ShareThis"DAVID COOK," David Cook (19 Recordings/RCA)The streets of America are littered with former "American Idol" contestants, making it increasingly difficult for them to set themselves apart from each other in their quest for post-show stardom.Most recent winner David Cook attempts to stand out by being blunt and loud on his new self-titled release. Cook is an archetypical rock singer on a show dominated by divas and pop vocalists, so at least he's got a slight stylistic distinction going for him. However, "David Cook" is so formulaic, it might as well be labeled simply "Rock Singer" (no title, no name, no photo) and deposited directly into the discount racks at Wal-Mart.Still, Cook is backed by a major label, his release is produced with precision and he delivers generous amounts of angst-filled hooks. So potential hits are available, such as opening cut "Declaration," where meaty guitars support Cook as he sings about standing alone against the world, and also the raucous, classic-rock tinged "Heroes," where he earnestly belts about how heroes come and go."David Cook" is serviceable elsewhere, too, from its raw "Bar-Ba-Sol" to its radio-friendly (and somewhat subdued) "Avalanche" to its piano-and-strings ballad "Permanent" to its fairly restrained and upbeat closer "The Time of My Life."Yet Cook's release is predictable. He invariably oversings, bland songs are everywhere and it's hard to imagine listeners feeling a continued deep connection to the ordinary-voiced singer as he blares and broods through one rote song after another."David Cook" has enough punch to deliver the singer a burst of momentum, but it likely doesn't have enough juice to make a lasting impression.Rating (five possible): 2-1/2"LOVE IS DEAD," Lowry (Engine Room)If you want to go down the rabbit hole of gloom, Lowry's "Love Is Dead" will take you into the depths of depression.The Brooklyn-based quintet is heavy-handed as it dumps one protracted span of blurry misery after another on its audience, lead singer/songwriter Alex Lowry mulling and whining as backing vocalist/banjoist Heidi Sidelinker coos and strums in ghostly support.The act's anti-folk indie sound meanders at a sometimes-glacial pace, locking the despair in inertia, and at other times it slides into a clanging, seemingly unstructured chaos.There's not much you need to know about the self-indulgent blur "You Die Alone" that the name of the song doesn't indicate. Yet the simple title of the dreadful "Down" won't prepare listeners for the track's near-eight addled minutes of such lines as, "The love is gone ... And you sit alone." Seriously, it's pathetic.Lowry comes off suicide-watch status on occasion, whether it's merely a warm rhythm heating up the chill of "Whiskey," or when a moment of clarity rings through the reverb of "Zipped Up the Lost Coat": "I'm always grateful for you."To be fair, this is an imaginative band, taking liberties with formula and not always tethering itself to one groove per song. Plus Alex Lowry is a smart lyricist, turning out unexpected lines such as "Roads to the places you don't want to go, like the Texaco with the frowning man" (on "Roads").But it's a mystery why a talented band would make music like this.And it's a bigger mystery why someone would listen to it.Rating: 2-1/2"NOT FIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION," Ant Neely (Ant Neely)Ant Neely's "Not Fit For Human Consumption" is like a party album for a gathering thrown by campy people who perhaps try too hard but still show you a good time.Sometimes listeners might feel out of place or vaguely bored by under-stimulating stretches, and maybe there aren't any wildly memorable times on the release. Yet the London-based musician keeps a near-consistent vibrant mood going.There's much to appreciate about Neely's craft, which uses electro-jazz as a backdrop to modern vocals as well as abundant dialogue from old, public-domain educational films, ranging from a mother-daughter talk about love ("Lucky") to information for mariners ("Shipping Forecast") to background on U.S. ZIP codes ("Springfield"). Neely is so committed to kitsch that the cosmic-techno title track of "Not Fit for Human Consumption" even includes Morse code repeating the name of the release.The retro-voice samples are plentiful and fun, though it helps that Neely has modern vocals by Lisa Moore on the springy, rhythm-centered "Scratch_redux" and the strolling "Untitled." Moore resurfaces later on "A Day to Forget," a thoroughly out-of-place and florid memoriam to Neely's mother that contradicts the tone of the rest of the release. But then, what party doesn't have a downer moment?Meanwhile, Neely has made "Not Fit For Human Consumption" part of a geotracking experiment in which copies of the oddball release will be left in public places for anyone who finds it to copy and leave the original in another public place. So if you see it on a bench somewhere, be sure to pick it up.Rating: 3-1/2(E-mail Chuck Campbell of The Knoxville News-Sentinel in Tennessee at Campbell(at)knews.com.)
No surprises emerge from Cook's kitchen
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You couldn't be more wrong
You couldn't be more wrong about David Cook. you apparently didn't really listned to the CD. Otherwise you would have see that there is no way listeners wouldn't connect to the songs, they are so full of emotions and meaning. And about David's voice all I can say is I haven't heard such an amazing voice in years, his voice is so far from being ordinary.
+10 David Cook is the reason
+10
David Cook is the reason I bothered to watch Idol last year. His voice is extraordinary, and in live performances he owns the stage. I haven't heard everything on the album yet but I'm anxiously awaiting it.
Whaaaat?
Have another listen to David Cook's album. You must have wax in your ears. The album is FAR from bland and the lyrics probably too sophisticated for your plebian ears.
Did we not listen to the same David Cook CD?
All due respect, but I have to completely disagree with you regarding David Cook's new CD. I've listened several times and am in love with almost every song. To me, his voice is far from ordinary and this album completely exceeds my expectations.
Pretty Impressive Debut
I'm pretty impressed with Cook's debut album, especially considering he had to create it during the 3 month period that he was touring the country with the American Idol Live tour where they had shows every night or every other night. There are several standouts for me, including the rocking and edgy "BarBaSol", the beautiful balad "Permanent", "Lie", "Declaration", "Avalanche", "Mr. Sensitive", "Kiss on the Neck", to name a few. If he was able to put out this quality of a record under such time-constraints and in the middle of a tour, I can't even imagine how unbelievable his next album will be when he can take the time needed, like most artists normally do, to make a record. I can see quite a number of songs from his debut album on the radio. All I know is I'm definitely hooked and after seeing videos of Cook singing at the David Wright fundraiser in NYC recently, I am really looking forward to his tour and seeing him live.
Beautiful Lyrics
Listen to the lyrics and how they flow from each song from start and finish. Listen to the passion and honesty in David Cook's voice which has been missing from music. I have no problem connecting with each song. Each song is a glimpse into David's life the past year. And the record offers several tracks that people can personally identify with such as Lie, Come back to me, and Permanent.
Are you serious??? I
Are you serious??? I listened to some of those Cook songs and loved them--and I don't even like rock all that much! I think you need to do another review, sir.
YOU LISTENED BUT DIDN'T HEAR
Imagine this listener who feels a deep connection to the extraordinary-voiced singer as he sings with emotion through one spectacular song after another - over and over again.
What a jacka$$! Cook is
What a jacka$$! Cook is brilliant and soon you will be pumping his gas. So keep your day job, reviewer, while Cook goes out and rules the world of rock with this cutting edge cd. You are going to be embarrassed in 5 years when this cd is hailed as one of the best ever.
well, I listened the album
well, I listened the album and it was really amazing, far exceeding my high expectation. I think I haven't seen a great record like this in years. so you probably could give it another shot if you have time.
I feel sorry after reading this because for many people, what you commented is just the oppsite of how we felt about this record. and also sorry for the personal attack on you above. I'm pretty confident that you'll change your mind if you listen to the album again.
David Cook's album exceeded my expectations
I had the completely opposite reaction to David Cook's album. This is one of the more ecclectic albums that I have heard in a while, and it really showcases how multitalented David Cook is. I connected instantly with 4 of the songs on first listen and then 5 more on second listen."Predictable" and "Formulaic" are words that just do not seem to go with his music. Even songs like "Come Back to Me" and "Lie", which in theory might be considered generic are so beautifully worded and are sung with so much depth that you can't help but connect with them. Barbasol, Declaration and Mr. Sensitive are pure winners in my opinion and would top the charts on any Rock Station that was open-minded enough to play music by an American Idol winner. I can only recommend that you listen to the album again...maybe you'll think differently?
DAVID COOK might be better than you think
Well, I don't agree with your review, but in your defense I DO think you listened to the album. But if it is "predictable" your crystal ball is way better than mine. Except that DC unapologetically says he likes "anthemic" rock songs -- and filled the album with them -- what's predictable about this collection? I find it refreshing, fun, intimate, challenging but never jarring. It's a great re-listen experience. In short, a nearly perfect first attempt. Bland you say?? Yeh, I guess it's not 3-alarm chili -- thank goodness!
David Cook
I've never been a fan of Idol before, so I kind of know what you mean. Cook seems different, though. I have to say, I like Declaration and Permanent a lot. And Barbasol, what a fun song to listen to. Thanks for the review.
Your David Cook review needs tweaking
I believe that a second listen without your earplugs and foregone conclusions would culminate in a totally different review.
Cook review
As a non-idol fan but a new fan of David Cook's, I made the effort to read a few interviews to find out more about the young man. I disagree w/ your comment about "one rote song after another". I found the lyrics very metaphorical about the last year of his life and being swept up in the Idol machine - listen to the lyrics of "Life on the Moon" and you'll hear his dependence on his family's moral support as he finds his old life as he knew it is through - very easy to connect to I'd say. As well as "Permanent" being about his brother who has suffered with cancer for 10 yrs. I know it's a first "major" release for him and it was rushed through in 3 mos. so his label heavily backed him w/ "known" music makers, but I'm hoping when he gets to do ALL his own music it won't be dissed by most reviewers as "formulaic" - and please! could we read ONE review that does NOT compare him to Daughtry? Just because they are both "rockers" does not make them comparable!
I had to chuckle that the review after Cook's, which you called totally depressing, you also gave 2.5 stars to- but thanks for that! I hope you like his next one better!
David Cook Fan
You may be right. You are the music critic. But I know what I like. I know that I find Lie beautiful and haunting and have listened to it already about 100 times since it became available online to hear. I know that I love the beat of BarBaSol and the angst of Permanent. I know that I love the audacity of Declaration and the soaring notes of Light On. David Cook has struck a chord with mainstream America and beyond and has made rock once again relatable and palettable. I don't know whether it is techinically good or not. But, I know I will buy his CDs and download his singles and enjoy them. AI may be cheesy to some people, but it has given us a chance to get to know a remarkable performer in a personal way and I am solidly in his corner for as long as he makes music.
HUHHHH???
WHat you smokin', Chuckie? Tha mus be some harsh weed indeed to keep you from hearing the amazing vocal versatility of David Cook and some pretty awesome songwriting, to boot! I'm so tired of reviewers who listen with their Idol prejudices instead of their own ears (and their hearts). No matter. Cook will be just fine without your poorly-considered opinion of him.
Did you really say he was "ordinary voiced"????
Do music critics have no souls and are they hard of hearing? The only thing rote about this review was the review itself.
I think you should listen again. How in the world can you call his voice ordinary. His voice is very distinct and what drew me to him in the first place. Close your eyes and REALLY listen to this album one more time. This man has awesome range and power yet can be very delicate at times. He uses the many layers of his voice to relay emotions required by the songs lyrics. His voice and songwriting are very distinctive.
Also, there is nothing generic or rote about these songs. Did you listen to the lyrics at all? There is so much emotion in this record that if you have a heart it is bound to be sore at the end. There is also a bonus track after A Daily AntheM and before Time of My Life which is an amusing track that you failed to mention which is a hidden gem.
Given the amount of time allowed for recording this record and the fact that David wasn't yet given a free songwriting hand, this is a very well put together album.
This is an album that really sinks in fully after a few listens. The songs are complex enough warrant repetition and I fear that you have not given them the chance they deserve.
This album deserves at the very least 4 of 5. I, personally, give it 5 of 5.
This album deserves a second listen.
Maybe you could listen again and really tune in this time. Nothing ordinary about the songs that make up this album. They are deeper than a quick listen could comprehend. They are sung beautifully in that extraordinary, powerful voice of his.
If you prefer rap or unending ballads, then no this probably isn't the record for you but it is definitely David Cook with lots of anthemic rock.
This record deserves a better rating than you gave it.
Of course it's predictable
You need to give this album another listen or two. It takes a couple listens to fully grasp onto it. Predictable? Of course it's predictable, he's said himself that he intended to mess with people's expectations on Idol, but not here. This is a rock album, no surprises.
You know, I could understand
You know, I could understand you saying that this album just didnt do it for you. There is no accounting for taste. What I cant understand is you disparaging his vocal skills. Even the harshest anti AI rock critics have agreed that he has a versatile range and talent. Even the ones that didnt care for this effort. You made a lot of exceptions to your original opinion so I think secretly you like this album you just dont want to say so.
David Cook's Voice
In my opinion, David Cook's voice is anything but ordinary. I have almost 300 songs on my mp3 player by several successful artists and I find myself skipping over most of them until I get to a Cook song. Most especially, his new cd. His voice just draws me in and the lyrics give it a great deal of meaning which I can relate to in my own life. Each song is distinctive and very listenable. He puts so much feeling into his voice that I feel like I'm experiencing the emotion myself.
David Cook's new albumn
I am a 50 yr. old woman who can't get enough of David Cook's voice! I couldn't wait for his new albumn to hit the stores. My daughter and I were the first ones there that day and we rushed to the car and slid the CD in and were in heaven. This albumn is more than either one of us expected. I listen to mine EVERYDAY! Great songs and a great voice that will stay long in the spotlight! YOU GO, DAVID!!