2007-01-11
In an interview done a while ago, Dave Grohl was asked if he'll ever do cover versions to Nirvana. He quickly responded that some things that were made in the past should stay there in their original context. Same answer is applied to the new "Foo Fighters" acoustic album. In oppose to that well known Nirvana "MTV unplugged" show, which was accompanied with a feeling of a "going away" party, the Fighters show is a celebration of their music and works. Thanks to the new and more stripped down but well composed versions of their songs, we all have the chance to re-fall in love with the skin and bones of the Foo Fighters songs.
The album, a one night recording at the "Pantages theater" in Los Angeles, is a part of the acoustic tour the Fighters have went on to promote their latest and brilliant album "In your honor". The new arrangements mostly flatter their material; there are the obvious ones that can be easily imagined turning acoustics ("Next year", "Another round") and some songs which were very much surprising ("Times like these", "Best of you", the amazing version of "My hero"). In general, the Fighters have done some great work channeling their usual aggressions into emotional powerfulness. A scent of intimacy is always around, great recording sound, and great mix working for a live performance.
The acoustic versions could've easily gone in two ways – the easy way, by making their songs into well played campfire versions, or changing their format and recapture the walls of sound in different variations. They choose the other way, and successfully made it with new tight, smart, and well used arrangements. To make it all happen six more guys were called in, backing up with extra vocals, different kinds of violins, guitars, keyboards, harmonica, and acoustic percussions - All of those instruments were well used into a powerful experience.
Bringing a rock song into the acoustic format always holds it risks. The stripping down process has a tendency of bring out the weaker melodies, maybe even stolen ones or just simply tacky ones. Grohl apparently was granted with a gift for writing the good kind of songs, as he passes the test easily. As so in their latest album, the amount of sentiment in Dave's voice comes out beautifully, placing him in a different light, which still, flatters him a lot.
The opening tack "Razor", starts off naked, guitar and vocals only, slowly building up to the orgasmic ending backed by the entire group. "My hero" receives a full makeover turning to a chilling ode to a hero who has lost its way. The Grohl and Petra Haden duet In "Big me" gives it a nice 50's vocal melody. "Cold day in the sun" is even more fun then before. "Times like these" is much calmer then the original one, but still goes strong, and "Everlong" gets the crowds standing and roaring rightfully.
By choosing this acoustic live album as their release, the Foo Fighters maneuver nicely throughout the "live album\compilation album" phase by giving something a bit fresher. The way the show turns out proves them to be a one of today's best rock bands in the mainstream of alternative rock. The arrangements do great justice to the songs and even highlight some. The positive energy and the hungry crowd make this album a joyful experience from the moment you hit "play" button to its end.
Roy Povarchik
