I have tried to listen to Gimme Some by Peter Bjorn & John at least fifteen times and I always seem to stall at the same place. I have had the worst time making it past the third track. The album is far from terrible, but certainly a few steps away from the top. And when I say a few steps, I mean they got wasted at the top of the stairs, got into an argument and fell down a few flights, and released the album from there.
The album opens with “Tomorrow Has To Wait,” and it is honestly a great track. The instrumental songwriting and vocals all are delivered perfectly. This is the type of track that I feel is perfect for the commute to work; something to phase out to, stop thinking of work to or drive home from breaking up with your girlfriend to. These are not, of course, the greatest moments of life that you want to associate with a musical track, but the vibe is just simply entertaining.
Right when I get to the next track, I almost want to force myself to yawn. I’m sure it’s a great song to PB&J avid listeners, but this song just feels like a Beach Boys track, or something that’s straight out of that same 'beach blanket bingo' era. I just can’t relate with the song. “Dig a Little Deeper” isn't horrible, but doesn't stand up to repeated listens either. After the fifth time through it, I was actually frustrated; I mean, I love these guys, but come on. I’m dying here. If this track was a person, it would be that guy with a popped collar making fun of a midget with a speech impediment. You just want to stab this person in the butt with a butter-knife (so you don’t get prosecuted for attempted murder).
“Second Chance” has a cowbell, but not the whole way through. I just feel like the track needs more of something – but I can’t decide what it might be. I have to admit though, the introduction to this track – the first twenty-three seconds – is completely ringtone worthy; I just didn’t care for it once the lyrics kicked in. Who knows, maybe if it had more of something? I really wish I knew what it was.
The second-longest track, “May Seem Macabre,” is my favorite track of the album, by far. I get this Ferris Bueller vibe of driving a long distance haul along the coast with the roof down. It’s that vacation type of track that is just killer; it personifies the PB&J vibe that we really have come to love over time. The joyous lyrics and guitar strings come together perfectly to help you enjoy the rest of the album. If you are a fan of the group, I would start the album by listening to this song first.
Overall, I know I had trouble listening to this record, but it’s one of those albums that you can have as a filler at chill house party that your guests will vibe to and ask you about. Gimme Some is conversation starter that simply delivers in such a way that you don’t have to break the ice.
Artist:
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Download:
Peter Bjorn & John – “Breaker Breaker” – Gimme Some
Album:
Gimme Some is out now. Buy it here on Amazon .
