2008 Woodie Awards
New Pat McGee Band CD doesn't disappoint
Katie Perry
Issue date: 5/3/04 Section: Arts & Entertainment
- Page 1 of 1
Save Me, the Pat McGee Band's major label record debut (Warner Brothers) is undoubtedly different from the classic sound that fans of the band have been used to hearing since the band's inception in the mid 1990's. The band, whose original lineup has changed since it formed in 1996 in McGee's home area of Northern Virginia, is now comprised of Pat McGee (lead vocals/guitar), Brian Fechino (guitar), John Small (bass), Chris Williams (drums) and Chardy McEwan (percussion).
The evolution of the band's music from their first release, Revel, which was released in 1997 up through their three releases prior to Save Me is apparent not only in the lyrics but also in the overall sound of the band. Prior to this album, the Pat McGee Band was notorious for its overwhelmingly acoustic sound, however Save Me is much more "radio-friendly."
Overall, the album is filled with lyrics dealing with lost relationships and past loves. The second track on the album, "Must Have Been Love" mixes both acoustic and electric guitar into the song, allowing the chorus of "Must have been love / could have been fate / whatever it was / came much too late" to strike the listener with different emotions at different times. When the heavier electric guitar is accompanying the lyrics, the listener gets a sense that the words are being sung in anger, however with the softer sound of the acoustic guitar, a sense that the lyrics are full of regret is apparent.
The first single off the album, "Beautiful Ways" is undoubtedly the most radio-ready song on the album. It features heartfelt lyrics with the very recognizable chorus of "Help me `cause I'm off the radar screen / Help me `cause you know just where I've been / Help me `cause I've lost my faith / Help me mend my broken ways / I just can't help myself / Have you lost your beautiful ways?" Again, the mixture of the acoustic as well as the electric guitar allows the listener to really feel the emotion of the song, yet the tune is simple enough that radio listeners, who may not be familiar with the band, may take interest in them.
While the band's latest release is not typical of their past efforts, it is still a great CD with great lyrics and catchy music. However, one thing that has not changed as the band has evolved is the superiority of their live show to their recorded music. As part of the promotion of Save Me, the band embarked on a three-month tour, visiting various East Coast cities. One of the stops the band made was to the Paradise in Boston, where they played several songs from the new album as well as old favorites such as "Rebecca," "Passion," and "Who Stole Her from Heaven." In addition, the band performed a fifteen- minute cover of Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes," as well as closed out the show with a cover of U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name."
Overall, Save Me, while not classic Pat McGee is still worth the money to buy. It features a variation on their acoustic sound, while still offering fans the same great lyrics and music that fans have come to expect from them. If you have the opportunity to attend a Pat McGee show, give it a try. They are relatively inexpensive, and you can be certain that you will walk away with a new appreciation for live music.
I rate Pat McGee Band's Save Me an 8 out of 10.
The evolution of the band's music from their first release, Revel, which was released in 1997 up through their three releases prior to Save Me is apparent not only in the lyrics but also in the overall sound of the band. Prior to this album, the Pat McGee Band was notorious for its overwhelmingly acoustic sound, however Save Me is much more "radio-friendly."
Overall, the album is filled with lyrics dealing with lost relationships and past loves. The second track on the album, "Must Have Been Love" mixes both acoustic and electric guitar into the song, allowing the chorus of "Must have been love / could have been fate / whatever it was / came much too late" to strike the listener with different emotions at different times. When the heavier electric guitar is accompanying the lyrics, the listener gets a sense that the words are being sung in anger, however with the softer sound of the acoustic guitar, a sense that the lyrics are full of regret is apparent.
The first single off the album, "Beautiful Ways" is undoubtedly the most radio-ready song on the album. It features heartfelt lyrics with the very recognizable chorus of "Help me `cause I'm off the radar screen / Help me `cause you know just where I've been / Help me `cause I've lost my faith / Help me mend my broken ways / I just can't help myself / Have you lost your beautiful ways?" Again, the mixture of the acoustic as well as the electric guitar allows the listener to really feel the emotion of the song, yet the tune is simple enough that radio listeners, who may not be familiar with the band, may take interest in them.
While the band's latest release is not typical of their past efforts, it is still a great CD with great lyrics and catchy music. However, one thing that has not changed as the band has evolved is the superiority of their live show to their recorded music. As part of the promotion of Save Me, the band embarked on a three-month tour, visiting various East Coast cities. One of the stops the band made was to the Paradise in Boston, where they played several songs from the new album as well as old favorites such as "Rebecca," "Passion," and "Who Stole Her from Heaven." In addition, the band performed a fifteen- minute cover of Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes," as well as closed out the show with a cover of U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name."
Overall, Save Me, while not classic Pat McGee is still worth the money to buy. It features a variation on their acoustic sound, while still offering fans the same great lyrics and music that fans have come to expect from them. If you have the opportunity to attend a Pat McGee show, give it a try. They are relatively inexpensive, and you can be certain that you will walk away with a new appreciation for live music.
I rate Pat McGee Band's Save Me an 8 out of 10.