Song of the Day - Anberlin - Impossible

I thought that I had already used this song as my song of the day this year but apparently I didn't. Today's selection has been stuck in my head more than once this year due to it's "catchiness." The beat is infectious, the lyrics are deep, and stephen Christian sounds wonderful on it. The song of the day is Anberlin's "Impossible" off of their "Dark is the Way Light is the Place" album which if you remember didn't have extremely favorable review on this site. Nonetheless this song is probably one of the best that Anberlin has come up with and that is why it is my song of the day... well that and i can't get it out of my head! enjoy!!


You make my teeth clinch and my hands shake
Do you ever see what you do to me?
Wearing me out, it's wearing me out
But I'm wearing you down

You're impossible love me
So impossible to .....
I'm wearing you out just wearing you out
But I'm wearing you down

Take what you want from me
It means nothing now
Take everything from me it means nothing now
Not so easy to forgive, harder to forget
Take what you want

What I can do to you
is wearing you down
Can I begin to wear you down?

Take what you want from me
It means nothing now
Take everything from me it means nothing now
Not so easy to forgive, harder to forget
Take what you want from me

I'm impossible to figure out
So impossible you had to doubt

Take what you want from me
It means nothing now
Take everything from me it means nothing now
Not so easy to forgive, harder to forget
Take what you want from me it means nothing now
Take everything from me it means nothing now
Not so easy to forgive, harder to forget
Take what you want from me

Take what you want from me ..

Review: Anberlin - Dark Is the Way, Light Is a Place

***1/2

At times my expectations of something that I have been anticipating can be way too high. But how can my expectations not be steep when you get quotes from Anberlins lead singer Stephen Christian, like this one: “this is the best record that we can ever accomplish…” So after two years of waiting, monumental Headlining shows, amazing b-sides and singles, Anberlin finally releases Dark Is the Way, Light Is a Place.

The album boasts a 10 song collective, the shortest Anberlin Record to date, that makes it seem like an EP rather than an LP. The album was fueled by their hit single “Impossible” which has been getting much radio play and time on the Billboard rock charts. Dark is the way was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Brendan O'Brien. My only question is, what went wrong here?

As a fan since I first heard the “Blueprints” album, way back when they were nobodies opening up for now defunct acts, I guess I can say I know what I am expecting when I listen to an Anberlin Record and THIS isn’t it! Now don’t get me wrong, the album isn’t terrible! It definitely has its high points with songs such as “Impossible” the upbeat classic anberlin sounding masterpiece was chosen wisely as the first single; or perhaps even songs such as the sun tsung inspired, “The art of war” whose infectious beat and lyrics such as “there are songs I’ll never write, because of you walking out of my life” have you bobbing your head in agreement to the theme of the song. The album seems to take you on a roller coaster ride of rhythm and experimentation while showing obvious maturity in Christian’s lyric writing.

When I call the album a roller coaster that is not necessarily a good thing, especially not in a 10-song LP. The problem with the album is that it is good, not great. As an avid fan of the band for seven years, a purchaser of their albums promptly on their release dates, and a concert attendee for any Anberlin show in the Sacramento, San Francisco area, I expect nothing less from anberlin than what they have shown us to make us love them all these years, GREATNESS! So when I heard the album the first time, it didn’t immediately make me want to dance. It didn’t immediately make me wish I knew the lyrics so I could sing along. In fact, it was over before I could even get into it. Upon listening the second time I was able to pick out the jewels and the duds and I have to say that one or two duds (especially “Pray Tell”) in a ten song album, is tragic, especially for a band as talented as Anberlin. But I don’t want to end this review making everyone think that I didn’t like the album, I really did, it’s just that I expect nothing else but excellence from the Florida based band and for me, this wasn’t it!

Review: Anchor and Braille - Felt

*****

To listen to an album that can take you through wide range of emotions is a rare thing in today’s music scene. But Anchor & Braille’s “Felt” album contains an assortment of melodic masterpieces that craft this album into a work of art. A departure from his work with his emo/alternative rock band Anberlin, Anchor & Braille takes an acoustic approach to Christian’s emotional, nostalgic lyrics as opposed to the upbeat styling of Anberlin. Christian’s lyrics show growth throughout the entire album leaving his Blueprint days as a distant memory.
Usually when an album starts off on an exceptionally lofty peak it quickly plummets into a profound valley that makes it hard to return, but Felt accomplishes this feat with ease. The album starts off with one of the projects best tracks, Rust (The Story of Mary Agnosia), a smooth sounding seductive track that hooks you from the very start.
The album takes its true climax at Wedding/ Funeral which blends Christians melancholy and yet passion-filled lyrics with an evocative piano/ drum combination which will drill itself into your mind and have you trying to hit Christians high notes for the rest of the week if not longer.
Sleep When We Die, the albums first single, is a laid back track that leaves you with a smile on your face after listening it. The chorus is another catchy and romantic stanza that adds to this albums ability to remain as one of the best in your collection.
With many more songs to highlight in this already impressive album, The purchase of Anchor &Braille’s Felt is not only a good buy but a guaranteed classic that will leave you hanging on the edge of your seat until their next album comes out trying, almost impossibly, to top this classic. However don’t be surprised if their next release exceeds their current venture with the development and maturity that Christian brings to the table every time he comes out with a new project.