CD Review: Barenaked Ladies Are Me/Men

Barenaked Ladies are best know for a pop hit in the song "One Week", but the band has been around and a staple for its fans for many years. The ladies just released a new CD, 2 in fact, titled "Barenaked Ladies are Me" and "Barenaked Ladies are Men". Those of you who may or may not be familiar with their music will enjoy the two CD set, and I would like to give you some of the music highlights and some information about the songs.

Barenaked Ladies are Me CD 1
The first CD released has 16 songs total, and brings to mind a quieter, more reflective group. the songs range from serious to silly as are always the case with BNL, but this time a sense of reflection has taken over for the group. The CD opens with the song "Adrift", a song that takes a look at the slow recovery of a man, either in a physical or emotional state of distress-"Your heart's got a heavy load, there is still a long way to go, keep your eyes on the road."

"Bank Job"- The story of a botched bank robbery, the blame game placed on each other. A seriously funny and serious song all kind of wrapped up together in a priceless BNL type of tune.

"Bull in a China Shop"- A fun, upbeat song that takes a look at the way someone can hurt themselves as a product of their own embarrassing ways, sample lyric: " I can't hear a thing, because I stopped listening."

"Everything has Changed"-The musical instrument choices-an accordion, cello, banjo, guitar-a fun upbeat song that enjoys repeat listening.

"Take it Back"- "Save me from my villainous imagination" Anti-American type song, takes a look at our over anxiety with the world we live in.

"Rule the World with Love"-"All for one, one for all is fair in love and war, love and war are one." The connection between the world we live in and the love we need to put in it.

Barenaked Ladies are Men CD 2
The second CD in the pair, released with a total of 16 songs also. this CD presented a more fun, upbeat version of the Ladies, music that has less pop sound but still takes a look at their newfound interest in discussing war and American policy. This CD contains a few strong songs, which include:

"Angry People"-What a unique view this song brings to the table. The song is very upbeat, fun in its sound, but takes a look at the joys of being an angry person. "Angry people think a good solution is getting others involved so they surround themselves with happy people and watch their smiles dissolve we just drag them down we just drag them down we just drag them down until they're just like us".

"Beautiful"-A soft, melodic song that shows a softer side to the ladies. These lyrics contemplate what they would do if life was not so "beautiful" as they are used to-a reflective song to one's life.

"Fun and Games" A sharp, telling tale of the views that BNL tends to show a little more today in their lyrics. This song takes a hard look at the American policy and procedures going on with the Middle East and their general dislike and disagreement to the events and politician running the show. Sample lyric: "Put a smile on we're the ones that you selected leave that dial son because we just got re-elected in a while our bill of rights will be rejected."

These two CD's offer a strong outing from the Barenaked Ladies this time around. Overall I would give this CD a strong B+ for content and entertainment value. I would recommend this to anyone who thinks that their sound is enjoyable, but wants to see them tackle less light-hearted fare and more political and current trends in the world.