This album is more than just another album; it is a masterpiece. If someone were to ask me for the definition of emotional music, this album would be my answer. It is beautiful, emotional, and most of all, it is honest. The other SDRE albums are all works of art in their own right, but LP2 pulls it all together. All of SDRE's bag of tricks are on this album, so of course the album showcases some of their best moments.
Chiming guitars, followed by two snare hits catapults LP2 with "Friday". Indecipherable lyrics spit out of Jeremy Enigk's throat, as the band flex their rock muscles. The rest of the songs continues in stunning manner, ranging all over the musical spectrum. You have soft songs, loud songs, hard songs, mellow songs; and they all have the patented SDRE build up.
"Red Elephant" proves to be one of the shining gems on this short 9 song album. The drums keep you on your toes, and Enigk's voice will bring a tear to your eye. The pure emotion of this song encompasses why SDRE is so unique. "8" will make you move, if not physically, then mentally. This song seems to represent the album's emotional peak. It truly gives you what you want; the perfect build up, the wonderful blend of guitars and voice, and as usual, more emotion than most can handle.
"Iscarabaid" may be their most intriguing song, yet. The manic shifts in attitude provide for one of the weirdest and most captivating use of the guitar. The eerie singing floats above the music like water, as the drums drill rusty nails into your skull. Easily one of the highlights of SDRE's music career.
"Rodeo Jones" is a climax in it’s own, in fact it can be an album in its own. The best part of "Rodeo Jones" being at the end is that it starts and finishes with all of the emotion the rest of the album had. Take it out, and you have all of the emotion in most new Emo bands entire albums, in one song.
Everything from the complex time signatures and dynamic shifts, to the melodic basslines and unique vocal style, LP2 documents Sunny Day at their most experimental. Even though the band uses the basic instruments found in rock, the music still sounds fresh and unique.
What's strange is the band reportedly were not getting along very well during the recording of this album. Even the artwork (or lack thereof) seems to represent the mood of the band during this time period. Whether this worked to their advantage or not, LP2 stands as one of the most unique and emotional records of the '90s. A must-have album if you crave a rock album that will carry on throughout your life.
1. Friday
2. Theo B
3. Red Elephant
4. 5/4
5. Waffle
6. 8
7. Iscarabaid
8. J'Nuh
9. Rodeo Jones
More about: Sunny Day Real Estate
