Well, I finally heard “May 16” on May 16th, but now it’s time to talk about feelings. And, this album has a lot of 'em.
Having now heard two Lagwagon records, this one hits a completely different part of my brain than 1994’s Trashed did. I love when a band can pull that off—it’s always a sign of a discography worth exploring deeply.
Every album I’ve reviewed on Patreon so far has hit me in its own unique way, but none have landed quite as squarely in the gushy “feels” as this one. Sonically, it’s just beautiful, which really elevates the whole experience; all of the melodies and layers shine, the rhythm section rumbles with power (that friggin' StingRay tone is RICH, y'all) and Joey Cape’s vocals float above all of it like a dreamy, fluffy cloud.
How did they cram so much substance into just 25 minutes?!
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Intro
3:04 - "After You My Friend"
11:59 - "Gun In Your Hand"
20:26 - "Leave The Light On"
25:09 - "Change Despair"
30:11 - "Train"
37:03 - "Hurry Up And Wait"
39:09 - "Everything Turns Grey"
44:18 - "Love Story"
51:35 - "Messengers"
56:22 - "The Kids Are All Wrong"
1:00:09 - "May 16"
1:06:44 - "Owen Meaney"
1:14:11 - Final Thoughts