Thanks to the generosity of the black-eyed D, I’ve had Stockholm Syndrome for almost a week now. (The album, not the actual syndrome.)
Here’s 7 things I can tell you after 5 listens.
- You’ve never heard Derek like this before.
- There are moments on this record that are closer on the musical scale to the Backstreet Boys than Caedmon’s Call…and I mean that in a good way.
- They absolutely crushed it on the cover art (as you can see above)
- I already knew Josh Moore was the man, but his work on this project should leave even the doubters convinced. I hope this is the first of many collaborations they work on. Bravo, Mr. Moore. Bravo.
- The song that has caused the stir, “What Matters More”, is absolutely worth the hype. I heard an acoustic version of it last month, and liked it. But hearing the finished product takes it to a whole new level. If this song doesn’t make it onto the INO release – and I fully understand why it probably won’t – it would be a bummer. (though I’m sure you’ll be able to get your hands on it one way or another)
- When it’s all said and done, I think there’s at least 3 songs on this record that will end up in my “All-Time Top 10 DW Songs” list. Maybe 4.
- It’s a strange thing to listen to a DW album and find yourself focusing on the music over the message. It’s not that the music hasn’t been good, it’s just that most of his past work has been so strong from a lyrical standpoint. But some of these songs are so fantastic sonically, I find myself thinking of the lyrics as an afterthought. For this reason it truly feels like new ground.
I’ve heard some rumblings about when this thing is going to be officially released, but I’m not sure if I’m supposed to talk about that stuff so I’ll hold off for now. Stay tuned for updates, and keep this project on your radar, I think you’re going to love it.
I’m not allowed to share the music, but if I could share it with only one of you, what would you do to be the one? Offer me power and fame? Treat me to a sleeve of Pro-V1 golf balls or a gift card to Dunkin Donuts? Promise me not to beat me up the next time you see me?
And hey, while we’re here…any new music y’all have been listening to lately that you want to give a shout out about? Share the love with us…
Posted by Bryan AllainTags: Derek Webb, Stockholm Syndrome
It’s great.
what would that dwebb top 10 consist of? if it doesn’t include Wrong Man, Me, Somewhere North of Here, Faith My Eyes, and Dance, I might rethink my invitation for you to stay here in october.
wow, all time top 10…that might be a post of its own. I dont know, I’d almost need to break it down to the Caedmons Era and Post-Caedmons Era.
and while we’re here, 10 points each for the names of the people that “Wrong Man” and “Somewhere North” were originally written about? (showing my Caedmons Geekdom now)
I’ll buy you lunch/coffee/beer (your choice) and you can bring the album to listen too
Wrong Man – Sandra?
You should know that at the peak of my dwebb obsession, my buddy and i actually sent him a postcard from Trafalgar’s Square in london. typing it makes me a little embarrassed.
looking forward to hearing this in a couple weeks.
somewhere north was written for a girl named candra. as were 2 other songs…i think “Daring Daylight Escape” and “Love is Different”. you can read about her in this journal entry from 12 years ago
http://derekwebb.net/journal/1997/19970110.php
wrong man was not about sandra.
“Wrong Man” was about Kierstin Berry. She is also mentioned as the ex-girlfriend in “I Wanna Marry You All Over Again”. She is now married to Jeremy Casella. I have never had the nerve to mention this to any of the involved parties.
[I should really clean up all those old journal entries and get them into WordPress, shouldn't I?]
i can’t speak to any of this except for number 4. i hope josh does get the credit he deserves and if anyone doesn’t like the style of ss, that they don’t blame josh for that.
don’t forget he was involved in the production of “share the well”.
so i will just sit here and wait.
I about spit my coffee out when I saw the title of this post on my sidebar. You should make a living making titles for blog posts.
My favorite right now? Tenth Avenue North. I pink fuzzy heart them.
So I stumbled onto this website with 3+ songs from the CD on it. The + is 15 of 20 stems put together of “the” song. Right now I’m digging listening to “The Spirit vs. The Kick Drum (Pre-Mix)”.
http://shanebertou.wordpress.com/2009/05/19/stockholm-syndrome-marketing-as-performance-art/
The completed version (albeit a little jagged) of the tune “What Matters More” is posted on my site now. I’m sure we’re going to see some lively discussion about this one!
http://shanebertou.wordpress.com
I love the song – so in-your-face, so Susan Isaacs. OK, so I’m trying to start that second catch phrase. Seriously, we need more of this uncensored authentic speak in christian circles.
On the music, my first thought was where Peter Furler or any other of the Newsboys was helping produce this. Not something they would sing about, but definitely more their musical style – well, at one time, at least. They’ve had what 8 musical styles, right?