When I Pretend To Fall Free MP3, Song Download, Lyrics, Album Track List

The Long Winters

When I Pretend To Fall

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Song	Lyrics	Save	Buy
PLAY QUEUE 1 Blue Diamonds		save
PLAY QUEUE 2 Scared Straight		save
PLAY QUEUE 3 Shapes		save
PLAY QUEUE 4 Cinnamon		save
PLAY QUEUE 5 Bride And Bridle		save
PLAY QUEUE 6 Blanket Hog		save
PLAY QUEUE 7 It'll Be A Breeze		save
PLAY QUEUE 8 Stupid		save
PLAY QUEUE 9 Prom Night At Hater High		save
PLAY QUEUE 10 New Girl		save
PLAY QUEUE 11 The Sound Of Coming Down		save
PLAY QUEUE 12 Nora		save

MOG Editorial Review

Few singer-songwriters know how to play the part of romantic underdog better than the Long Winters' principle member John Roderick. With the release of 2003's When I Pretend to Fall, Roderick seemed to embody indie rock's unabashedly nerdy, bookish side, turning to puzzle metaphors to describe love on "Shapes" and describing the neurotic jitters of a crush on "Stupid." That's not to say that these songs lack rock and roll swagger, though, as songs like opener "Blue Diamonds" carry an aura of casual cool to even things out. With a little help from kindred spirit Sean Nelson of Harvey Danger, Roderick has created a set of near-perfect anthems for anyone feeling butterflies as they search for love.
AMG Review of When I Pretend to Fall

MacKenzie Wilson
All Music Guide

Building upon the Long Winters' first album, The Worst You Can Do Is Harm, frontman John Roderick compiled enough hooks to create the solid, delectably pop sophomore effort When I Pretend to Fall. The Long Winters get happy on this one, and Roderick's vibrant, newfound confidence as a showman and songwriter allows the Long Winters' sound to finally gel. Chris Walla, Sean Nelson, Eric Corson, and Michael Schilling return for some sonic goodness, while ex-Posies guitarist/vocalist Ken Stringfellow joins the Long Winters to polish things up a bit. Extra help from R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and Pedro the Lion's Blake Wescott is a bonus in adding to Roderick's nearly accessible candied rock sound. Album opener "Blue Diamonds" kicks things off with a swanky brass section. Roderick's self-assured vocals are a touch shy at first, but the Michael Stipe comparisons immediately disappear mid-chorus. Roderick takes control and he likes it; it sounds so good on the synth-driven '60s pop of "Scared Straight." Shimmering space rock guitars and budding string arrangements carry the melodies of "Blanket Hog" for one of the album's brightest moments, while "Prom Night at Hater High" is equally energetic with its hoedown-like appeal. When it seems like the Long Winters could use a break or at least a breather, "New Girl" gets cheeky with classic power pop. When I Pretend to Fall aptly suggests that things could go one way, but Roderick and company push and pull with harmony and emotion for a full, tangible set of songs. One listen to "Nora" and you'll sense Roderick's soft heart. It charms you; a soft heart doesn't equal a simple album, however.