The Dispatch #809

Artist: Matt Berninger
Album: ‘Serpentine Prison‘
Year: 2020

While I’m becoming cynical at the mere mention of the frontperson of a successful band branching out and releasing a solo effort, I fall for it every goddamn time. This time, Matt Berninger of The National comes forth with a solo offering that, again makes me wonder what he accomplished here that he couldn’t have with the band? This album feels like such a natural continuation from the band’s last five albums that calling it a solo effort almost seems disingenuous. Now, I say that fully acknowledging that this album is very well-crafted and exceptionally written, but it makes it weird that it came out under Matt’s name and not as another album from The National.

Track of Distinction: “All for Nothing” is a great track.

Artist: Blue Oyster Cult
Album: ‘The Essential Blue Oyster Cult‘
Year: 2003

While it is unfair to call BOC a one-hit wonder because they have at least two songs pretty much anyone over that age of 30 would recognize (even if the recognition comes from a played-out SNL skit), they have the soul of a band that fits the moniker. If anything is essential in this offering, it is knowing that BOC actually put their heart into their craft and weren’t content with having recognition on a couple of tracks. They showed growth and innovation outside of their singles that should be encouraged in other bands. While they may not be the best example of how to sustain a popular career, they show that a band can embrace their success while also moving forward.

Track of Distinction: “Godzilla” might be written off as a novelty song, but it’s still a good song.

Artist: The Blue Van
Album: ‘Dear Independence‘
Year: 2006

Fans of the USA medical dramedy Royal Pains should know about the band that provided the infectious earworm that is the show’s theme song. This album was procured because I am one of those fans. Finally getting around to the entire album, I found that this group of Danish rockers really enjoy their craft and don’t take themselves too seriously. There is an almost party-like atmosphere with this album that makes it lighthearted, accessible, and draws you in from beginning to end.

Track of Distinction: “White Dominoes” closes the record with some heart and soul that is a fine finish on an album that is just a raging good time.

Artist: Blues Traveler
Album: ‘Four‘
Year: 1994

For a band as established as Blues Traveler, with hits that helped define the roguish, unabahsed sounds of the 1990s, I thought this album would be better. Or, at the very least age better. While it is obvious that only two tracks were ever produced to be radio-ready, the rest of the album seems comprised of a lot of good ideas but the band doesn’t seem to show off enough talent to pull them off. John Popper, his harmonicas, and lyrical gymnastics schtick is cool … for a couple of tracks. Otherwise, it’s pretty offputting.

Track of Distinction: “Hook” because why not?

Artist: Josh Ritter
Album: ‘See Here, I Have Built You a Mansion‘
Year: 2020

Having listened to this collection twice, I’ve come to the realization that Josh likes to service certain sounds, styles, and moods and has settled into those sweet spots. Out of the six unreleased original tracks, all of them would have felt at home on any of his early albums. While he is trying to branch out into more alt-country these days, this collection scratches a certain nostalgic itch that shows he still has what made him popular. The exceptionally loyal Dire Straits cover and the live offering are just icing on the cake.

Track of Distinction: “Haunt” took a couple of listens to grow on me but it is a solid track.