Cheap Trick-The Latest
-
Artist:
Cold - you left me froze to the bone.
Cold - your lips were like kissing stone.
Love - you said that love is all you need.
Cold - you taught the Beatles "Let it Bleed".
So goes one of my favorite lyrical quotes of the year...the second verse of the decay and attack rocker "Miss Tomorrow" from Cheap Trick's 2009 release, The Latest. Vocalist Robin Zander muses, apparently, over the incredibly icy persona of the protagonist in a Beatlesque swirl of orchestration - until Rick Nielson carves a bloody guitar path through the observational chorus - "Here she comes, Miss Tomorrow". The big-as-a-stadium sound is one that permeates this disc from the veteran power poppers who gave us the classic "Surrender" 3 short decades ago. And you wondered if rock was alive and well?
In a way, The Latest seems like an assembly of scraps and notes from the length and breadth of their illustrious career. The ideas are short and concise, with a ton of earwormy hooks repeated in delicious nostalgic fashion. There's even a sort-of cover of Slade's "When the Lights Are Out" set loosley to the Trick's own "Elo Kiddies" riff from their very first vinyl release, that was recorded a long time ago. No, this is not your little brother's Animal Collective companion. What it is, is a disc of unabashedly Beatles influenced songs that can easily slide it to the top of your guilty pleasures que.
At the outset, Zander does his best to lull us all into a psuedo-sleep state of mind by demonstrating his incredible vocal prowess on beautiful yet darkly themed "Sleep Forever"..."sweet dreams in heaven" may seem an odd lyric for the intro, but death and suicide are frequent topics for these guys, and Robin is expert at making you look forward to it.
By the time the perfectly brief single "Sick Man of Europe" pounds the energy home, any lingering doubts you had about the state of rock will be crushed. In a few brief bars, they pay homage to their Who roots - "This ain't the new, it's the old generation.." Tom Peterson's bass licks fly all over this song, allowing Neilson's punk chord shredding wild liberty.
They reign things back to ballad territory with "The Flame"-like "These Days"; a lovely song that you're likely to hear on whatever passes for AOR on your Sirius dial. And, though your Mom may be singing along, there's a creepy I-only-live-for-you similarity to the Police's "Every Breath You Take" bubbling under the surface.
"Miracle" finds its muse in the stylings of John Lennon, who these guys actually backed up on some of his last sessions. If your prone to the sounds of Double Fantasy, no doubt this will get many plays.
The guitars crank up up again, ever so briefly, on title-says-it-all "Everyday You Make Me Crazy", itself a mere intro-primer for the gender bender "California Girl", a twisted and backwards-photocopied reproduction of the Move's "California Man" that they covered way back on Heaven Tonight. What year is it now...1967???
In case you are unaware, last year saw the Trick performing the whole of the Beatles Sgt Peppers at a few locations, including the Hollywood Bowl. Undoubtedly, all those Beatles-y practice sessions got distilled into some new songs and "Everybody Knows" is a fitting tribute, the lushly orchestrated break drives the influence home with extravagant precision.
The shuffling, lo-fi intro of "Alive" leads right back to the patented Cheap Trick sound and feel...did someone say "Surrender"?? Robin screams "We'll never get out of this place alive!" as Neilson does his best Chuck Berry accelerated riffing, Peterson drives his bass off the cliff, and Bun E. keeps it all caged-up in perfect time pounding the point of "you know, we'll never survive..." home.
You always gotta wonder, with any aging group, will this be their last set of merit? "Times of Our Lives" paints a reflective picture, once again with a fab four honorable flavor, of a romance gone but not forgotten - and pleads to never forget how good it was.
As the perfect-vinly-length set draws to a conclusion the dark emotions resurface on "Closer". to quote - "relax your mind...it really doesn't matter if the heaven's gonna rain or shine...the love you don't find makes you one step closer to mine..." again, all dressed up in delicately swirling layers of vocal echo.
Finally, they leave us with "Smile", assuring they will always be there when we want them to...and that fixes everything just right.
"Miss Tomorrow"
Locating MOG account...
Comments (24)
They certainly aren't hiding their Beatlesque influences. I see from previous CT posts on mog that they released a 'Sgt. Peppers Live' album previously too. I bet that's interesting.
My first concert was Cheap Trick, I have loved how they have aged through the years but never wondering to far from their original sound.
Although their production level has increased a ton over the years, they stick with the same basic 4/4 beat concept and blend of guitar and drums that defines their sound. Granted, that could be said about any basic "Rock" band, but Cheap Trick has remained just under the radar for years, and their fans are perfectly ok with that. Selfish bunch we are.
Cheap Trick are my Beatles 8MW! They can cover whomever minor artists they wish...;)
That would be a pretty tuff act to follow Ghost! I used to have a poster of the Trick from a gig at NYC's Max' Kansas City back in '76, before adopting their on stage personas...Rick looked more like a pirate!! I saw them at both the Columbus and Cleveland Agoras in '77, at Legend Valley east of Columbus in '78, and then at King's Island (theme park) when Peterson rejoined in (I think) '88...funny how every time it was one of the most sparkling and clear live sounds in all my concert experiences. Selfish indeed ;)
besides being as amazing as they are, it keeps Bun E Carlos away from that Tinted Windows stuff, which was real hard to watch.
always loved the" found all the parts" LP not an lp and not a 45. in other words not a 7" and not a 12" something called nu-disc but the i always loved Day Tripper cover from that 4 song EP.
I saw them I think in... oh.... 80 or 81 at six flags over Georgia.
Excellent post. The Latest is incredible. The Sgt. Pepper's CD/DVD will blow your mind. I caught them for three Sgt. Pepper's shows in Vegas this September, and it was an amazing experiece. Trick's at the top of their game.
FYI... Nielson is spelled Nielsen, and Peterson is Petersson.
So Rick Nelson is still alive and kickin huh?
Great post Scotty! Your exuberence is contagious. A true fan in every sense. Fans such as yourself are what sustains bands like this.
Rock on!
Robin, as much as I wanted it to...it didn't sink in.
I had that disc, ct!
Laura, I have to do some boneheaded thing every post to keep the conversation nascent. Sounds like the shows had a great vibe. I post too hastily sometimes...
go back to your garden party, harem meister. danke.
nascent?
Great review. You don't have to worry about this album being, CT's last set of merit. They continue to rock like fierce lions, explore new things, grow, and they show no signs of slowing down. There is no way, the end is near. That is what I keep telling myself, lol. I can't stand the thought of them retiring! They are my fav band.
This CD is on my Amazon wish list, and my mum just sent me a gift card for said site. I love this song, and you may've just finalized my spending choice. Great post!
Glad to hear someone else is buying The Latest. The music on this album is awesome. There is great music out there but, it's hard to find because, institutions who put profit over art, have a lot of controll. This album deserves much more appreciation. It could make many people happy. CT also deserves a lot more recognition. They are an incredibly talented, hard working band.
Nice piece Mr. Free!
What is it with all the relevance talk lately..something in the air?
Although the comments here sum it up quite nicely..Cheap Trick are beloved by their fans for hard work, talent, and longevity, but are unable to gain widespread appreciation and recognition.
Tricksterette sez:"There is great music out there but, it's hard to find because, institutions who put profit over art, have a lot of controll."
I don't think that's quite right..I think the people who run record companies would love it if a hard working, talented, in it for the long haul rock and roll band were at the top of the charts.
I think what's at work is internet world..where the huge democracy naturally spits out the lowest common denominator for mass adulation and less shiny but beloved folks clique up and are allowed to obsess over their faves seperate from the mainstream.
Rock and Roll (the old fashioned kind that they write about in books and have museums for) in general, is no longer in the most talked about, most linked, most blogged music.
There needs to be a gimmick or a hybridization for anything approaching rock and roll to rise above the internet din..
Same for Soul music..while there are plenty of practitioners, and there is a supposed demand for a return to authentic, grass roots, emotionally honest music..the artists who have risen up out of the din are the ones with a gimmick..this is not to say that they are not talented or committed, but just being soulful is not enough..lately it seems you have to be a white woman from England to be considered soulful. If you fit those criteria, then you are considered relevant by the meta-group, even if you distance yourself from Soul (see Joss Stone).
Please don't take this as a knock on Cheap Trick. Although I'm not a huge fan, I'm familiar with their music, and I appreciate what they do. My main point is that a lot of the "original" forms of popular music (jazz, rock and roll, soul, country) are no longer relevant due to a cultural shift that prizes newness,shininess, and hybridity over basic aesthetics.
I guess it has always been this way, but it seems more prevelant today..plus I'm old and crotchety. Not so old I can't appreciate some of the things that make it to the top of the pile these days, but old enough to know that most of what makes it is temporary at best.
May Cheap trick continue to rock as long as they want to..I read when Mr. N's son went on tour with the band..that's pretty damn cool.
nice comment Cody. some of the things that have been on my mind of late. I do miss the days when you knew that everyone was listening to what was just released. For me it kind of bottomed out when MOR was born. music by the numbers game. I always have believed in quality first and what speaks to my soul.
Cody, it is well documented in many reliable sourses that labels put money over art. Many musicians have spoken out about how labels tried to make them commercial and interfered with their music. Executives and lawyers who know nothing about music, told bands what songs they have to play on an album, how to play it, etc. Many musicians have gone indie because, labels are huge monsters. When labels found out they could make more money with low talent teen bands, over real musicians, art went out the window. Labels don't care about good music. They just want to make cash, as much and as fast as possible. They have machines to make good looking people, who are bad singers sound great. If they cared about art, they would get the singers that can sing. Billions get spent on advertising for a reason. It works. The mainstream are mindless sheep. They go where labels lead them.
CT is very relevant, much more so than what the labels are passing off as musicians. People are starting to realize this and buying less of the junk labels are putting out. Another part of the reason labels are making less is due to the internet. People are getting music off the net or stealing it. Labels did not deal with that problem well.
Radio got plastic too. They tell DJs what to play and when, based on popular opinion. Turns out, people don't like that. They lost many listeners. In trying to please everyone, they pleased no one.
The music industry is making a lot less these days, than what it use to and it's their own fault. They got too greedy. Music will never die. Too many people love it and always will.
Radio, and Rolling Stone use to tell people what to listen too. Both have gone down the toilet. Who listens to the radio anymore now? It's too boring, since they went formulaic. Rolling Stone, please. They care more about chasing Hollywood trends then covering real music.
People have to think for themselves now a days. There is good music out there. You have to find it. Looking to CT, is a great start.
First, let me say, as a former music business person, I totally agree with you that commerce is valued over art.
It was never any different although it has gotten worse over the years, because fewer and fewer people who make the desicions on what is released are from the music side of things.
But I can't be too idealistic, because in the end, once money is involved things change. I know all the stories about how artists have been ripped off, co-opted, and such..they are pretty much all true, no argument there.
I also know that like any business, there are good and bad actors. In the music business it is no different, in fact, there are so many music lovers in the music business, that many would do their job for no money at all, just to be around for the creation and propigation of something they love.These people who act on their aesthetic beliefs are often terrible business people, but that doesn't matter to them,because they fought the good fight.
As it has in the past, new technology has effected the music business..this time the effect wasn't positive (for the business). And, as we all know, the highest levels of the business did not handle the transition to digtal music world very well.
There is no doubt, that the music industry shot itself in the foot on the internet issue, became co-opted by larger business, and has generally been awful to artists..no arguements from me there.
However, there was one thing that the music industry had become especially good at doing..making iconic stars. By spending boatloads of money and controlling radio stations and then video outlets sales numbers were acheived that dwarfed previous efforts. Companies got better at marketing, niche marketing, global marketing, selling songs to commercials, selling songs to film,selling aongs to TV ads. Hardly anyone complained.
Of course now, music is free, and that has changed the game.
At one time Cheap Trick was a part of the machine that made a lot of money for a lot of people..they were marketed to kids, just like the Beatles, but also just like the Backstreet Boys.
In some ways the Beatles are lucky (smart) to get out when they did, because unless they become stellar reinventors of themselves, they would have become irrelevant to the wider culture. The larger US culture is driven by young teen boys and girls. They are the most passionate (and gullible) supporters of stuff that may be art, but is also commerce.
It just is what it is. What sells is what is going to be released. When record companies lead the way with gatekeeping they actually didn't do a bad job of predicting/finding new music....would Bonnie Raitt be able to get super popular now?
Now we are the gatekeepers..all of us. The record companies have less influence than ever, and if I was an artist I would not want to get the star treatment, especially if I had enough fans to support my work.
Expectations need to be lowered and more concentration needs to be put into loving what you love and sharing what you love..that's what we do here. I like it here.
I bet with a major,major,major promotional push almost any band..especially one as good as Cheap Trick could make a large splash, but I don't think it would benefit the band. They might even lose money because of it. They are already doing what they have to do, and seem to be loving it and making a living at it. Isn't that enough?
It has always been a sore spot to me that our US musical culture was pretty much documented by commercial ventures..but it is what it is, although the internet is changing it.
There will always be a need for folks (labels) to handle the business aspects of music for musicians who aren't interested in that..but it doesn't seem like there will a business aspect of music that will be able to mint cross cultural icons anymore. I don't think it's a bad thing.
The "lemmings" have delivered a huge blow to the music business through the internet and in my mind, the biz no longer has any control over the culture of music. The people have all the power now, and en masse they are selecting American Idol and Guitar Hero. I don't think you can blame the record industry for fluff (which was always there) anymore.
In remains to be seen if the internet can help the cream rise to the top, or if we will just get more of the same..I prefer to hope for the best, but if folks are lemmings like you say I don't think it'll happen.
I'm sure there are people in the music industry who love music. I was generalizing. We agree, over-all, the music industry puts profit first. People are choosing American Idol and Guitar Hero over CT because, advertising works. People are also choosing silly teen bands over CT, once again, advertising, promotion, and marketing work. Who is doing the adverting, etc.? The music industry is doing that. They are pushing junk, instead of gold. That is why I put the blame on labels. People are not hearing bands like CT. Promote real musicians and the masses will take it in.
It takes effort to think. Many people don't like to put in the effort or they are too busy to put in the effort. They go with the crowd.
Yes, the industry figured out how to make icons. I remember what they did to CT. CT was an awesome band before Epic meddled with their creativity. I love all of CT's songs but, I think some are much better than others. After CT left Epic, the music improved a lot and the quality has not down since. Their last 5 CDs are incredible.
If CT is happy, I'm happy. Maybe they don't want to make a big splash. CT is putting out quality albums. They are making their music on their terms. They seem to love what they are doing and that is most important. They are greatly appreciated by musicians and many loyal fans. Not by the masses but, there are more important things in life than fame. CT is doing excellent, in my book.
It's hard for me to see weak music getting so much attention, and well crafted music not getting the respect it deserves. Oh well, that's how it works sometimes. I'm lucky I found CT. Their music makes me very happy.
The internet can help the cream rise but, it will take leaders.
Unique and well crafted music are what I'm all about..I also have an appreciation for folks who can appeal to the masses and producers who have the studio craft down to a science as well. If everybody could do it, everybody would.
But in the end, if it speaks to me, I like it. And I like a lot.
I also love to hear passionate fans talk about their favorite music, that's why I've been logging on here for three years.
I agree about people getting to hear things and then liking them, but major record companies just can't afford to develop bands anymore, so they stick to "sure-fire" items that they can sell to a younger audience.
I also agree that some folks are unwilling to take a chance..more often than not they default to the lowest common denominator or the safe choice. Demand is not totally driven by companies that make records. So people get what they deserve/want for the most part.
Finally, and my real point here, is that music has become an acessory to many..something that's on in the backround, somethng unobtrusive. In short, for many people (not us music heads) it has become less relevant..just another entertainment, along with film, and video games vying for our dollars.
It was great to hear from you.
seems like we're moving back into an extension of the "boutique community" conversation. this time it's not about vinyl or sound though, it's about music.
You definately come across as loving music and you are right, that's why we come here. Thank you for not taking a few things that I disagree with personally and for your graciousness.
It does take skill to appeal to the masses. I think some want that, some don't. People are different.
Quick fix solutions rarely work in the long run. People smarten up over time.
People don't know where to find real music and they are too busy to look. I'm not surprised music has become an accessory. Not to people like us though. I can see music touches you deeply.
Thanks for the interesting exchange. I hope you have a great weekend.
Wow- I look away for just 2 days and look at all I missed!!!
Really nice discussion- and kudos to all for keeping it civilized. (I really don't think there was much disagreement after all but it is great seeing all of you take the high road. That isn't always the case anymore- even here in MOG-land.)
Back to the original post- glad you discovered Cheap Trick's "Latest", Scot. Definitely a lot of great music there (as on the Sgt. Pepper CD/DVD). After many listenings to "The Latest" I am surprised to report that the song I have listened to the most- by far- is "Closer, the Ballad of Burt and Linda"- which becomes more poignant (and yet comedic, too- a CT trademark, it seems) when you Google the inspirational source. Then the line about blindness reveals another layer of meaning- in addition to the usual "love is blind." And the dreamy sumptuousness of the production on that song is hypnotizing. And then my kids absolutely love the last track, "Smile."
Great stuff from the Tricksters! I look forward to seeing them in NYC for 2 shows next month- including a taping of a show for PBS-TV's SoundStage- now THAT is must-see TV!Stay tuned!
Thanks Fasted. Nice catch on the title of Closer. I did some googling too when I got the CD this summer. It being close to Christmas, Miracle is my fav right now. What a perfect Christmas song. Everybody Knows is a great one too.