My first reaction to hearing the new song 1492 from Counting Crows was “WHAT!, who do these guys think they are? Phantom Planet?” And by Phantom Planet I’m referencing a band who started with a largely melodic and acoustic beginning only to throw their entire, and largely successful, formula out the window in favor of a more modern and edgy sound. Well that and this song 1492 sounds like it belongs on PP’s self titled third full length. But honestly, this is no Long December. This is no Autumn and Everything After. This isn’t even anything after. Needless to say I was worried. It’s a solid song, with a good hook and decent lyrics, but this is not the Adam Duritz that the world loves.
Praises be that they decided to include another song on their first single for their upcoming album, Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings, which is set to hit shelves in just a few weeks. The second song, When I Dream of Michaelangelo, did much to put my troubled heart at peace. This is where the Counting Crows shine. Where other acts would get lost in the apparent simplicity and straightforward nature of this track, it is precisely these qualities that allow Adam’s voice and lyrics to shine through {and that’s what we’ve always loved about the Crows anyway}.
mp3 : Counting Crows - 1492
mp3 : Counting Crows - When I Dream of Michaelangelo
Why they decided to experiment with the sound of 1492 will likely baffle critics and fans for ages to come. Maybe it was to lend some edge to their live performance, but I don’t think they needed it. The last time I saw them play they brought enough intensity {and three encores} to satisfy any crowd. I can only hope the rest of their album takes after When I Dream of Michaelangelo.
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