April 13, 2004: Second album syndrome
Many bands find that second album difficult. Artists spend years striving to be heard & perfecting the work & seldom get noticed by a record label to release it. That difficult second album can, often prove to be simply pony!
Here though, it's my problem. Trying to invest in more of the great sound I originally stumbled upon is causing problems. Not always the next album chronologically, but they next album I purchase. They are increasingly failing to hit the spot.
Is it the impact of the first offering is so original that the next purchase can't sound so fresh? Or is it because I'm listening to the albums repeatedly all day & getting bored? Or is it the fault of the artists themselves who can not cover more than 5" of polycarbonate substrate with their talent? Or (my greatest fear) I'm getting old & like my elders, buying an album on the strength of a single & thinking I'm still cool!
Here's my "Second Purchase Of artist Offering, Flaw" (or SPOOF) list:
| From | To | I say | |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Gray | White Ladder | New Day At Midnight | boring |
| Incubus | Morning View | A Crow Left Of The Murder | v.disappointing |
| Zero 7 | Simple Things | When It Falls | not interested |
| NERD | In Search Of | Fly Or Die | doesn't compare |
| B.R.M.C. | B.R.M.C. | Take Them On On Your Own | anything new there? |
| Nitin Sawney | Prophesy | Human | just no |
| Muse | Showbiz | Origins Of Symmetry | why bother? |
From this day onwards, I shall never again, SPOOF my money on rubbish.
Comments
I've actually really got into the second BRMC album now. Their third is excellent! Others I'm willing to give another try are Muse - Origins Of Symmetry and Incubus - A Crow Left Of The Murder.
When you've listened to a really great album, maybe the only way is down?