[.ca] Never Hear the End of It

Amazon.ca:
Never before has a Sloan record generated such extreme reviews by critics and fans. The band's eighth studio recording, Never Hear the End of It, contains a whopping 30 songs on one disc, ranging from 50 seconds to just over five minutes in length. The bulk of those tracks average roughly two-and-a-half minutes and bleed into each other--at times rather abruptly. As a result, the disc feels like an eccentric art-project; even the strongest tracks prove to be more of an appetizer, leaving listeners longing for a main course. Stylistically, there are no surprises. The group's music tends to fall into Sloan's two traditional categories: Beatles-esque stylings or '70s-influenced rock tunes. Noteworthy highlights include disc opener "Flying High Again" with its Crosby, Stills & Nash harmonies, and the blisteringly old-school punk rock pacing of "HFXNSHC." Fans of this disc compare Never's nonstop onslaught of songs to Liz Phair's Exile In Guyville or the Clash's Sandinista, while naysayers find the short, fast melodies insufficient in length and substance. Like all music, beauty is in the ear of the beholder, so expect Never Hear the End of It to be on many critics' Best or Worst lists at year's end. --Denise Sheppard

A Sloan album that sounds like Sloan:
Whenever Sloan releases a new album the fans and critics alike look to whom they can compare the sounds and styles. Throughout dozens of reviews you can hear the Beatles, AC/DC, the Smiths, Paul McCartney - even Chicago! - and many others mentioned. This is the first Sloan album that I actually made me think of previous Sloan albums. This is remarkable because it is a fresh album with many fresh ideas, something that Sloan can always be counted on. And yet the revival of the old piano and inclusion of more acoustic guitar rock reminds me of the phenomenal album Navy Blues; the drum sound is like that on Pretty Together and Action Pact; some of the feedback and distortion sounds are reminiscent of Smeared; and Chris's Ana Lucia sounds musically very much like Andrew's Never Seeing the Ground for the Sky on Pretty Together. So, Sloan sounds like Sloan! In a way, it's like they have "run the gamut" as Chris said and included a little bit of everything from their colourful career as well as worked out some new ideas. For variety, have a listen to Patrick's simple yet beautiful melancholy melodies in Listen to the Radio, Jay's piano rocker Who Taught You to Live Like That, Chris's piano ballad Live the Life You're Dreaming Of, Andrew's guitar rocker Living with The Masses, and Patrick's hardcore punk NFXNSCH. And there's plenty more in between. Chris's People Think They Know Me is a pleasant surprise as it is heavy and somewhat angry with some cool guitar playing. Like most Sloan songs, the tracks generally clock in at under three minutes with a few going a bit longer. There are also some short "bridges" of songs that are only around one minute and connect the longer ones. All four members are here and contributing and singing adding to the variety. After the first couple of spins I found myself wanting to hear at least half the songs again and again, and after a few more listens I wanted to simply enjoy the whole album as a master piece in itself. The only regrettable point is that this album will probably not go down in history as a monster album. If Sloan were a British or American band and this album was released in 1992 then by now it would be a cult classic and listed as one of the top twenty albums to own of the 90s. Unfortunately, this album will only be appreciated by fans new and old. For an album that is out of its time, an album that only a band like Sloan could do, this is a prize piece of work. I am glad we have Sloan!

Something for everyone!:
The more I listen to this album the more I like it. There are a few filler songs (too commercial or just too fluffy) but for the most part very good. Great variety of music styles. Unlike Action Pact which had very simple rock arrangements, this has more complex arrangements and as always really well played and sung. I am finding many songs getting stuck in my head which is a good sign. Andrew's songs are real stand outs for me. All 30 songs together 4 out of 5 stars. Pick you top 15 songs easily 5 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended.

Instant Classic:
Destined to be in alot of critic's Top Ten Lists of the year's best music, this album is tuneful, it rocks, it has the kind of harmonies most bands can only dream about and is a goldmine of large and (sometimes very) small musical treasures. It's a rare treat these days to have an album leaving you wanting more. Several of the songs' melodies and choruses are permanently locked into my mind at this point. Many small moments of genius abound throughout its entire 30-song package and the comparisons to The White Album and Abbey Road are not as ridiculous as they might sound. Unfortunately for Sloan they will likely not get much play in the US, which means they won't get the popularity and respect they deserve... a shame for all those who will miss this great classic. Sloan is truly one of the best kept secrets of the last 15 years. Buy it - you won't be disappointed; and by all means, go see them live - they are one of the best live acts around.

Very Good Album:
They've done it again. they're showing they're mature side of music, but still having fun. the arrangements are complex and not just banging away. a very strong album as a whole. good to be listened start to finish. it's similar to Abby road or Sgt. Pepper how the songs run into each other smoothly. some songs stand out and on their own. "Can't You Figure It Out" and "Last Time In Love" aside from the obvious single "Who Taught You To Live Like That?" are very good songs. If a Sloan fan, much recommended. Much recommended for new fans. Much recommended in General. the Art work is simple but cool as well.

Amazing return to form:
Im a big Sloan fan but lately I have just been buying the albums out of loyalty (the last 2). This album is a return to form- Sloan seem inspired and new again, they are doing what they do best- alternating between short catchy tunes like Chris's 'Set In Motion' and more complicated longer songs like Patrick's 'I Understand'. At 30 songs there are maybe 3-4 that I skip over. The last two albums, had atleast that many skipable songs and those albums only had 12-14 tracks. If you get the chance to see then live- take it! Ive just seen them twice and they are in top form. Sloan are getting better with age!

• Flying High Again
• Who Taught You to Live Like That?
• I've Gotta Try
• Everybody Wants You
• Listen to the Radio
• Fading into Obscurity
• I Can't Sleep
• Someone I Can Be True With
• Right or Wrong
• Something's Wrong
• Ana Lucia
• Before the End of the Race
• Blackout
• I Understand
• You Know What It's About
• Golden Eyes
• Can't You Figure It Out?
• Set in Motion
• Love Is All Around
• Will I Belong?
• Ill Placed Trust
• Live the Life You're Dreaming Of
• Living with the Masses
• HFXNSHC
• People Think They Know Me
• I Know You
• Last Time in Love
• It's Not the End of the World
• Light Years
• Another Way I Could Do It