Good Old War - Only Way to Be Alone

[Steve Henderson]

Good Old War – Only Way to Be Alone
Release Date: August 19, 2008 (digital) | September 16, 2008 (physical)
Record Label: Sargent House

I tend to suffer from a bit of insomnia, and with my long work hours, that means I find myself stretched out in front of the TV with my laptop at times when I really ought to be asleep. So, it suffices to say that I see my fair share of infomercials, but a while back, one struck me quite profoundly. It was for a classic rock music compilation and it featured tracks by Simon and Garfunkel, The Byrds, The Beach Boys, and the like. As I listened to those little 10 second song clips intended to entice me into an exorbitant “TV-only” purchase, I was really struck by something about the music that was being presented in contrast to what we hear today. Bands back then knew how to sing. Not just frontmen or singers, but bands. Thinking about this a little more, I was really able to digest what this meant, and it made me think that vocals have to be the most underused instrument in music today.

This does not mean that frontmen and women should all be four or five octave champions, of course. Instead, bands need to reflect on the inherent effectiveness and beauty that can be contained in a simple two or three part harmony, or a crafty vocal arrangement. This is a lesson that has not been lost on the members of Good Old War. Rising from the ashes of Days Away (Keith Goodwin and Tim Arnold) and Unlikely Cowboy (Dan Schwartz), we already knew this trio had skills, but it wasn’t really clear just how far they could take them before the release of Only Way to Be Alone.

The debut offering from Good Old War is really a rare sort of record. I did not need any time to adjust to it, to tell my mind to stop missing Days Away and focus on the tunes at hand. I loved it- pure and simple – from first listen, and I continue to do so to this day. It has all the components of an instant classic – it sounds like it could have come from any decade out of the past five, but its timing right now just makes it all the more refreshing – especially when contrasted to the mountains of overproduced, underdelivering pop music out there right now (ironically, the type of garbage that pushed Days Away off FBR a few years ago). Equal parts folk-rock, alt-country, and classic pop, but entirely pleasing, this is precisely what aging Days fans needed to cope with their loss.

While there is plenty of merit in Good Old War’s release as a whole, the vocals certainly take center stage. While Keith Goodwin’s chords have been doling out ear candy to the headphone trippers for years now (see what I did there?), it is when his sweet and unassuming delivery converges with his backers that the magic really happens. There are a myriad of such highlights in the album, but in the galloping exuberance of “Just Another Day” when Keith and company croon, “See you soon / under the moonlight” (with the “oo’s” drawn out in dramatic fashion) it is difficult to recall comparable vocal brilliance in the last few years. Similar charm can be heard on the bluesy “Weak Man” (complemented by an tremendous Anthony Green cameo), the slow-paced shimmer of “We’ve Come a Long Way,” or the minimalist campfire intimacy of “Tell Me.” And perhaps the best part about all of this is the fact that the production serves no excessive cleanup duties here – all vocal tracks are distinct and just rough enough to be heard as unique entities rather than just studio wizardry. Again, in bucking the trends with that move, I say bravo.

All in all, there is just so much to adore about Only Way to Be Alone. Above its immediate accessibility, there is a lot more diversity than can be expected from neo-folksters, and better yet, none of the songs fall flat as a result. Whether it be the album’s opener, “Coney Island,” which recalls the sprit of The Format’s Interventions and Lullabies, the jangly swells of “Looking for Shelter,” or any of the work’s eleven cuts, nothing warrants apathy, and certainly not a press of the track-skip button. With all the one-hit wonders flashing in the pan right now, I’d say this is one hell of a statement. Buy this album as soon as you can, and you will never regret it.


Days Away, Guster, Simon & Garfunkel, Kings of Convenience, Limbeck

[liar23]

this album is so so good. I love it. Nice review

[owiseone35]

Amazing I love this CD.

[kevinisdying]

this album is amazing.

[NorthstarPark]

It's a good old purchase, my bad a great purchase. Such an awesome album. I recommend it to all.

[live.]

Incredible album. Go see them with Anthony Green and Person L. Easily the best tour on the road right now.

[hockeyguitar99]

This is a fantastic album.

[Vismund_Cygnus]

Wow...great review. I have to look up this record...

[Heart-A-Tact]

Awesome album.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

real good review and I do like this release

[SeanEBoy2686]

As of now it's probably my favorite of the year... with Valencia running close behind. But I am still waiting for Jack's Mannequin, Anberlin, Rise Against, and Third Eye Blind (if it comes this year). That's some good competition.

As stated it says "Recommended If You Like: Days Away... Limbeck"... I've always thought to myself that its like a blend of the two bands.

Great review... pretty much mirrored my thoughts of the record (except for the late night infomercial buy, i've never done that)

[Praetor]

I kind of enjoy it but I guess I just am not as into it as most other people.

[bassdrummer2333]

gonna check this out

[ddb43]

Really like what I'm hearing. Good stuff so far.

[You Vandal]

Simon and Garfunkel? Haha...false.

[Wez1212Yes]

Such a weak album, I hate the vocals.

[zachff]

Great review, I'm a big fan of this album. Definitely for fans of older Guster

[Steve Henderson]

Simon and Garfunkel? Haha...false.
Not hearing it?

[Steve Henderson]

Such a weak album, I hate the vocals.
Looking at your favorite bands, this isn't the record for you anyways, br0.

[phoenixinflames]

Favorite album of '08 so far. Hands down.

[abbietoeknee]

aye to the men.

[jbzerocool]

Ahh, I just came back from camping this weekend and we listened to this album soooo many times around the camp fire at night. Great review too btw, stole the words from my mouth.

[irthesteve]

Simon and Garfunkel? Haha...false.
more than anything else probably.


And i absolutely love this album

[TooLateF0rRoses]

this is a great review man, awesome album too.

[Petzl]

Really great review. I agree 100% that vocals take a backseat in most bands today, but I think that Keith Goodwin and Anthony Green are both great examples of singers whose sound revolves around the vocals and not so much the opposite. This album is great, and i'm glad you compared them to folk...on my first listen that was the only genre I could place the album in, not that it's a bad thing, it's just a lot different from the current acoustic-alternative-pop rock type stuff.

[bailmeout13]

Good review, amazing album. Coney Island hooked me really hard the first time I heard it and has hooked about anyone I have played it for.

[ikikwe]

Easily in the top 10 albums of the year for me.

[xXrunninglateXx]

aye to the men.

Love the comment and LOVE the avatar. That album will be another best-of-the-year if it sees the light of day this year.

Great review Steve. I really hope people don't sleep on Good Old War like they did Days Away. This album floors me with its brilliance and simplicity; something I can't say for much music today.

[ReadyForAction]

While Keith Goodwin’s chords have been doling out ear candy to the headphone trippers for years now

I do in fact see what you did there
Great review, this album could easily be my favorite of the year

[Wez1212Yes]

Looking at your favorite bands, this isn't the record for you anyways, br0.

You're probably right haha.

[AdamChildress]

I absolutely love this album.

I pre-ordered because I had seen them perform with Anthony Green last year, and basically they have exceeded my expectations.

Definitely one of the best albums of this year.

[gahbee__x]

Great review, I agreed with every part of it especially concerning the perfect harmony of their voices and how every song on Only Way To Be Alone is gold. This album and Paper Rival's Dialog are competing to be my AOTY.

[reissgoespunk]

This is a fantastic record.

[kevinrocks409]

Great review, everyone should buy this album.

[wroteurname]

Aoty

[chinkyfart]

such a great album....everyone get it now!!!

[TSLROCKS]

Good album. Listened for the first time today. Took me a while to get used to the folksy vibe I'm not so used to. But once it settles in it sounds great

[bobby runs]

When I heard that they were gonna be touring with person L I started to get into them. I like what I heard on MySpace but I still need to get my hands on this album.

[Moral_Orel]

Such a weak album, I hate the vocals.

this isnt for you dude.

[TakeLotsWithAlcohol]

Steve Henderson, always stealing the thunder.

[Clark]

I've listened to this album more than anything else since it's release. It's a fantastic album and I actually like this much more than Days Away, which I was not expecting.

Simon and Garfunkel? Haha...false.
Seriously? It's very similar. Everyone I've shown the album to immediately recognizes the similarities.

I probably would've added Crosby, Stills & Nash to the RIYL.

Such a weak album, I hate the vocals.
I hope you're joking.

[heavyheart_x3]

Great review Steve. I really hope people don't sleep on Good Old War like they did Days Away. This album floors me with its brilliance and simplicity; something I can't say for much music today.
my thoughts exactly!
such an amazing album, and they're equally, if not more so, impressive live.

[get up kidd]

i rocked this cd for the first time a few days ago. Super good cd.

The music is soo different.

[Ryzenfall]

Great band.
How was Ear Candy? I never did pick that one up.

[singlexsorrow]

These guys put on a good show.

[katcherbball]

Great review. I love this cd.

[JonyeWest]

For the five part harmonies you're craving, check out fleet foxes. sweetest album of the year so far.

[kate931]

So I saw Good Old War in concert in Omaha a few weeks back and let me just say that they are nothing short of amazing. Nothing would make me happier than to have them come back. This whole album is awesome.

[kristin.]

You stole the words from my mouth.
I can't express how much I love this band.
Every single song on this album is wonderful.
I'm so glad I discovered them, and for anyone who has not listened to them - you're missing out!

Great review btw.

[Ambien]

Doesn't anyway listen to The Beatles around here?! HAHA, jk. But seriously it's impossible for me to listen to this album and not hear the vast similarities between the two. I do hear Simon and Garfunkel too, but not more so than The Beatles. With Keith's vocals in front of the harmonies on the album it really made realize how much his voice really sounds like John Lennnon minus the accent. On that note. I love this album, and am curious as to how the music will sound without the 25 part harmonies live. Guess I'll find out Sept 11th at Harpers Ferry. Will I see anyone else there?

[Steve Henderson]

Doesn't anyway listen to The Beatles around here?! HAHA, jk. But seriously it's impossible for me to listen to this album and not hear the vast similarities between the two. I do hear Simon and Garfunkel too, but not more so than The Beatles. With Keith's vocals in front of the harmonies on the album it really made realize how much his voice really sounds like John Lennnon minus the accent. On that note. I love this album, and am curious as to how the music will sound without the 25 part harmonies live. Guess I'll find out Sept 11th at Harpers Ferry. Will I see anyone else there?
I think you'll be okay:

Q9b6TlEyAhQ

[rambler12013]

This CD has been in my car almost non-stop for the last two weeks. Every time it restarts, I get excited about hearing the songs again. I had the opportunity to talk to Keith a bit at an Anthony Green show, and he was one of the nicest guy's I've ever met. Just a great band in every way.

[TSLROCKS]

We've Come A Long Way is an early favorite. Really great album

[JackSlapFear]

keith is one of the nicest guys, and this band deserves any success it achieves and more

[dat scene kid]

Great album. Everyone should check them out. They are doing it right.

[maimes]

I love these guys I saw them with Anthony Green and by far I love these guys I do believe they will be around a long time!!!:-d

[go go gadget!]

Amazing review! I'm so into these guys right now, it's ridiculous.

[leftapart]

I woke up this morning, or sometime today, and checked the ap website, as I always do, and saw this (your) review and thought 'what the hell, ill check it out'. Previously had been so distraught, and so angry over the break up of DA that I didn't even want to give GOW a chance. DA was a masterpiece in my opinion, and for them to break up, it just didn't even seem realistic. I thought any side projects that spawned from DA would be shit and not even worth a chance. So I never proceeded to check out GOW music, but I read this article, and was blown by the words you wrote; claiming that 'this is precisely what aging Days fans needed to cope with their loss.' I thus proceeded to their myspace, listened to the first track 'Coney Island' and fell madly in love, listening to every track over and over again. I am now the proud of a copy of 'The Only Way To Be Alone'. So let me say, thank you.

[Steve Henderson]

I woke up this morning, or sometime today, and checked the ap website, as I always do, and saw this (your) review and thought 'what the hell, ill check it out'. Previously had been so distraught, and so angry over the break up of DA that I didn't even want to give GOW a chance. DA was a masterpiece in my opinion, and for them to break up, it just didn't even seem realistic. I thought any side projects that spawned from DA would be shit and not even worth a chance. So I never proceeded to check out GOW music, but I read this article, and was blown by the words you wrote; claiming that 'this is precisely what aging Days fans needed to cope with their loss.' I thus proceeded to their myspace, listened to the first track 'Coney Island' and fell madly in love, listening to every track over and over again. I am now the proud of a copy of 'The Only Way To Be Alone'. So let me say, thank you.
That's awesome! Glad to hear it. :)

[stevoemo]

great album, excellent review!!

they put on a fun show too!

[stevoemo]

Doesn't anyway listen to The Beatles around here?! HAHA, jk. But seriously it's impossible for me to listen to this album and not hear the vast similarities between the two. I do hear Simon and Garfunkel too, but not more so than The Beatles. With Keith's vocals in front of the harmonies on the album it really made realize how much his voice really sounds like John Lennnon minus the accent. On that note. I love this album, and am curious as to how the music will sound without the 25 part harmonies live. Guess I'll find out Sept 11th at Harpers Ferry. Will I see anyone else there?

I thought that at first, but after listening to a "best of" Simon and Garfunkel album, it's obvious to me that they're more S&G than beatles. but hell, comparisons to either have to be extremely flattering.

[absolutecrunnk]

good stuff fun album good cd for thefirst week back at school

[captainamazing4]

absolutely love this album.

top 10 of the year for me!

[Ambien]

I think you'll be okay:

Q9b6TlEyAhQ

Thanks for that, I'm often times too overwhelmed to sift through youtube for live stuff that's audible.

I woke up this morning, or sometime today, and checked the ap website, as I always do, and saw this (your) review and thought 'what the hell, ill check it out'. Previously had been so distraught, and so angry over the break up of DA that I didn't even want to give GOW a chance. DA was a masterpiece in my opinion, and for them to break up, it just didn't even seem realistic. I thought any side projects that spawned from DA would be shit and not even worth a chance. So I never proceeded to check out GOW music, but I read this article, and was blown by the words you wrote; claiming that 'this is precisely what aging Days fans needed to cope with their loss.' I thus proceeded to their myspace, listened to the first track 'Coney Island' and fell madly in love, listening to every track over and over again. I am now the proud of a copy of 'The Only Way To Be Alone'. So let me say, thank you.

I was equally skepticle myself because my love for Days Away was so great but as easily convinced otherwise in the same manner as you. One listen of Coney Island on their myspace was all it took.

[Casanova, Baby!]

Top 3 of 2008, for damn sure.

[FaceLixeMurder]

I need to check this out immediately, this review was ear candy indeed

[Jason Tate]

Great review Steve, one of my favorite releases of the year.

[Chris Fallon]

I just love this album. Any way I can get Keith's vocals in my ears, I am game.

Steve, you are the man.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

seriously....this album is really good. I know i posted that already but damn.

Weak Man is great

[Shrillex]

its a really good album

+

great review

[MCSmate]

Good review. I own this album. I often have the urge to just listen to these songs and that's it. I like it.

[GuitarR0cker1]

Great review, and a fucking ace album.

[Jaimehere]

what a great and relaxing album, gonna be in my top 10 of 2009 for sure