Copeland - You Are My Sunshine

[Steve Henderson]

Copeland – You Are My Sunshine
Release Date: October 14, 2008
Record Label: Tooth and Nail

With all that has happened over the past two years, it is hard not to feel privileged to have a new Copeland album upon us. After all, signs seemed to point to this record not being made at all. After the release of Eat, Sleep, Repeat, the band saw the departure of bassist James Likeness, parted ways with Columbia Records, sold their van and trailer, unloaded their demos and b-sides, and generally just slipped off the radar. Outside of some sporadic touring, there was little news coming out of the Copeland camp – no label decision, no recording updates – nothing. However, in a brilliant coup of marketing genius (and perhaps boredom-fueled creativity), Copeland hijacked Fall Out Boy’s CFOB campaign, and while neutering the buzz around Wentz’s (or Island's) brainchild, used it instead to announce the imminent arrival of You Are My Sunshine.

So, while Copeland certainly has a trademark sound to claim as their own, their previous three albums are all quite markedly different. As such, it was certainly interesting to hypothesize where the Lakeland troupe would go with this one, especially since Eat, Sleep, Repeat is the type of record that a band could really retire on, feeling like they placed a perfect capstone on a nice run. But instead of just packing it in, Copeland has returned, seemingly refreshed ("Run right back to the start"), and have put together an album that incorporates some of the finest elements of their previous offerings.

You Are My Sunshine begins in distinct Copeland fashion on “Should You Return,” with Aaron Marsh’s delicate crooning floating along airily atop sparse verse instrumentation. Of course, as beautiful as this combination is known to be, it is made all the more affecting with some of the most resonant lyrical construction since Beneath Medicine Tree.

You see the night is all I have to make me feel
And all I want is just a love to make it hurt
‘Cause all I need is something fine to make me lose
Now it’s a funny way – I find myself with you


It is lines and themes like these that then go on to personify the record. There is the inherent brooding sense of doubt and foreboding that pervaded on Eat, Sleep, Repeat, but the edges of those clouds now seem softened by a sense of hope and optimism – both in word and sound. In this way, the opener is less a revelation and more a sigh of relief – Copeland is back.

On the tracks that follow, Copeland draw quite deftly from their experience cache. “The Grey Man” starts off like “Kite Part II” but then pulls a switcheroo in the vein of Death Cab’s “Title Track” as Jon Bucklew’s drums kick on a half minute in. The song does a great job of combining the highbrow indie pop of ESR and the mainstream accessibility of In Motion, and is indeed a solid choice for a first single. After this development, the inclusion of “Chin Up” is a bit of a letdown for those that own Dressed Up & In Line, since the remake doesn’t bring too much to the table outside of a still-satisfying crescendo that is far more fleshed out than on the demo. The disc rebounds after, though, with some truly gratifying moments. “Good Morning Fire Eater” sounds like nothing Copeland has done before – with a decidedly springtime melody carried almost exclusively by Marsh’s constant falsetto. The result is both operatic and cinematic, and centers around the emotive line, “I’m afraid you’ve stopped to lick your wounds.”

The sugary sound is not ever-present, however, as “To Be Happy Now” takes up a much moodier, darker, ESR-like tone. The track itself is somewhat by-the-numbers, ups the ante for the bridge, where Marsh’s dramatic vocals bring down the house in a way we haven’t really heard since his superman note on “You Have My Attention.” Similar backdrops are painted for later tracks – the classical muted majesty of “The Safest Ledge” and the melancholy minimalism of “Strange and Unprepared.”

In the midst of these excellent songs, Copeland rises above their own high standard with the album’s highlight, “The Day I Lost My Voice (The Suitcase Song).” Breezing in with “Strawberry Fields Forever”-like mellotron flutters and Marsh ambling along over soft percussion and horns, the tune is striking in its simplicity and elegance. But it gives goosebumps when everything yields dutifully to Aaron signing, “I’ve got my life in a suitcase / I’m ready to run, run, run away / I’ve got no time, ‘cause I’m always trying to run, run, run away / Every day in here feels like it’s only a game / I’ve got my life in a suitcase, a suitcase, a suitcase.” It sounds simple enough, but the execution is completely arresting – delivering one of the best songs the band has ever crafted.

Copeland likewise strikes emotional pay dirt on “Not Allowed,” which again draws upon the shadowy facets of ESR, yet with much more urgency and emotion – reflected in kind with the lyrics that scores of fans can relate to, as we dress up out own sadness to keep others in good spirits (“Here you go I’ll smile for you now, ‘cause you’re sad and I’m not allowed to be sad”). In true Copeland fashion, they then go on to close out You Are My Sunshine in an epic frame. “Not So Tough Found Out” is a ten and a half minute opus stuffed with gorgeous Marsh-only vocal layerings, buzzing electronic static distortion, a dulcet female guest spot, shuffling percussion underscores, and lonely guitar wails rolling into bombastic swells. A testament to its creators that such a prolonged coda leaves its listeners yearning for more.

With You Are My Sunshine, Copeland not only return to the scene, but they sound energized in doing so. Incorporating the mood mastery of Eat, Sleep, Repeat, with some of the energy of In Motion and the intimacy and emotional honesty of Beneath Medicine Tree, the band seems to have found a comfortable place where they truly belong. The gripes with the record are minor. Marsh’s vocals are incredible undisturbed, but too often they are propped up with the crutch of an additional track. Bucklew’s drumming is skillful, but comes across as a little too clinical and impersonal at times – it would be good to hear more of The Real Jon, and less Drum Machine Jon. And finally, it doesn’t sound like Aaron Sprinkle’s influence got to come through enough on the record, as You Are My Sunshine could just as well be a Matt Goldman effort. Of course, the production is aces, and compliments the music well, but it might impact those who had structured expectations on this new pairing. Regardless, in the end, You Are My Sunshine is a breathtaking, stunning release from a band that is adored and admired by so many. Here’s to hoping we get many more such volumes.


older Copeland, This Day and Age, Sleeping at Last, Jeremy Larson

[Steve Henderson]

Two things:

1) Sorry for the long review - thanks for reading if you did
2) Copeland band chat on 10/13/08 - be here.

[jusscali]

Got it! Good review. Sometimes records are for too important for brevity

[Steve Henderson]

Got it! Good review. Sometimes records are for too important for brevity
Haha, this review got a little out of control but I can't think of what I'd cut out.

[jusscali]

It's really just the use of all the lyrics but its totally cool

[Shakriel]

Great review!

I can't wait for my copy to arrive.

[Blakebear]

Wow, I was excited for this before, but now, after that positive of a review...

Color me anxious.

[TooLateF0rRoses]

man, you can write a good review. i didnt think i could get any more stoked for this album, but you found a way. amazing.

[ReadyForAction]

Dont change a thing about this review
I am incredibly stoked for the album, if its as good as this review paints it to be, Only Way To Be Alone may be ousted as my AOTY

[Blakebear]

Two things:

1) Sorry for the long review - thanks for reading if you did


Just read it.

It is long, but there is nothing wrong with that when it is this well written. I hear a lot of people throw out polite compliments to reviewers when it is obvious that their review lacks revision and refinement. However, in this case I am nothing but serious when I say bravo. You put a lot of work into this and it shows.

Good review.

[tacosforcharles]

Damn that was quite the review. I'm so excited for this.

[TSLROCKS]

Looks like a good review. The score got me excited. I'm going to hold off on actually reading the entire review until I get my album. Only a few more days!

[Steve Henderson]

Just read it.

It is long, but there is nothing wrong with that when it is this well written. I hear a lot of people throw out polite compliments to reviewers when it is obvious that their review lacks revision and refinement. However, in this case I am nothing but serious when I say bravo. You put a lot of work into this and it shows.

Good review.
:blush:

Thanks - I do try...this is a tough one to write.

[Vismund_Cygnus]

I want ths record so badly...

...absolutely a great review. Good job Steve!

[FaceLixeMurder]

I am thoroughly excited for this relase :)

[Un'Aria Ancora]

Disappointed to see "older Copeland" I loved the ESR direction. But I guess it's good that they can blend all that they've done.
Great review, man, can't wait to hear this.

[Un'Aria Ancora]

Just went to preorder the dvd/cd package... 20 is understandable, but extra 7 for shipping? won't do it.
Anybody know where else to get this besides smartpunk?

[Steve Henderson]

Disappointed to see "older Copeland" I loved the ESR direction. But I guess it's good that they can blend all that they've done.
Great review, man, can't wait to hear this.
When I say older Copeland, I mean all of their old material. I would say as a whole this is more similar to ESR than IM or BMT.

[Steve Henderson]

Just went to preorder the dvd/cd package... 20 is understandable, but extra 7 for shipping? won't do it.
Anybody know where else to get this besides smartpunk?
http://www.zambooie.com/details.tpl?cart=122340612628750022 &sku=COPECOMBO105

[Un'Aria Ancora]

When I say older Copeland, I mean all of their old material. I would say as a whole this is more similar to ESR than IM or BMT.

Good to know. I'm sure I'll love it either way.
And thanks for the link, but... now it's $8 shipping... I feel a bit ass raped right now.

[MusicTalks]

great album title, great review.

[Heart-A-Tact]

I'm way too stoked for this. Great review, man.

[anamericangod]

Older Copeland + This Day and Age = Heaven

I really want to hear this.

[awakeohsleeper]

Two things:

1) Sorry for the long review - thanks for reading if you did
2) Copeland band chat on 10/13/08 - be here.
1) It's not too long. And it's a good review so it doesn't matter how long it is. For some CDs you have to spend more time on them.
2) I'm here.

[owiseone35]

Glad to see this is a good cd. From the RIYL section you convinced me to listen to Jeremy Larson b/c if he sounds like Sleeping At Last and Copeland, I'm there.

[Marsbar]

From the songs they've already released, I thought it sounded like the new disc would borrow elements from all their previous outings, and I'm glad to read it does. So excited! Probably my most anticipated album this year!

[saving jonathan]

Haha, this review got a little out of control but I can't think of what I'd cut out.

Biden is all like "Yo Barack. You see how long Henderson's review is for the new Copeland album?"
And Barack is all like "Shit yeah man, haha. Crazy son of a bitch!"

Good review, I'll definitely have to check this out especially with the This Day and Age reference.

[blindrider529]

I am so excited for this album. I haven't heard even one second of a new song and I can't wait to unwrap it and stuff it as fast as possible into my CD player.

The review was great, too. I like long reviews. Short reviews usually don't seem to give me much direction or anticipation. I like detail.

[Steve Henderson]

Biden is all like "Yo Barack. You see how long Henderson's review is for the new Copeland album?"
And Barack is all like "Shit yeah man, haha. Crazy son of a bitch!"

Good review, I'll definitely have to check this out especially with the This Day and Age reference.
Haha, you crazy bastard.

[Shrillex]

im not going to read this but the way you put a lot it must be good and since its copeland probably amazing

[Ryzenfall]

Great review. Anticipation for this album is somewhere near my human excitement threshold. You raised it a few kelvins.

[derrick31]

ah, this makes me even more enthralled to get the album.
i've been on a copeland listening binge until YAMS comes out. haha yams?
anyways, so you say chin up isnt as good?
was it redone from dressed up & in line?
because its a beautfiul song.
hmmm...
still excited.

[emkvetwin]

well done, and i can't wait to give this a listen.

[Steve Henderson]

ah, this makes me even more enthralled to get the album.
i've been on a copeland listening binge until YAMS comes out. haha yams?
anyways, so you say chin up isnt as good?
was it redone from dressed up & in line?
because its a beautfiul song.
hmmm...
still excited.
It's redone, but mildly so. I would have much rather had a completely new song.

[charliewinn]

“Not So Tough Found Out” is a ten and a half minute opus stuffed with gorgeous Marsh-only vocal layerings, buzzing electronic static distortion, a dulcet female guest spot, shuffling percussion underscores, and lonely guitar wails rolling into bombastic swells.

fucking awesome!

loved the review btw

[allisterkid]

Oh my god. I neeeeeeeeed to hear this.

[Viewtiful Joel]

Does anyone know what all stores this will be released in and if the special edition will be in stores? I know Eat, Sleep, Repeat was sold at Target but they were on Columbia then. I'm hoping this one will be there too because the closest best buy to me is 20 minutes away. Although for this album i'd be willing to drive whatever distance.

[Steve Henderson]

Does anyone know what all stores this will be released in and if the special edition will be in stores? I know Eat, Sleep, Repeat was sold at Target but they were on Columbia then. I'm hoping this one will be there too because the closest best buy to me is 20 minutes away. Although for this album i'd be willing to drive whatever distance.
I am not sure, but I will guess it will be at Target as well. Definitely Best Buy though. If you want the special edition, you should preorder it now.

[Burning Star IV]

Ugh. Only one week left. Do want.

[sweetforever]

Very well written review Steve, I'm very interested in hearing this album.

[iseethesun123]

I want this so bad

[smacystacy763]

can't wait for this record!

[aradiantsunrise]

Awesome review man. I'm so stoked about hearing this, can't wait to get it in the mail next week.

[Chris Fallon]

Exceptional work, Steve-o -- I can't wait to get my listen on with this!


EDIT: lol @ the user ratings when this album hasn't leaked or been released

[karatee]

I love copeland, and I cannot wait until Oct. 14th

[cereal4life]

Can't wait to get this puppy!

[Pawan1993]

Probably will love the album, but love the band, love the review.
10/10 for me even though I haven't heard it but I'll change my rating if I think differently.

[cereal4life]

Nice review by the way Steve-o! Question: have you heard the new full length by Innerpartysystem and will you or one of the other staff be revieiwing it? It was released Sept 30 and I thought that since you're a fan of them that you might be busting out a review for it sometime soon.

[Steve Henderson]

Nice review by the way Steve-o! Question: have you heard the new full length by Innerpartysystem and will you or one of the other staff be revieiwing it? It was released Sept 30 and I thought that since you're a fan of them that you might be busting out a review for it sometime soon.
I have not heard it yet, but I want to for sure. I think Julia is reviewing it.

[Young Machetes]

Haha, this review got a little out of control but I can't think of what I'd cut out.

Based on this review, I have become even more excited for this album than I already am. AOTY? Most Likely.

[EndSerenading]

Definitely looking forward to this. ESR was a slight disappointment for me (but still plenty enjoyable). I still think In Motion is their best musically, and Beneath Medicine Tree is my personal favorite since it was the first one I got 5 years back, and first albums from any band I like always hold a special place in my collection :P

We'll see if its good enough to sneak into my list of favorite 10 albums for the year :)

[therookielot]

Good review.

[Mirrorsandfevers]

Anticipating.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Biden is all like "Yo Barack. You see how long Henderson's review is for the new Copeland album?"
And Barack is all like "Shit yeah man, haha. Crazy son of a bitch!"

:clap:


I like long reviews, especially when it's relevant and fun to read. It'll probably be even better when I can listen to the album while reading.

[Timetoroll]

Fucking beautiful.

[irthesteve]

this review got me a whole lot more excited, well written man

[rodericknj]

This review has made me utterly insane wishing my preorder would come faster.

[brentkid]

So excited for this.

[Brett9]

I personally loved the length of the review - solid work, Steve. I obviously haven't heard the album, but you did a great job of capturing the Copeland "feeling" through this review. I'm definitely now even more excited for this, and don't know how I'm going to wait until next Tuesday...haha.

[popdisaster00]

awesome.

[ak4]

that review surprised me so much...after listening to the new material on myspace i liked it but I had my doubts in the new album, mainly because of my general music taste changing. either way, as soon as i finished this review i said it.."im buying this first day!!21" you've just restored my faith in copeland Steve.. Thank you..

[steve-0]

I so cant wait for this. and I'm kind of glad it hasnt leaked yet. It just builds my anticipation for it even more. I might even wait until 10/14 to listen to the whole thing. Only 6 more days left!

[Marty_s]

Haha, this review got a little out of control but I can't think of what I'd cut out.

Great Review. I agree it is long but the length was necessary. You let out just enough information to leave us wanting more. I can't wait for this CD and I'm actually pretty excited for the DVD with it too. Again though, great review. I give the review a solid 10 out of 10, 100%.

[codypayne]

i love copeland to death but i hate how theyve chilled out since in motion. maybe this cd will suprise me though. who knows.

[berskyjr]

this review gave me the chubbs. man i can't wait for this!! great review steve. i liked the length, it was not that long. it just gave me more excitement.

[imtimwhoareyou]

I think I pooped myself. Maybe. There's probably a good chance.

(Steve, your first paragraph or two were enough for me to read, and they were well done and reflect my thoughts exactly. Thanks!)

[boykosaurus]

I thought the example lyric was kind of crappy, but other than that this was a great review and this album looks like it will not disappoint in any way!

[LiquorAndDick]

Question: If past Copeland albums have bored you, will this record change that?

Maybe 'bored' is too strong a word in this circumstance but I'm sure you'll understand what I mean. I do enjoy mellow music and Aaron has a lovely voice, but I just don't get held by this band well for a full record...

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Never really been a fan of Copeland -- I don't dislike them, just never really got into them -- but this review made me excited to check it out. Nice job.

[theguilt engine]

I can't wait any longgggger.

[thegraverobber]

great review!

so excited for this album...

[hailthewarrior]

I need to hear this. This review just made me so much more excited.

[airik625]

Excellent review. Can't wait to hear this.

[longstoryshort_]

very very VERY excited for this

[tm decomposer]

Probably the best writer to write this review. I absolutely love this record. Couldn't agree more Steve.

[3eb23]

Older Copeland + This Day and Age = Heaven

I really want to hear this.

Older Copeland + Sleeping At Last = Heaven

This is going to be great.

[_jonas]

Brilliant review! I'm really glad I recently got into them.

[Nick Le]

Great review. I'm soo stoked for this

[Bwillscirca87]

great review/ cant wait to pick this up :thumbup:

[Cheesus]

Excellent review! One of the best..

Aaron Sprinkle is king, I can't wait to hear this album.

[Mens]

it does seem that copeland is now comfortable where they're at, which im glad. I think this album should be good. i'm pretty stoked actually even though i've been disappointed in their work for the last few albums, i'm always listening to them

[Gumbyjag]

a 92% is a lot to live up to, but i'm sure this is everything you explained Steve.

[Keagan Ilvonen]

I can't wait to hear this. Great job Steve, one of the best reviews I have read.

[beauty is dead]

i love how you mention marsh's "superman note" in you have my attention. i always loved that part.

YOU HAVE MY ATTENTIONNNNNNN WOAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

[MarkyMark1984]

sounds great, which is why i did a pre-order. I think of all the ap.net staff, i relate to and enjoy the stuff you review and love the most. we could be good friends.

[derekmoyer4]

super excited for this album. please come here fast Oct. 14th

[Steve Henderson]

i love how you mention marsh's "superman note" in you have my attention. i always loved that part.

YOU HAVE MY ATTENTIONNNNNNN WOAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
That part always gives me chills...perhaps my favorite Copeland moment ever.

[littlebeav]

Don't apologize for the long review, it's all good. Just know there are people out there, like myself, that want to see the score now and will read the full deal later because they respect the shit you guys write.

[kaityangst]

Amazing Review.

[Ailite]

Great review man, really. I can't wait to buy this and you wrote that extremely well.

[Scoot]

This is a very well-written review. Excellent work.

I'm glad this album exists.

[xsinkshipsx]

as someone who is starting to write reviews.....this is incredible....the language was like borderline beautiful haha made me so glad I pre-ordered this

[chillinlikebob]

Does anyone know why this band isn't huge? I mean, I understand that ESR was moody and not as poppy as IN or as personal as BMT, but I think anyone who has heard it would say it's still beautiful.
With 4 gorgeous records out and a lot of popular crap in this world, how on God's green earth is Copeland not huge?

[drudo182]

Can't wait for next Tuesday. Going to be a great day!

[radxbandit]

hey man, awesome review. it was great to get practically a song by song description. makes me more excited!

[moore182]

Two things:

1) Sorry for the long review - thanks for reading if you did
2) Copeland band chat on 10/13/08 - be here.

That review was one of my favorites in awhile. Good read!...and the "superman note" reference was awesome! ahha...I love that song and that part of the song.
Can't wait to hear the suitcase song!

[Silver Bullets]

Nice, can't wait.
nice high score, too

[Clark]

Brilliant review. You and Julia gots chops.

[benn10]

Great review, great band; I'm stoked.

[Short-Lived]

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd144/shortlived86/128291014922933750want.jpg

[mybreakingpoint]

Can't wait for this to drop.

[atticusfinch]

So so excited for this. Words can't describe how much this album is going to mean to me. Can't wait.

Absolutely great review, Steve. One of the best I've read in a very long time.

[Inaction]

Can't wait for this.

[kittypants]

Stoked!
Great review! Can't wait for my CD/DVD/Posters Pre-Order to arrive!

[popofeliz]

This cd is gonna be AMAZING

[MCSmate]

Really good review. Now I'm just waiting for Tuesday to come :)

[Andrew Love]

oh man, I can feel a good one here

[Merkin]

92%? Wow,
I guess I'll have to take a listen

[birtcho]

Two things:

1) Sorry for the long review - thanks for reading if you did
2) Copeland band chat on 10/13/08 - be here.
sorry it was too long for me haha. but im gonna pick it up after seeing 92%

[RamirezTx]

Copeland is amazing...

I can't wait for this new CD.

[Twizx]

Great review, I'll make sure to grab this.

[LongDistanceDrunk]

I thought they had signed to Columbia. What happened to that?

[TSLROCKS]

I thought they had signed to Columbia. What happened to that?

They got dropped

[Steve Henderson]

There is quite a lot of hyperbole in this and it seems to really lack perspective. Copeland are not a big band at all yet comments like, "stunning release from a band that is adored and admired by so many" suggest otherwise.
Huh? They have a pretty devoted fanbase, have sold a few hundred thousand records, and are headlining tours now. That seems to warrant the sentence you picked out.

[Steve Henderson]

Type Copeland into google and they are not even in the top three answers.

Also please back the hundreds of thousands of albums sales up with a reference please.

They are playing venues with capacities of 700 people and are taking on moderately well known bands like Lovedrug and Lydia in order to fill that kind of venue. 700 people is nothing.

They also have virtually no popularity outside of the US and have only 7,000,000 myspace plays which is pretty low.
Because "Copeland" is a popular word, maybe?

Here (http://www.themilitiagroup.com/militiagroup/filelab/330_copeland.pdf) is your reference.

Beneath Medicine Tree = 90k+
In Motion = 100k+
Eat Sleep Repeat = 70k+ shipped (not sure on sales)

I never said the band was fucking massive - I said "admired and adored by so many." So, um, yeah.

[yo jeff]

I admire and adore them. So that's one and counting :wave:


And from the rest of the songs they put on myspace today, this is amazing! It retains the grandiose and musical prowess of ESR yet manages to make that sound more accessible. The lyrics and vocals are fantastic as always!


The solo in "What Do I Know" reminds me of the solo Coldplay's "Violet Hill", at least tone wise. nice!

[Steve Henderson]

Yeah I should have thought when you asked for criticism it means really you want everyone to say how awesome you write which is of course why people take AP reviews oh so seriously.
You got me figured out, right?

:dunce:

[Sic Transit Zeb]

great stuff.

[Marty_s]

Type Copeland into google and they are not even in the top three answers.

Also please back the hundreds of thousands of albums sales up with a reference please.

They are playing venues with capacities of 700 people and are taking on moderately well known bands like Lovedrug and Lydia in order to fill that kind of venue. 700 people is nothing.

They also have virtually no popularity outside of the US and have only 7,000,000 myspace plays which is pretty low.

what's your deal dude? all he said was that were adored by "so many" that doesn't mean they're adored by billions of people. it just means they're adored by more than like 800 people in the world.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Type Copeland into google and they are not even in the top three answers.

Also please back the hundreds of thousands of albums sales up with a reference please.

They are playing venues with capacities of 700 people and are taking on moderately well known bands like Lovedrug and Lydia in order to fill that kind of venue. 700 people is nothing.

They also have virtually no popularity outside of the US and have only 7,000,000 myspace plays which is pretty low.

What do you regard as a band adored by many people? Radiohead? Coldplay? Metallica? Not really fair comparisons, are they?

[totallysweet]

You got me figured out, right?

:dunce:

This guy (lunchforthesky) turns up in every thread about this band even though he doesn't like them. Maybe one of them made out with his girlfriend or something.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

I don't know how someone can not like this album. So perfect for fall.

[EndSerenading]

album sounds good on first listens. i should be heading out of town tomorrow and will have some good car time to let it sink in. Will be buying on tuesday too.

my only gripe is that the whole album is for the most part the softer side of copeland. now dont get me wrong, thats great! but I miss the upbeat energy BMT and IM both had at times. It made the ballads hit even harder. so, while all these songs are good after a few listens, its hard to keep my attention all the way through as the tempo stays on the mellowside nearly completely.

[shorecallssea]

Its a beautiful album. Thank you for the review. Aaron Sprinkle is amazing, though you're right, it doesn't really sound like a Sprinkle produced album, however, its wonderful anyway. I also agree with you on the drumming. Impersonal is the perfect word for it.

Who does the female Regina Spektor-esque vocals on the Suitcase Song, and The Safest Ledge?

[Sic Transit Zeb]

Not everyone is down for bland everything in music.

Sorry, forgot not everyone's ears are so finely tuned they only like 'non-bland' music.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Why is it not fair? All that means is no Copeland are not a big band which is accurate.

Any band having sold around 200k albums in the States alone is considered big these days, I know that you know this. Copeland are a big enough a band to be called "big" given the amount of people on here excited about the new release and the previous record sales.

[Chris Fallon]

Considering how many replies/views this review has received in a matter of days, I would say Copeland is pretty popular -- just because they don't make music for everyone doesn't mean they aren't admired and adored.

Steve wrote a killer review -- it's his opinion.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Considering how many replies/views this review has received in a matter of days, I would say Copeland is pretty popular -- just because they don't make music for everyone doesn't mean they aren't admired and adored.

Steve wrote a killer review -- it's his opinion.

Hey, Chris..Chriiis!

Hey, man. Have you listened to Bridge yet?

[Chris Fallon]

Hey, Chris..Chriiis!

Hey, man. Have you listened to Bridge yet?
Yeah, I actually got my hard copy in the mail today -- it is fantastic. Well worth the hard work. I know I'm biased, but it's obvious it was crafted for a long time -- and it shows.

You heard it yet?

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Yeah, I actually got my hard copy in the mail today -- it is fantastic. Well worth the hard work. I know I'm biased, but it's obvious it was crafted for a long time -- and it shows.

You heard it yet?

Yeah, I picked it up a couple of days ago when I went out to find Tail Swallower and Dove, which hadn't arrived. I like it, it's a solid album that will definitely end up in my top 24 at the end of the year but it'll be in the bottom 12. I really like it but it's too repetitive to break the top 10; I just keep comparing it to other singer-songwriter albums which takes away quite alot of its momentum.

[Chris Fallon]

Yeah, I picked it up a couple of days ago when I went out to find Tail Swallower and Dove, which hadn't arrived. I like it, it's a solid album that will definitely end up in my top 24 at the end of the year but it'll be in the bottom 12. I really like it but it's too repetitive to break the top 10; I just keep comparing it to other singer-songwriter albums which takes away quite alot of its momentum.
Yeah, I hear ya -- it does has a redundant tone to it. That might be my only downgrade from giving it a perfect score, ya know? I really enjoy his lyrics and the focus, attention and all-around care he gives them. You can tell he was careful when he wrote them. I want to give it more of a listen before I review it, but I definitely dig it so far. Might be a grower on my year-end list. It's also given me more appreciation for the recent Lagwagon EP though with the acoustic songs.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Yeah, I hear ya -- it does has a redundant tone to it. That might be my only downgrade from giving it a perfect score, ya know? I really enjoy his lyrics and the focus, attention and all-around care he gives them. You can tell he was careful when he wrote them. I want to give it more of a listen before I review it, but I definitely dig it so far. Might be a grower on my year-end list. It's also given me more appreciation for the recent Lagwagon EP though with the acoustic songs.

I do wish that this was an album with only new songs though. Sure, it does make the EP sound better but at the same time it's kind of a waste that I've got two versions of the same songs on two discs released in the same year, no matter how good the songs are individually. So, that and the redundance are what makes this just a good release for me, but it's probably still good enough to make my year-end list anyway. Just like You Are My Sunshine, not surprisingly.

[Chris Fallon]

I do wish that this was an album with only new songs though. Sure, it does make the EP sound better but at the same time it's kind of a waste that I've got two versions of the same songs on two discs released in the same year, no matter how good the songs are individually. So, that and the redundance are what makes this just a good release for me, but it's probably still good enough to make my year-end list anyway. Just like You Are My Sunshine, not surprisingly.
Yeah, that might be my only complaint in all honesty. I would have loved to had maybe the Lagwagon songs as bonus tracks ... I don't know, maybe Joey will explain in the interview I have planned. I'm still waiting for his answers, so hopefully he will go into depth on the process for why he did it that way.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Yeah, that might be my only complaint in all honesty. I would have loved to had maybe the Lagwagon songs as bonus tracks ... I don't know, maybe Joey will explain in the interview I have planned. I'm still waiting for his answers, so hopefully he will go into depth on the process for why he did it that way.

Sweet, I'm looking forward to reading it when it's done. I'm both jealous and not though, I'm "only" interviewing HORSE the Band today. That's pretty cool too, but you know...haha.

[Chris Fallon]

Sweet, I'm looking forward to reading it when it's done. I'm both jealous and not though, I'm "only" interviewing HORSE the Band today. That's pretty cool too, but you know...haha.
Me too! I hope he takes some time with them and gives us a great interview -- that's my goal, to get more people into his work and ideas.

Hey dude, it's a start -- no matter who it is, it's still an opportunity, right? haha

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Me too! I hope he takes some time with them and gives us a great interview -- that's my goal, to get more people into his work and ideas.

Hey dude, it's a start -- no matter who it is, it's still an opportunity, right? haha

It's no big secret that Lagwagon are vastly underrated and underappreciated, sadly...I bet they really appreciate you trying your best to get more people into them; I know I do.

Haha, I was just kidding though. I'm actually psyched about interviewing them and I don't really mind the "bigness" of the artists I get to talk to. It's been a blast no matter who I've spoken to, and so far it's been rather "big" bands. But yeah, Lagwagon would be great, haha.

[EndSerenading]

after several listens, its solid but (so far) personally doesnt live up to the hype of this review. It hasnt hit me as hard as beneath medicine tree or in motion did the first time. it will obviously take a lot more time for it to sink in on a long term level but right now it feels like its going to be classified as one of those records that is a very solid record but wont be the first or 2nd choice when I am in the mood for some Copeland.

On first listen I give it a 70% (not on the inflated AP rating system though where a 70would be viewed as bad hehe, to me a 70% is a just barely making it a very good albums) and it certainly has room to move up as I soak it in :)

definitely recommended though

[patpratt]

i dont like that you ended with negative things of the album. but its a record and a great review.

[watchmyheadspin]

this is by far one of the best reviews I've ever read.

[Marty_s]

this is by far one of the best reviews I've ever read.

Agreed. Putting aside the fact that this is about Copeland (one of the best bands ever) it is just so well written.

[watchmyheadspin]

Agreed. Putting aside the fact that this is about Copeland (one of the best bands ever) it is just so well written.

haha you speak the truth. on both counts.

[RetardedInLove]

I am excited for this CD. Beneath Medicine Tree is one of my favorite CDs ever made. In Motion and Eat, Sleep, Repeat took a while to grow on me and it seems like this one will be a grower as well.

[westsidas2000]

Spot on with the strawberry fields reference. So far, so good. Definitely on par with the last album. We'll see if this one surpasses it. With this and the new jack's mannequin album, I can finally be satisfied with what this year offered.

[iamtaylorrr]

Such an amazing CD

[alexcreate]

not as good as this review says but it's dece.

nowhere near BTMT status.

they pretty much just said "we don't need any guitar on this album" and it pisses me off.

[EndSerenading]

yea thats kind of the thing i was mentioning earlier. they do a GREAT job with the ballady stuff, but I really really miss some of the more upbeat rock moments they had on their early stuff.

No doubt he has a great voice still, and I will certainly be buying this and supporting them on tour as I have for 6 years now but I do miss a lot of the elements from the old copeland. Yes his falsetto is great but had more of a dramatic hit when he didnt use it as much as he does on the new stuff.

Mainly I miss the sounds of "when paula sparks," "testing the strong ones," "she changes your mind" etc. Still as beautiful as the new stuff, but with a bit more oomph.

[tacosforcharles]

not as good as this review says but it's dece.

nowhere near BTMT status.

they pretty much just said "we don't need any guitar on this album" and it pisses me off.

That's a really dumb and untrue thing to say, haha.

[alexcreate]

That's a really dumb and untrue thing to say, haha.


not really. there's a lack of guitar on the album.

however, the vocals on this are possibly the best yet.

[caress me down]

listening to this now.

[Marty_s]

listening to this now.

i pre-ordered mine 2 weeks ago and didn't get it today. i'm pissed.

[Cheesus]

i pre-ordered mine 2 weeks ago and didn't get it today. i'm pissed.
lamefail. hopefully you ordered the special edition one. its so cool!

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Mine is apparently coming in 2-5 weeks...big bummer.

[caress me down]

i pre-ordered mine 2 weeks ago and didn't get it today. i'm pissed.
i'd be pissed. i just bought it on itunes.

lamefail. hopefully you ordered the special edition one. its so cool!
what's on the special edition one?

[cassusriff]

Now that I've heard this album, I couldn't agree with you more. This is easily in my top 5 and truly an outstanding effort by Copeland.

And don't worry about the length of the review, this is one of the best reviews I've read this year

[Marty_s]

lamefail. hopefully you ordered the special edition one. its so cool!

yeah i got the Special Edition with the T-Shirt. It better get here or Zambooie is getting a call!

[johnandwhisper]

vocals on this album are far beyond what the highest rating is on this website.

[uglystar03]

not as good as this review says but it's dece.

nowhere near BTMT status.

they pretty much just said "we don't need any guitar on this album" and it pisses me off.

If you want to hear a band that decided to use no guitar on an album listen to Elysium by The Velvet Teen. They pulled it off quite nicely as well.

[boscorelli]

I thought I was the only one who noticed lack of guitar...guess not. Not really a good thing IMO. Suitcase Song is good, but would benefit from guitar to add some more punch to it.

[cereal4life]

I believe the lady singing backup vox is on the birds from Eisley? Whats-her-name du Pree. She sings in like 2-3 tracks too.

Good reveiw Steve. I'm enjoying this album!

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Special Edition = totally worth it. Hell, I'd pay much more than I did for it. One of the coolest special edition records I own.

[Steve Henderson]

I believe the lady singing backup vox is on the birds from Eisley? Whats-her-name du Pree. She sings in like 2-3 tracks too.

Good reveiw Steve. I'm enjoying this album!
It's not...her name is Rae Cassidy.

[cereal4life]

It's not...her name is Rae Cassidy.

Oh ok! Never heard of her. She in any band or anything? She sounds pretty similar to the Eisley girls. Rae du Pree. Has a nice ring to it....

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

I heard that Rae is only 17. Pretty cool if that's the case.

[Steve Henderson]

Oh ok! Never heard of her. She in any band or anything? She sounds pretty similar to the Eisley girls. Rae du Pree. Has a nice ring to it....
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofi le&friendid=51032491

I think she is just solo. The guys discussed her in their ap.net chat last week.

[cereal4life]

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofi le&friendid=51032491

I think she is just solo. The guys discussed her in their ap.net chat last week.

Dope, cheers Steve! I'll give her a listen.

[n1asfan]

This CD is AMAZING. One of the best CD's I have heard in a long time, by far

[Casey's Dad]

I love this album already.

[Dirge07]

LOVE is album. great review man

[topher465]

Great review.

[hxchairstylist]

Two things:

1) Sorry for the long review - thanks for reading if you did
2) Copeland band chat on 10/13/08 - be here.

Steve, you are my favorite reviewer. The length of this review may very well be the strength of it. You take a great deal of words to break this record down, but I for one appreciate it. This album is beautiful by the way. I think it's my favorite one by them yet. Aaron's vocal's are so soothing, and the instrumentation is so perfectly complimentary to them. Kudos. Looking forward to your other reviews.

[hxchairstylist]

It's not...her name is Rae Cassidy.

I thought it was the Eisley girl too, and I was going crazy trying to find the Dupree name in the liner notes. Haha.... Girl can sing like mad.

[Steve Henderson]

Steve, you are my favorite reviewer. The length of this review may very well be the strength of it. You take a great deal of words to break this record down, but I for one appreciate it. This album is beautiful by the way. I think it's my favorite one by them yet. Aaron's vocal's are so soothing, and the instrumentation is so perfectly complimentary to them. Kudos. Looking forward to your other reviews.
Thanks buddy!

[blindrider529]

I've been listening to this more and more and I really, really do love this album!

I'm a little surprised that some of the people who didn't like Eat, Sleep, Repeat seem to enjoy this. I think this is closer that that album than their first two. Either way I love every Copeland album and they just keep on progressing.

[Sic Transit Zeb]

what do I know is my fav off of this album

the last 2 tracks are so clutch...end it perfectly. thank you copeland.

[thelastround]

Copeland is so dear to my heart. I cant really think of a band that is nearly as special. this new album is so good, I was really worried for a while that ESR was the last album. I hope Sunshine isnt the last. I am so thankful. Thank you Copeland.

[timxirish]

Haha, this review got a little out of control but I can't think of what I'd cut out.

In my opinion, hardly. This is exactly what I like seeing in a review; it's in depth and seemingly because the album deserved it. I'm definitely checking out the album now. Fantastic job.

Oh and for the record, yes I did register an account just to say this :P . I'll be sure to check here in the future for more reviews.

[im_wide_awake]

never listened to copeland before this album, now i can't stop.

[Steve Henderson]

In my opinion, hardly. This is exactly what I like seeing in a review; it's in depth and seemingly because the album deserved it. I'm definitely checking out the album now. Fantastic job.

Oh and for the record, yes I did register an account just to say this :P . I'll be sure to check here in the future for more reviews.
Cool - I appreciate the kind words. Hope you enjoy posting here!

[EndSerenading]

its growing on me more and more. Though I hope to hear some BMT stuff when I see them in a few weeks :P

[vakuola]

even tho this album lacks of first listen noticeable guitar parts, it's still a great effort, and one of my AOTY definitely.

[SoccerJunkie]

Never really enjoyed Copeland that much before this album, didn't think they would ever make anything better then boring emo piano rock. Maybe I've simply come to love boring emo piano rock or maybe they have created something completely new and unique to them with this album. Either way I'm hooked. Great record, fantastic review. I listen to Good Morning Fire Eater every morning on my way to class.

[puhrnj]

this is such a great review. I feel like too many people have given up on one of the best bands of our time.

[humanafterall]

This album actually depressed me! No album did that before. I had to turn it off and turn on Daft Punk (that shows how much it depressed me). The album was very slow, moody and reminded me of winter.

But great review. It's always a testament to how good an album is when it can move someone like this.

[on a frequency]

i'm in love with this cd

i just got it a few days ago (late, i know, my bad) but it's been on repeat since i uploaded it...

[RickySuperstar]

haven't been able to stop listening to Copeland since seeing them with Anchor and Braille a month or so ago. They are just so phenomenal. Had to go back and re-read this review. This album is so good! When I told Aaron at the show I'd been a fan for a long time and seen them all over the country, he was so amazed and so genuinely kind. Definitely one of the best shows I've been to this year.

[iJason]

great review. amazing album.

[Gloryneverfades]

Just got into this album, it's fantastic. Oh, and great review

[awakeohsleeper]

Still haven't picked this up... and I have a feeling I should have!

[introduction]

band was one of the best that our scene had to offer. it's a shame they've decided to go their separate ways.

[dsmbrluv]

band was one of the best that our scene had to offer. it's a shame they've decided to go their separate ways.
I agree. Well if the label didn't want them to go touring around they might still stay together and make music...:-(