott Smith, especially the song “Changing Your Mind (Again).” The album as a whole makes good background music and you’ll quickly find yourself humming along. to.
