[.ca] Anchor Drops

Sophomore Album Marks Journey Towards Greatness:
Umphrey's McGee doesn't need a catchy music video or a repetitive chorus to capture my attention - their outstanding musicianship and lyrical prowess are evident throughout their second studio release, Anchor Drops. With the addition of Kris Myers on drums, their sound has grown more mature, ambitious, and richly textured. Anchor Drops' first track, Plunger, is an impressive intro to a smooth-flowing album that hones and perfects the complexity of a live UM show, proving that these guys have the chops to not only be outstanding live musicians, but diligent and committed in the studio as well. Standout tracks - Anchor Drops is an intoxicating, lyrically and musically strong piece with a sly jazz groove and soothing lyrics; In the Kitchen; Bullhead City, featuring Elliot Peck on vocals, is the kind of song that makes grown men weep, and highlights Jake Cinninger's underrated vocals and songwriting skills. Mulche's Odyssey maintains its same live intensity with fast, crisp guitar riffs that often cause drivers in surrounding vehicles to eye my headbanging with concern; Wife Soup, with Karl Denson on tasty sax, is a triumphant celebration of Umphreys' ability to soar. While those just getting into Umphrey's might be looking for the new songs of the past six months, it is a testament to this band that they have the ability to crank out so much solid material that they can't keep up. This is prog rock for ALL who rock - or relax, or jam, or twirl, or just sit still, close their eyes, and tap their toes. Everytime I get in my car or reach for my IPod on the subway, I can't play anything but Anchor Drops - it's too satisfying to miss an opportunity to hear it again.

Prog Spring:
Welcome to the Rock Show. Umphrey's latest offering, and first with drummer Kris Myers (owner of a masters degree in Jazz Studies from Depaul University) is an absolute masterpiece. A triumph for a band often labeled a "jamband", Anchor Drops's progressive rock stylings show just how far Umphrey's has progressed in their efforts to eclipse the stereotypes of the "jam scene". Techinical virtuosos, the members of Umphrey's de-emphasize their impressive chops in favor of a focus on their brilliant genre-defying compositions, however, that doesn't mean that they don't bust out their maddest skills on a few tracks (see Anchor Drops, JaJunk pt. II, Mulche's Odyssey). What are you waiting for, get this album, and you won't be dissapointed.

If only because this CD deserves an average of more than 3.5:
My first exposure to Umphrey's Mcgee was hearing the studio version of "Wife Soup" on a friend's Bonnaroo CD - After only one listen I was hooked. On a complete impulse buy, I picked up this CD having only heard the one song, and I can honestly say that this was an impulse I am very glad I followed. When reading through reviews on this site, I was concerned about the low average it had. So basically this review is to let you know that all 5 of those stars at the top of the page should be filled in. Anchor Drops is probably one of the best CDs I own - a pretty gutsy remark for a CD I've only owned for a week, but I could tell after one listen that this was never going to stray far from my CD player. From the very first drum beat, through 14 tracks spanning an impressive 65 mins of music, to the very last echos of the fading guitar, there is not one moment on the cd that I don't love. In a day when you're lucky if a CD is 40 mins long, and if in that there's 20 mins of music worth listening to, the album on a whole becomes even more impressive. UM has more musical ability than any emerging band I've heard - They move seamlessly between everything from smooth jazz, to phish-esque jam, to soaring orchestral, to folkish country western, to flamenco guitar and back again. The meters change, the harmonies swell in and out leaving every moment more exciting than the last. The few reviews that rated this CD at one star really missed the point of the album. Some people complain that the studio versions can never capture the live show. Which may be true - but that does not in any way diminish the value of the album. Taking no comparisons into account and simply looking at the CD, it is still probably the best CD that has come out this year. If you want to hear a live show, go to a live show - you shouldn't expect to get a live song from a studio CD. And some others complain that UM is a misfit band that doesn't quite live up to its "jamband" reputation. Maybe mine is simply a personal opinion coming from a self-declared total music nerd, but I think it's better that they're not trying to fit in to a set description. This is a band that breaks down the walls built around it, which is more concerned with writing good music than writing "correct" music. UM is not a band for every man. People looking for repetitive riffs, predictable harmonies, and easily accessible lyrics will be sorely disappointed. But if you are looking for music that challenges the listener, and takes you on a journey past countless styles, blistering guitar solos, catchy riffs, polyrhythms, incredible build-ups, and everything else a great jamband can offer, buy this CD today - you won't be disappointed.

Great prog/jam rock:
Umphrey's combines many genres to make their own style of music, and it is great. Very unique and great lyrics.

A fantastic album:
This is the best Umphrey's McGee release yet, and they've had some good ones in their six years as a band -- the music on this album is outstanding and Bayliss' lyrics are compelling.

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