Okay, not Track by Track! Greg wants to keep the interludes and concept a secret - but rest easy, Mr. Peasy! He did give his blessing for me to give a couple of details.
Track by Track Breakdown:
0. From Pocatello to Moscow to Olsecles!
ALERT - this is NOT a drill. Greg is back on Piano and he terms up with Pilsby for a new opening track in the re-release. Perfect, somber intro that has shades of “Searching” (while being much more emotionally resonant) before transitioning into a catchy house beat with great hooks! This track now ties Travelin’ Again to every release Greg has ever done (even the future Olsecles release!)
1. 101.4 Tuneheads Galore
What can I say about the first track? Not much. Just know it’s the first of a series of connected interludes that carry the concept of the album. Looking for a hint? Check out QOTSA’s Songs for the Deaf.
2. Pocatello Throwback: An Homage to a Legacy!
“And what a legacy that was.” Wow - this track feels like the band is about to be billionaires. Because this band discovered a time-machine that’s about to make them riiiiiiiiich. This track feels just like the band went back in time during the Sound Sessions and recorded this in between Arabic Ensemble and Western Jingle. They even reuse some riffs out of context from the original album, Greg put it “if it works once, it’ll work twice.”
Berry channels Rold here quite tastefully and Pilsby carries the song with new material.
3. Portuguese Company (feat. Jeff Lambert)
If the first song signals the album’s influence from the Sounds album - this album marks the bands new direction with the album. Buckle in - it’s a fun one.
4. East African Shimmy
Wow - this track is FUN. It’s not my style with Greg but fans of Swedish Disco Jam will love this one. This track shows the bands evolution and potential when all members are on the same page. This is one of the tracks that was recorded before their 2014 break-up, but that chemistry is there in their tracks post reunion. Berry really shows his drumming talent here and PROVES he can use that talent to work with Greg’s style.
5. Interlude 2
6. Utah Jazz
This song is one of four tracks where Greg samples his favorite artists from widely different genres into a coherent piece.
7. Japanese Sword (feat. Alan Dermarderosian)
Greg pays homage to a classic 80’s B movie.
8. Interlude 3
9. Mississippi Swamp (feat. Tom Collins)
Greg and Tom Collins team up and deliver the most emotionally reasonably performance they’ve ever done.
10. Canadian Traverse
Amazing to hear this song with the context of this album. WIT and I have talked about how this song (co-written by Christopherson in 2013) showed how promising this homage to Old Greg was - and it’s still amazing to hear. This is my favorite of the album. It harkens back to the band’s acoustic airhead roots as do many of their best tracks. So happy Delphine is able to handle the strings live - it truly has a powerful ending and I can’t wait to watch it in many sets over the years.
11. Interlude 4 (listen for Delphine in this).
12. Turkish Delight (feat. Delphine Gaffe)
The more I listen the more I love it. Everyone featured here was in the band’s 2018 lineup (Collins included too, I think).
13. Icelandic Crevasse
Greg shows that EDM is completely in his wheelhouse. Pils carries this from start to finish.
14. Bermuda Joyride
We’ve all listened. What can we even say? This is Greg at his most imaginative and shows what the band can do when they're 100% behind his vision. Greg takes a drag down into the 1970's and leaves with the biggest Mary this side of the Mississippi. This track is joy, pain, loss, coping, and loss again until it takes you to the edge of catharsis. It leaves you there with questions not unlike the ones that arise while watching the Post-Modern Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead. Berry even got Greg’s blessing to finish with a metal inspired closer - which Greg thought fit perfectly with the song. "The joyride continues without a ticket. It continues until we're gone." The only question we're left with is do we let go, or continue holding on and embracing the joyride. As Greg does throughout his Magnum Opus here.
15. Interlude 5 (haha! Too many hahas!)
16. Polish Sausage
Get ready, Stubbes! It’s a good one. John Berry remarked in his interview that Greg challenged him like JK Simmons in Whiplash, and Berry nailed it. Greg originally wanted Berry to do the Rold beat at Western Jingle’s pace but John asked if he could do something inspired from “Caravan” which Greg loved - as long as Berry agreed to all percussive instruments Greg wanted to include.
17. Scandinavian Festival
This track may be the album at its most ponderous. TGOE moves like a trance through the existential question of meaning in a world where you’ve lost the ones you love. He also features samples of my Dog Emily’s barks here - I was so happy.
18. Interlude 6
19. Nepali Woman, Antarctic Man
Greg slays it with EDM. Pilsby was asked to deliver a planet by Greg and Livingsdale and David responded with the world - and what a moving story! This is where David seals his status on the album.
20. Moscow Boogie (feat. HIOYW)
This is a hard rock track featuring Delphine on the cello and it may be objectively the best track Greg has ever released (though my heart will always be with tracks like Traverse)
21. Interlude 7 (Final Interlude)
22. Outback Steakhouse
Greg lands his album with the most traditional country/folk song his band has ever done. It laments how our past can never be recovered but that there’s still reason to hold onto hope for the future. A beautiful way to tie up the album and it’s concept - and Greg even relishes the celebration of the album’s finish himself here (which is so fun to see).
Award Ceremony
1. Rold’s Gold (CSMVP)
The close second MVP reclaims his prize that he so sadly lost in the Galore album - proud to have him back showing how he bring GO’s vision into reality, we have none other than David Pilsby! Pils shines on many tracks but absolutely stands out in a couple and is a big part of why this album is memorable.
2. In the Tom’s Tonight (Surprise Performer Award)
This award, established after Tom Collins belted his heart out on Galore, is the surprise of the ceremony. The winner goes to someone that I didn’t know was featured outside of his first ever guitar playing in Turkish. We have Greg’s social media manager, Marc David Nathin (runner-up Delphine Gaffe - she is really something and SHINES here). “What?” You ask. “Why, MDN wasn’t mentioned, you say. Yes, you are right about that - however, MDN shines throughout this album and shows he can apply his witty creativity and candor on the air, too. His at times too sharp sarcasm over Greg keeps him from the CSMVP, but since Greg was okay with it (he never takes himself too seriously) MDN deserves praise all the same!
3. The “Maybe Next Time, Champ” award.
The winner for the third straight performance came so, so close to getting out of the hole, but in what was my hardest decision of the night, Mr. Berry takes the award yet again. To be honest I can’t really think of anything he did wrong - outside of the band’s 2014 breakup, of course. It is with sincerity that I say that John may be the best musician in the band and you can tell John is 100% committed to Greg’s vision for the first time (even though Greg’s classic approach and the Oldheads such as myself would have preferred Rold). However, Berry’s effort is commendable, so much so that for the first time, I seriously tell you, “Maybe Next Time, Champ.”
4. The Olsecles Award (Album MVP)
This one is obvious - but it’s worth saying any way. Drum, Rold, please - Burum, burum, burum, burum, The Olsecles Award, named after the Greek God who so accidentally but monumentally gave us sound at all, the album MVP goes to the originator of the musical revolution himself, winning for the third album in a row, we have Mr. Greg Olsen. No one deserves it more, my friend!
Album Rating:
9/10 - this may be TGOE at its most fun - and memorable. Oldheads may bristle at some new experimentation, but Greg’s adventurous spirit shines from start to finish. Since this album would never be Enchantment 2.0, consider a 9 to be the biggest and most enthusiastic praise I can bestow. Congratulations to everyone involved, yes, you too, Berry.
Ratings of Previous Releases
Enchantment Demos: 10/10
Sounds Demos: 9.5/10
Sounds: 9/10
Honky Tonk Bootlegs: 9/10
Galore: 7/10
One Night in Pocatello: Introducing the Experience: 8/10
Pencil Enchantment: 7.5/10
The Water Over the Bridge Now (Favorite Quotes):
Christopherson: "This record has the most energy since our Enchantment demos."
Amanda (after listening to Nepali Woman & Moscow): "This is the first time TGOE actually feels like a complete band."
These quotes summarize what was ultimately an amazing experience listening to this album. Do I wish for the all acoustic band that delivered unforgettable material with the Enchantment Demos (so happy I have the only copy), the Sounds Demos, and the Honky Tonk Bootlegs? Admittedly, yes, I do. But this album is objectively their best musical composition and is their most catchy concept to date. Will it one day surpass my love for the Sounds Demos. Ask me in a year, but for now I'm on the third listen of my cassette, muhahaha!
That's the Water Over the Bridge now, and we'll see you all again at Greg's next release!
Bridges' out.
Track by Track Breakdown:
0. From Pocatello to Moscow to Olsecles!
ALERT - this is NOT a drill. Greg is back on Piano and he terms up with Pilsby for a new opening track in the re-release. Perfect, somber intro that has shades of “Searching” (while being much more emotionally resonant) before transitioning into a catchy house beat with great hooks! This track now ties Travelin’ Again to every release Greg has ever done (even the future Olsecles release!)
1. 101.4 Tuneheads Galore
What can I say about the first track? Not much. Just know it’s the first of a series of connected interludes that carry the concept of the album. Looking for a hint? Check out QOTSA’s Songs for the Deaf.
2. Pocatello Throwback: An Homage to a Legacy!
“And what a legacy that was.” Wow - this track feels like the band is about to be billionaires. Because this band discovered a time-machine that’s about to make them riiiiiiiiich. This track feels just like the band went back in time during the Sound Sessions and recorded this in between Arabic Ensemble and Western Jingle. They even reuse some riffs out of context from the original album, Greg put it “if it works once, it’ll work twice.”
Berry channels Rold here quite tastefully and Pilsby carries the song with new material.
3. Portuguese Company (feat. Jeff Lambert)
If the first song signals the album’s influence from the Sounds album - this album marks the bands new direction with the album. Buckle in - it’s a fun one.
4. East African Shimmy
Wow - this track is FUN. It’s not my style with Greg but fans of Swedish Disco Jam will love this one. This track shows the bands evolution and potential when all members are on the same page. This is one of the tracks that was recorded before their 2014 break-up, but that chemistry is there in their tracks post reunion. Berry really shows his drumming talent here and PROVES he can use that talent to work with Greg’s style.
5. Interlude 2
6. Utah Jazz
This song is one of four tracks where Greg samples his favorite artists from widely different genres into a coherent piece.
7. Japanese Sword (feat. Alan Dermarderosian)
Greg pays homage to a classic 80’s B movie.
8. Interlude 3
9. Mississippi Swamp (feat. Tom Collins)
Greg and Tom Collins team up and deliver the most emotionally reasonably performance they’ve ever done.
10. Canadian Traverse
Amazing to hear this song with the context of this album. WIT and I have talked about how this song (co-written by Christopherson in 2013) showed how promising this homage to Old Greg was - and it’s still amazing to hear. This is my favorite of the album. It harkens back to the band’s acoustic airhead roots as do many of their best tracks. So happy Delphine is able to handle the strings live - it truly has a powerful ending and I can’t wait to watch it in many sets over the years.
11. Interlude 4 (listen for Delphine in this).
12. Turkish Delight (feat. Delphine Gaffe)
The more I listen the more I love it. Everyone featured here was in the band’s 2018 lineup (Collins included too, I think).
13. Icelandic Crevasse
Greg shows that EDM is completely in his wheelhouse. Pils carries this from start to finish.
14. Bermuda Joyride
We’ve all listened. What can we even say? This is Greg at his most imaginative and shows what the band can do when they're 100% behind his vision. Greg takes a drag down into the 1970's and leaves with the biggest Mary this side of the Mississippi. This track is joy, pain, loss, coping, and loss again until it takes you to the edge of catharsis. It leaves you there with questions not unlike the ones that arise while watching the Post-Modern Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead. Berry even got Greg’s blessing to finish with a metal inspired closer - which Greg thought fit perfectly with the song. "The joyride continues without a ticket. It continues until we're gone." The only question we're left with is do we let go, or continue holding on and embracing the joyride. As Greg does throughout his Magnum Opus here.
15. Interlude 5 (haha! Too many hahas!)
16. Polish Sausage
Get ready, Stubbes! It’s a good one. John Berry remarked in his interview that Greg challenged him like JK Simmons in Whiplash, and Berry nailed it. Greg originally wanted Berry to do the Rold beat at Western Jingle’s pace but John asked if he could do something inspired from “Caravan” which Greg loved - as long as Berry agreed to all percussive instruments Greg wanted to include.
17. Scandinavian Festival
This track may be the album at its most ponderous. TGOE moves like a trance through the existential question of meaning in a world where you’ve lost the ones you love. He also features samples of my Dog Emily’s barks here - I was so happy.
18. Interlude 6
19. Nepali Woman, Antarctic Man
Greg slays it with EDM. Pilsby was asked to deliver a planet by Greg and Livingsdale and David responded with the world - and what a moving story! This is where David seals his status on the album.
20. Moscow Boogie (feat. HIOYW)
This is a hard rock track featuring Delphine on the cello and it may be objectively the best track Greg has ever released (though my heart will always be with tracks like Traverse)
21. Interlude 7 (Final Interlude)
22. Outback Steakhouse
Greg lands his album with the most traditional country/folk song his band has ever done. It laments how our past can never be recovered but that there’s still reason to hold onto hope for the future. A beautiful way to tie up the album and it’s concept - and Greg even relishes the celebration of the album’s finish himself here (which is so fun to see).
Award Ceremony
1. Rold’s Gold (CSMVP)
The close second MVP reclaims his prize that he so sadly lost in the Galore album - proud to have him back showing how he bring GO’s vision into reality, we have none other than David Pilsby! Pils shines on many tracks but absolutely stands out in a couple and is a big part of why this album is memorable.
2. In the Tom’s Tonight (Surprise Performer Award)
This award, established after Tom Collins belted his heart out on Galore, is the surprise of the ceremony. The winner goes to someone that I didn’t know was featured outside of his first ever guitar playing in Turkish. We have Greg’s social media manager, Marc David Nathin (runner-up Delphine Gaffe - she is really something and SHINES here). “What?” You ask. “Why, MDN wasn’t mentioned, you say. Yes, you are right about that - however, MDN shines throughout this album and shows he can apply his witty creativity and candor on the air, too. His at times too sharp sarcasm over Greg keeps him from the CSMVP, but since Greg was okay with it (he never takes himself too seriously) MDN deserves praise all the same!
3. The “Maybe Next Time, Champ” award.
The winner for the third straight performance came so, so close to getting out of the hole, but in what was my hardest decision of the night, Mr. Berry takes the award yet again. To be honest I can’t really think of anything he did wrong - outside of the band’s 2014 breakup, of course. It is with sincerity that I say that John may be the best musician in the band and you can tell John is 100% committed to Greg’s vision for the first time (even though Greg’s classic approach and the Oldheads such as myself would have preferred Rold). However, Berry’s effort is commendable, so much so that for the first time, I seriously tell you, “Maybe Next Time, Champ.”
4. The Olsecles Award (Album MVP)
This one is obvious - but it’s worth saying any way. Drum, Rold, please - Burum, burum, burum, burum, The Olsecles Award, named after the Greek God who so accidentally but monumentally gave us sound at all, the album MVP goes to the originator of the musical revolution himself, winning for the third album in a row, we have Mr. Greg Olsen. No one deserves it more, my friend!
Album Rating:
9/10 - this may be TGOE at its most fun - and memorable. Oldheads may bristle at some new experimentation, but Greg’s adventurous spirit shines from start to finish. Since this album would never be Enchantment 2.0, consider a 9 to be the biggest and most enthusiastic praise I can bestow. Congratulations to everyone involved, yes, you too, Berry.
Ratings of Previous Releases
Enchantment Demos: 10/10
Sounds Demos: 9.5/10
Sounds: 9/10
Honky Tonk Bootlegs: 9/10
Galore: 7/10
One Night in Pocatello: Introducing the Experience: 8/10
Pencil Enchantment: 7.5/10
The Water Over the Bridge Now (Favorite Quotes):
Christopherson: "This record has the most energy since our Enchantment demos."
Amanda (after listening to Nepali Woman & Moscow): "This is the first time TGOE actually feels like a complete band."
These quotes summarize what was ultimately an amazing experience listening to this album. Do I wish for the all acoustic band that delivered unforgettable material with the Enchantment Demos (so happy I have the only copy), the Sounds Demos, and the Honky Tonk Bootlegs? Admittedly, yes, I do. But this album is objectively their best musical composition and is their most catchy concept to date. Will it one day surpass my love for the Sounds Demos. Ask me in a year, but for now I'm on the third listen of my cassette, muhahaha!
That's the Water Over the Bridge now, and we'll see you all again at Greg's next release!
Bridges' out.
Last edited by Bridges on Tue Apr 07, 2020 4:36 pm; edited 6 times in total
