REVIEW: Counting Crows, This Desert Life (Geffen)
- Linda Scott
Adam Duritz may be the only band member most people know in Counting Crows. He's the lyricist, he's the lead vocalist, and he's the frontman. With seven band members, a guy could get lost, but Duritz' talent and charisma uses the other guys for backdrop. Without Adam Duritz, there is no Counting Crows. Duritz put the band together beginning in 1989, and by the end of 1993 the brilliant August And Everything After was released. The sophomore album was Recovering The Satellites in 1996. This Desert Life is very much a Counting Crows album, and if you liked the others, you'll like this one, no question. Some critics find Duritz to be too earnest, too angst-ridden, too self-absorbed. Listeners who can look inside themselves with Adam Duritz see all the lonely people and their hopes and dreams. Duritz can tell a story before you can drop a dime. He is one of the most talented lyricists today.
Adam Duritz says This Desert Life is a little brighter, a little more hopeful than the past two albums. And it is. The first single, "Hangaround", is the first album track and sets the album tone. Although it is the most carefree, rocking song on the album, there are other lighter songs. Of course, it wouldn't be a Counting Crows album without some thought provoking and introspective songs. "I Wish I Was A Girl" is about the effort men have to make to express their feelings. "All my Friends" tells about the people in Adam's life that have left him behind. A great, great song is "Mrs. Potter's Lullaby". This "lullaby" is an epic poem set to music, runs nearly eight minutes, and is about risk taking.
This Desert Life is highly recommended for Counting Crows fans and fans of R.E.M, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan. The music from those seven band members rings true and supports the wonderful, and ok, sometimes self indulgent, lyrics from Adam Duritz. You'll enjoy it!
