Tegan and Sara - Get Along
Release Date: November 15, 2011
Record Label: Warner Bros.
Bad things come in threes, or so they say. It's thus no surprise that Canadian pop virtuosos Tegan and Sara take advantage of their identical twin status every chance they get. They share everything, from singsong harmonies and bittersweet love calls to rolled up denim sleeves. And now, as we're faced with a live album titled Get Along, it seems that these ladies are aiming to truly convince us of their musical telekinesis and sisterhood. A pile of old footage and fifteen tracks of an intimate live performance later, the album was officially squared away. The footage may spark a tissue grab, a rapturous hand clap, or friend embrace as the twins delve into an ever-so-personal mini documentary. But as for the live audio itself, we're going to be a tad more critical as absentees from the show.
The out-of-body experience that many savor during a live set mishits on the album, but not so much to be destined for the trash-bin. Since the name Tegan and Sara carries such a charming bounce to it, an adventure into acoustics imply it'll be an exact science. But on Get Along the duo sort of in-fight, and as a result, their signature loftiness drops into bland waters. Wispy sound effects from the guitars are thrown in to make up for lack of depth, morphing “Monday, Monday, Monday” into an almost new wave disco. This may be fitting for 70s style jam bands, but for a Springsteen-inspired teen dream pop-rock outfit, it comes jarringly close to that Wizard of Oz guesswork of optimism: closed eyes, crossed fingers, and a triple click of the heels. Fans of earlier work such as If It Was You may desire a more complemented sound from drum work and other various forms of instrumentation. The usual giddy build-up chorus in “I Hear Noises” falls flat to tuneless harmonies.
Most songs chucked onto Get Along are from the more critically acclaimed picks, Sainthood and the Con. Pulled from the former, “Sentimental Tune” showcases gorgeous vocal interplay and overlapping keyboard beeps and boops, and highlight opener “Alligator” could even be satisfying through two cans and a string. It's removed from guitar theatrics and grating effects, which adds to its soothing character. “Back In Your Head”, from the latter album perfects a simple, yet spine-chilling piano key edge. The duo's adored accents especially pop out which could easily be a double-edged sword at times: on one end, we feel obligated to pinpoint every piercing aspect of their range, and on the other, we tend to isolate overly thin and light acoustics in the strumming ("I Know I Know I Know"). And when pop music is void of actual pop and punch, it may be best left for the album's visuals to juice up.
The DVD houses rare features of the twins exploring the states, their first ever tour in India, testimonies from family and friends shedding light on the twins' distant road life, and an insightful beyond. Get Along in all of its musical offerings is largely enchanting, but with a few toss ups. We'll be just as illuminated by who they are and where they have been; the fact that their 13-year trek exists makes the title itself a very self-fulfilling prophecy and telling indication of what their impending journey will offer next.
Cool review. Not a fan of live albums, but I love documentaries so I'll probably check this out for that alone.
Thanks, and exactly, that's partially why I concluded it that way about the DVD... I'm not a fan of live albums either haha. After some spins it'll click, though it still has its low points. I prefer a few of those songs plugged in.
How's all that footage? That's more what I'm interested in, haha.
haven't gotten around to it because it hasn't arrived yet, my girlfriend ordered the deluxe for my birthday and she has yet to send it to me, she forwarded me the email though with the bonus tracks haha
Yeah. It makes sense though, since it was taken from one live show rather than being selections they made themselves.
huh, kinda weird they didn't play any of those songs at that show, but it is kinda cool that they played some older songs from their first couple of releases.
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