I may be getting a little carried away, but this is one of the few records I truly enjoy from start to finish. I'm amazed that somehow I like it more every time I hear it.
Bad Examples sound like...well...rock 'n' roll. Pure and simple.
Songs like "It's Over Now," and "No Distractions" are reminiscent of the Replacements on a very good day. While the tunes "Every Poet Wants To Murder Shakespeare," and "New Guitar" are so purely pop they hurt. No matter how you feel, these songs make you smile. Fight back, I dare you. "Man Underwater" is the standout in this bunch, but not by much. Very dark and moody, this song is the best example of how Bad Examples can affect the listener. The songwriting is from the heart and consistent. It is simple, flowing and enjoyable without ever being lightweight. Each song takes hold of your emotions.
The only problem I have with this CD is that not enough people are gonna hear it. Because they are on a small indie label, with little promotion (compared to the majors), they will most likely get lost in the bins. Few daring souls will chance to buy it, because radio programmers unaware of these remarkable purveyors of pop, will not give it the exposure that it warrants.
As songwriters and performers, the Bad Examples smoke most of the pop icons who flash their wares on MTV. This is a band that truly deserves to be heard by a lot more ears than the few that they are likely to fall upon. Oh, well, that's the business.
Rating: 10
-Jason Tarka