Fair - Disappearing World

[Drew Beringer]

Fair – Disappearing World
Release Date: February 9. 2010
Record Label: Tooth & Nail

The best albums, the ones that stay with you, are the ones that can fit any mood. It’s the album that you can play during the best of times and the worst of times. It can fit any mood and is perfect for all weather conditions. When you feel like each track could be your favorite track and you claim a new favorite with every listen, that’s when you know you’ve found that album.

From the opening note to the last, Fair’s second album, Disappearing World, is that album.

You see 2010 is only 40 days old, which is good news for the rest of the scene. It means that your (soon to be former) favorite band has 325 days left to top Disappearing World. Musically, the album is a cornucopia of enthralling tones and compositions. It’s a blend of the very best of Ben Folds, Death Cab For Cutie, and The Fray – all while being lead by Aaron Sprinkle’s pristine production and carried by his majestic voice. The only thing better than Aaron Sprinkle the Producer is Aaron Sprinkle the Musician.

A fantastic medley of keys opens the title track, while Sprinkle and Erick Newbill’s guitar work provide the backbone. Nick Barber’s lively bass lines pace the frantic “Wayside,” while “Walking In My Sleep” swoons as Sprinkle warns, “every time I breathe/I toe a fine line.” Throughout the first three tracks, listeners will experience the diversity and variety displayed on Disappearing World.

Fair also shows that can produce infectious pop songs, such as “One Last Time.” The upbeat tempo is continued on “It’s Doubtful,” which features a chorus that won’t be leaving your membrane for a while. Another impressive quality is how Fair can write an incredibly catchy track like “One Last Time,” and transition into a slow, somber track like the string-heavy “Take Some Risks” without a hitch.

“The Worst Of Your Wear” flows in the vein of Copeland, which shouldn’t come as a surprise since Aaron Marsh lends his voice, creating an auditory treat that cannot be topped. “Anymore” is a fantastic closer - it summarizes the dynamic of Disappearing World in perfect fashion as Sprinkle sincerely sings, “I don’t believe you anymore.”

What you can believe, though, is that Fair’s Disappearing World has set the bar very high for the rest of 2010. Those who enjoyed their 2006 debut, The Best Worst-Case Scenario, should be prepared to be blown away, while those who haven’t heard Fair before will soon be adding them to the very top of the “favorite music” section on their Facebook profile. Towards the conclusion of “Anymore,” Sprinkle earnestly states, “I’ve got something to say/it’s serious.” It’s probably for the best if you pay attention, it’d be a shame if you miss out on one of the best records of 2010.

Track Listing:
1. Disappearing World
2. Wayside
3. Walking in My Sleep
4. One Last Time
5. Take Some Risks
6. The Escape Artist
7. It’s Doubtful
8. The Worst of Your Wear (feat. Aaron Marsh of Copeland)
9. Great Divide
10. Anymore
Produced by: Aaron Sprinkle

Fair is:
Aaron Sprinkle – vocals/guitar
Erick Newbill – guitar/vocals
Joey Sanchez – drums
Nick Barber – bass/vocals

Official Website (http://www.fairforever.com); Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/fair); Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/artists/showlink.php?do=showdetails&l=26221)

[irthesteve]

can't wait to hear this, Aaron's voice is some kind of beautiful

[allisterkid]

Great review, my friend. I am going to give this a great listen in the morning. If it's even near the level of their last album then I'm sure it will be incredible. But according to the reviews and other notes I've read about it so far, I should expect even more. Stoked to hear this.

[Gregory Robson]

w00t. Love this disc. Hope they do big things this year. One can hope, right?

[cereal4life]

Well, my interest is certainly piqued! I'll definitely have to check this out.

[brockstringer]

i totally agree with this review .. this cd is soo good. he produced it amazingly. still don't know if it tops the best worste case scen., maybe after a few listens. super amazing though. ... especially the song with aaron marsh, so sweet.

[cwhit412]

I've been listening. It's very interesting. Much different than what I usually listen to. I like it.

[Chris Fallon]

Can't wait to listen. Loved the last record; this sounds like it could very well top it.

[Yellowcard2006]

The clips I heard on amazon sounded excellent.

[dawn afterglow]

I am quite impressed with what I'm hearing from their myspace. Definitely looking into picking up this album.

[ddb43]

Listen away: http://music.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=music.artistal bums&artistid=5542231&albumid=14836123

[inthemidst]

Amazing album. My favorite work of Aaron's thus far.

[topher465]

I was stoked for this album. Now after this review, I'm super stoked.

[xapplexpiex]

Fantastic review. I never even heard of this band, but I will check them out for sure. And Aaron Marsh is in it too!? Count me in.

[trappedintime]

Aww man! This is so great! The review was amazing and I can't wait to listen to this. It's definitely sounding like it's gonna stay in my top list for the rest of the year.

[XenoAbe]

To this point in the year it's AOTY so far for me.

[SweetThye]

Great review. This album is fantastic.

[Shakriel]

Great review. Listened to the stream all last night.

[randnanand]

The only thing better than Aaron Sprinkle the Producer is Aaron Sprinkle the Musician.



Agreed. Awesome review, can't wait to buy this.

[simonbelmont]

This review is so awesome Drew! I'm listening to the cd as I read your review and all I can think of is "Wow this guy really fucking nailed it!", yeah like you touched on everything that makes this cd so great and I cannot imagine anything topping it this year. Aaron Sprinkle is the man!!!

[Memphis]

good album, but 92%? bars are set pretty low these days...

[awakeohsleeper]

Definitely need to check this out. Love their debut. Although I waited till it was super cheap before acquiring it.

[Drew Beringer]

Definitely need to check this out. Love their debut. Although I waited till it was super cheap before acquiring it.

Best Buy has it listed at 9.99

[bloodyr0mance87]

anything sprinkle touches is gold. i didn't know he had his own band, though, and i'm liking what they have on their myspace. definitely going to pick this up.

[DanielJames]

Had no clue that Aaron Marsh did a guest vocal on this. Listening now. Love it.

[radxbandit]

good review, i agree with everything in here!

[Spenny]

Good review. Definitely looking forward to checking this album out.

[Memphis]

"The Escape Artist" is a brilliant song though

[combatchuckaa]

Must pick this up sometime soon...

[chillinlikebob]

Drew.....my thoughts exactly!
Just picked it up. Sooo good! Love Aaron Sprinkle's voice.

[HometownHero]

Sprinkle is the man. Will check this out. Really liked the single

[Sikbeat37]

I haven't been introduced to a new band that I really like in a long while. Great review.

[MattDennis]

QmcoV84ymp8

So far, awesome. Can't get this one outta my head.

[drudo182]

I. Want.

[thepianominstre]

I like a lot of Sprinkle records, although I think Mark Lee Townsend is more under-rated.

You've convinced me to give this a listen (I never got into that whatever little bit of old Fair I heard whenever), and if it's as good as you say it is it could be my first 2010 album purchase. (Living Sacrifice sounded well-done but I decided to pass.)

[adozenroses]

Album of the year!!! i still love their debut so much and i'm sure i will love this record just as much. this is my most anticipated album of the year and i'm so stoked for them....AOTY!!

[Romancebled]

this album is great.

[thepianominstre]

Oh, and anyone else hate the new 30-second adverts after the first song on MySpace album streams? I can't decide if I think it's lame and annoying or if I think it's stupid to feel a sense of entitlement to be able to listen to entire albums legally for free and then to get upset if it can't be done without interruption!!

[seraph1214]

This record is fantastic.

[Bloodsucker II]

man, such a good review, so stoked for this listen.

[saving jonathan]

I've never heard of these guys before but I do enjoy Mr. Sprinkle.
Like what I'm hearing on the myspace, got a twang of 90's in there, and I dig it.

[bankrom]

can we get that ap.net profile link fixed sometime?

[MorningStar10]

I only just got into their debut a couple of months ago, and this album doesn't disappoint been hogging up my spotify for a while, and im gonna have to buy it. Sprinkle's voice competes with Dallas's as the best vocalists of this era. DISCUSS!

[hxchairstylist]

This band is so excellent.

[zonto]

http://music.aol.com/new-releases-full-cds/#/10

Assuming it's at least equal, or better, quality than the MySpace stream. Plus this isn't blocked by most work proxies whereas MySpace is.

On track six myself!

[Jamos4184]

I couldn't find the physical album ANYWHERE today. Pretty ticked off about that, I'll probably just order it from Tooth & Nail. (I know it's only 7.99 on iTunes, but I'm one of those weirdos who likes to have the whole package - cd, lyrics, artwork)

[CatalinaCaper]

It's like they took the best parts of every awesome indie release in the past decade and made it into an album, except at no point does it feel cheap or recycled.

Incredible.

[Young Machetes]

I haven't ever heard a song by Fair, but you've convinced be to purchase this on iTunes without even a first listen.

[CarouselBoy]

I'd only ever heard of this band the other day, and had it not been for this review I probably would have never checked them out. I will now for sure though.

I couldn't find the physical album ANYWHERE today. Pretty ticked off about that, I'll probably just order it from Tooth & Nail. (I know it's only 7.99 on iTunes, but I'm one of those weirdos who likes to have the whole package - cd, lyrics, artwork)

guess you don't like brand new then ;-)

[11:11]

Listening to this now, and I love the first track. His voice fits with the music so well.

[Drew Beringer]

I haven't ever heard a song by Fair, but you've convinced be to purchase this on iTunes without even a first listen.
You'll definitely enjoy this.

[awakeohsleeper]

Best Buy has it listed at 9.99
I'm in the UK. That's a pretty good price. I got their debut for £2.50 though which was the best bargain ever!

[brent_ster]

Excellent Review Excellent Album

[jagio]

this looks incredible... definitely buying!!!

[James RE Hughey]

Im doing the aol site as well

I think this band is great and the review is as well, but I will always wonder would this band get the attention it gets if Aaron Sprinkle wasn't so well known as a producer. In many ways this band is still known as Aaron Sprinkle's band and not in it's own right. That is NOT Fair. :clap:

[Cheesus]

review has caused excite. Stoked!

man, such a good review, so stoked for this listen.
lol, who's that nerd in your avatar?

[DandonTRJ]

I haven't ever heard a song by Fair, but you've convinced be to purchase this on iTunes without even a first listen.
Ditto. Purchased from Amazon based solely on this review, the music video, and my love for Aaron Sprinkle's work at Tooth & Nail. The man has the musical Midas touch.

[jusscali]

Just makes me want more Aaron Marsh hahah

[Thomas Nassiff]

this is why i love this website. because i would never find out about stuff like this otherwise. this album is awesome.

[Michifoxx]

They are great!

[navidson]

Been waiting for years for this - Loved the first album, can't wait to hear it.

[Ryan Gardner]

Great review..I need to check this out soon. RIYL?

[xapplexpiex]

this is why i love this website. because i would never find out about stuff like this otherwise. this album is awesome.
Exactly.

[symbiote28]

Riyl ?

[live.]

This is good so far. Real good.

[Gin]

great score, ordered my copy today! I only listened to Walking In My Sleep so far and I love it :)

RIYL: Acceptance!!

[simonbelmont]

Exactly.
The whole reason I have ever even heard of this band was because of their first album's 95% review by Gabe Gross...I thought "gee...no way this album could be that good," welp I was most certainly wrong, and the new album is just as good on every level if not better....and it would be a crime if their new album goes as unnoticed as their first....Goodness I hope they tour in my neck of the woods very soon.....

[xapplexpiex]

Riyl ?
I'd have to say RIYL Eat, Sleep, Repeat by Copeland.

[xapplexpiex]

The whole reason I have ever even heard of this band was because of their first album's 95% review by Gabe Gross...I thought "gee...no way this album could be that good," welp I was most certainly wrong, and the new album is just as good on every level if not better....and it would be a crime if their new album goes as unnoticed as their first....Goodness I hope they tour in my neck of the woods very soon.....
I guess I should check out their previous album then :-)

[bankrom]

The whole reason I have ever even heard of this band was because of their first album's 95% review by Gabe Gross...I thought "gee...no way this album could be that good," welp I was most certainly wrong, and the new album is just as good on every level if not better....and it would be a crime if their new album goes as unnoticed as their first....Goodness I hope they tour in my neck of the woods very soon.....
what is your neck of the woods?

[simonbelmont]

what is your neck of the woods?
lol Saltillo, PA which means the Chameleon Club in Lancaster is the closest venue to me sadly...I wish there were more venues closer to me...it stinks to have to drive three hours to get to a good venue :( ah I'd give anything to see Fair live...I've listened to a lot of music and never once could I say I found a band that I could call my favorite. Something that gets to me on a level that no other band could. Fair has most definitely become this for me. It would be amazing to see them live!

[DI Pistola]

Whoa. This might be exactly what I need right now.

[stereokiller]

Exactly.
Exactly.

Good band. Good record. 2010's shaping up to be pretty good.

[stereokiller]

great score, ordered my copy today! I only listened to Walking In My Sleep so far and I love it :)

RIYL: Acceptance!!
I agree. For some reason I get that same feeling when I listen to either record. But I have a feeling I'm gonna love this more in the long run.

[Jamos4184]

I'd only ever heard of this band the other day, and had it not been for this review I probably would have never checked them out. I will now for sure though.



guess you don't like brand new then ;-)
On the contrary, but I see your point. I did include artwork and etc. in there though.

[bankrom]

lol Saltillo, PA which means the Chameleon Club in Lancaster is the closest venue to me sadly...I wish there were more venues closer to me...it stinks to have to drive three hours to get to a good venue :( ah I'd give anything to see Fair live...I've listened to a lot of music and never once could I say I found a band that I could call my favorite. Something that gets to me on a level that no other band could. Fair has most definitely become this for me. It would be amazing to see them live!
Probably not this year, but maybe down the line. They'll be doing some shows this summer, but not likely anywhere further east than Texas.

[thousandssteps]

i want this cd a lot..but i cant find it at any store..it sucks..

[simonbelmont]

Probably not this year, but maybe down the line. They'll be doing some shows this summer, but not likely anywhere further east than Texas.
crap...that stinks even if they would go somewhere between illinois and ohio i would totally road trip to see them

[Jamos4184]

Deepdiscount.com has the cd for 8.97 http://www.deepdiscount.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/product.detail/categoryID/D6AA5E1C-4649-4892-BB40-3ECBE728E934/productID/6120672F-5737-40FD-A98A-D0120E155502/

[stereokiller]

gawd this record rules.

[fifpb99]

loving this album. heard of but never listened to fair's debut, but im impressed with this release. solid pop music.

[yoyostring]

absolutely love this record.

[Cheesus]

This album started off great and is still growing on me. Love it

[FiveIronFlores]

good album, but 92%? bars are set pretty low these days...
yeah he's right, a little high but it's a good album

[Cheesus]

yeah he's right, a little high but it's a good album
look who came around! haha yay

[Memphis]

yeah he's right, a little high but it's a good album
well, actually, I'm still listening to it a lot, I'd give it final 85%, imho it does sound a little bit generic, just like a bunch od other bands, that's why...

[Cheesus]

well, actually, I'm still listening to it a lot, I'd give it final 85%, imho it does sound a little bit generic, just like a bunch od other bands, that's why...
Go ahead and name a few

[danherm10]

what a great record! My friend interned at Tooth and nail in Seattle and I hear Aaron is a very humble and genuine person. Album of the year so far for me


check out my friend's band "New Light Ruins" on www.thesixtyone.com they are for sure an up and coming band so be sure to heart them

[navidson]

Its a really good album - Id give it around an 80 - but some of the choruses sound a bit forced (Walking in my Sleep, The Worst of Your Wear) and dont have the magic of songs such as 'Carelessness', 'The Dumbfound Game' and 'Confidently Dreaming' from their debut. My favourite on here is probably 'Great Divide - love the key change in the piano bridge.

Oh, and 'One Last Time' sounds like it could have been lifted directly from Mae's 'The Everglow' - Not that I'm complaining :-)

[introduction]

album is beautiful.