Paper Empire

Review of Better Than Ezra's 7th studio album, Paper Empire:

I sat down and listened to this album with zero expectations. Lately I have been wrapped up in newer bands with a new and different sound.... especially when compared to BTE whom I've been listening to since 1995 (holy 14 years!). With that said...

I'm 100% impressed with this album. As one person stated, each Ezra album comes out and it has it's own unique identity. I look back on each past album that has come out and each strikes me with a different emotional chord. And Paper Empire is no exception.

I had heard a few KG tracks when he made note of them on Myspace, and I listened closely to find his lyrics shine through with ease. But hearing them on the compilation, I feel they are a little more vibrant. Maybe it's the fact that those songs are wrapped up neatly under 'Better Than Ezra', as opposed to just KG (though if he produced a solo album, you would not hear me complain). I have also had 'Absolutely Still' on my ipod since it was aired on New Orleans radio but I refused to spin it obnoxiously repetitive because I really wanted Paper Empire to be an experience. And I truly feel I made the right decision.

I could say some of the songs have a more mellow vibe than the others, or that I was waiting for the cliff hanger moment of complete "awww" during certain songs and sighed when it never came through, but these things are not as important as the overall picture: this band with a cult-like following, after 15+ years, has produced yet another solid and impressive album. From Deluxe to Paper Empire, I can't help but feel that I have seen something small grow into something grand and amazing. From the turning melodies of 'Absolutely Still', to the raucous beats of 'Hell No!' (which I feel reeks of Ezralite insanity), the get on your feet 'All In', down to the beautifully spellbinding 'I Just Knew', Paper Empire is an impressive piece of work for a band of this caliber.

I have to also mention the album artwork. I have heard feedback that people are not particularly keen on the cartoonish/free-hand colorful work of Lorin Brown, but I am. I think its unique and really makes the album complete. This album is different. It has elements of old Ezra mixed with solo sounds and experimental beats. The album artwork, both on the cover and in the sleeve (yes! a CD that had me browsing the sleeve for an hour plus!), is a symbol of the unique sound quality and music styles dancing off the disk. I would give a lot to have this album on vinyl. That would be priceless.

Two thumbs up.... way up.