[.ca] If I Left the Zoo

From Amazon.com:
Jars of Clay admirably stretched the boundaries of Christian pop music when their self-titled debut scaled the charts in 1995. Two releases later, the group's peculiar yet appealing brand of alt-acoustic-Christpop remains a study in irony: relatively simple on the outside, brooding and introspective on the inside. If I Left the Zoo returns to form with a renewed focus on songwriting; the disc is a stripped-down and more organic effort than the richly layered but equally rewarding Much Afraid (1997). The opening song "Goodbye, Goodnight," with its lighthearted accordion and mandolin, quickly sets the tone. While the tune itself is a sprightly sing-along, lyrically the Jars hit you with end-of-the-millennium social commentary ("Raise a glass for ignorance / drink a toast to fear / The beginning of the end has come / that's why we all are here"). The oddly attractive "Unforgetful You," the bittersweet "Famous Last Words," and the melodic rocker "Can't Erase It" are sure-fire radio hits. While the playful, digestible quality of the band's music is undeniable, they've become equally effective as songwriters for a generation. --Michael Lyttle

great cd:
This cd is absolutly wonderful! The lyrics and outstanding music are simply refreshing. Every Jars of Clay cd I have bought is among my favorite cds! They are just a great band and all of their music is great. This is music I can groove to while driving, listen to as I go to sleep, or while I surf the web! Once again, the song writer has mangaged to turn out thought provoking lyrics and combined them with cool background music. Must buy this cd.

falls short of expectations:
I'm all for expanding your horizons and adding new musical influences to the reportoire but JOC overstay their best intentions on this release. In several articles leading up to this release, Dan and Co. claimed they really wanted to introduce similar concepts to their music that helped create their own passion for the art(s). I definitely recognize the country western influence immediately (ie: mandolin and such) but the classic typecasted JOC sound still has a place in all of JOCs fans' hearts, and they just didn't take into consideration that the new sounds should have been incorporated by paying homage to the foundation by which they have become a Christian household name. These guys are amazing live, and I haven't found (contrary to many other reviews) that much of a bluesy & C/W influence in their live set. It appears to take the safe approach, with special emphasis placed on that original JOC sound that can be found on their two first landmark albums, Self-Titled and Much Afraid. The exception of course would be the fact that they can express themselves artistically by extending many of their classics and turning a short number into a legendary jam session filled with tastes of their musical influences. This still appears to be absent of any definitive exploration into other musical genres. Yes, they experiment but mostly while paying attention to the very reason they have come to make it this far - the first two albums. Zoo is a compilation of misdirected intentions, or unfulfilled efforts. This is of course my opinion based on seven years of following their work. Certainly not a blind claim. Furthermore (JOC offerings in their most pure state) is a much better investment, and NOT because it can also be considered a greatest hits compilation. Any JOC enthusiast will tell you that there are several GH-caliber types of songs that made it off the collection. Order Furthermore today, at least before you try out Zoo.

Astonishing lyrically; pleasant musically:
Although this CD was stolen from me, I would definitely buy it again. Musically talented, lyrically astonishing, Jars of Clay never disappoints me. "Sad Clown" was among one of my favorites. This album offers a slower, more "organic" sound and unique, original lyrics. If you like an honest, down-to-earth sound, mixed with poetic, metaphorical words, you will like this album.

AWESOME!:
This is a CREATIVE Christian band...So many other Christian Bands attempt to take a secular group's style and make it Christian, to attract secular listeners. Jars of Clay can attract any crowd, Christian or non-Christian because of their unique sound and creative lyrics. This CD is one of my favorites...all of their CD's are awesome but this one really speaks to you...the lyrics are deep and poetic. No clichés here. At times their sound goes from Jazz to pop and from Rock to Blue Grass / Gospel... Their great vocal harmony gives them a professional polish. In addition to vocal talent, this band mixes all sorts of untraditional instruments with traditional rock instruments...They successfully blend accordions, toy pianos, organs with drums and guitars...Their sound is fresh and their spiritual music reaches out to you... They're awesome.

• Goodbye, Good Night
• Unforgetful You
• Collide
• No One Loves Me Like You
• Famous Last Words
• Sad Clown
• Hand
• I'm Alright
• Grace
• Can't Erase It
• River Constantine