We've discussed Sloan on these pages a number of times. Unlike Teenage Fanclub, who I just don't like, or Robyn Hitchcock, who I can take in bits and pieces, Sloan has never hit me one way or the other. I didn't mind what I heard, but I didn't want to hear it a second time either. All three artists have readers who are devoted fans and those readers have tried their best to lead me down the right path with this trio. But as of today, I still think TFC are a bore, though I've warmed a bit to Robyn Hitchcock thanks to that fab E.P with Andy Partridge and that excellent 2017 record produced by Brendan Benson.
But this new Sloan album, "Steady?" In a word, "Wow!"
Nothing prior has hit me the way the songs on "Steady" have hit me. The band seems to have grown some hair on their chests.
Am I wrong, Sloan fans?
I know you will come to the band's defense. Why wouldn't you? But can you step outside of your Sloan world and tell me if "Steady" really is a huge step away from previous Sloan records, or am I crazy?
I haven't paid much attention to their career because I didn't care for the earlier records. But it was hard to ignore the raves of "Steady."
Where do I go from here? Should I just go backwards?
Tell me what record is better than "Steady."
11 comments:
Hey Sal.
Glad you gave Steady a spin and a fresh consideration! And so glad you enjoyed it!
It’s a good question you raise… Is this record a big step forward or are you just now coming around? Probably some of both. I think the lads are always growing with their musicianship and songwriting; even now in their mid-50’s. And having listened to the record 5 times or so already I think the songs are solid. I also would suggest that this record is a continuation of longer processes of evolution of the band. “Slow and steady”, if you will.
My point is that now once you’re picking up what they’re putting down I think there is so much exciting material to explore in the back catalog. And since you’ve probably heard the classics One Chord to Another or Navy Blues, I’m gonna recommend holding off on those for a minute.
Did you listen to “12”, the previous album from 2018? It’s probably most similar to Steady, but I have to say I like it a bit more I think so far. It may be a good reentry point as the songs I think are a little stronger and it also gives the egalitarian representation of 4 singers and songwriters with equal real estate of 3 songs each.
There is also the classic album “Between the Bridges”. Based on your appreciation of songcraft and pop sensibilities this one may be another good revisit. It’s sometimes a little looked over because it didn’t have the big singles. But it also has 3 songs each for Chris, Patrick, Andrew and Jay. So once you get a feel for who is who in the band and can start distinguishing their voices, then the magic of the Sloan journey really starts to happen IMHO.
So knowing your appreciation for full albums that would be the route I would recommend at this point.
All that to say - yeah!!! Steady is a welcome addition. My favorite song is the last one “Keep Your Name Alive” a Jay Ferguson classic. I wake up humming that a lot right now.
Enjoy!!!
I say go to Action Pact next. It's the most similar to Steady, and even more hairy chested.
I think last year's TUNS album may have helped to guide you towards to giving Sloan another chance,
So big Sloan fan here (you know that). Do I think they are the "new Beatles"? Of course not -- but damn if they aren't consistent with 4 excellent song writers who seem to have the ability to just effortless nail solid power pop songs like no other band that isn't named Fountains of Wayne.
Steady has two phenomenal singles on it: Dream It All Over Again (probably my favorite Jay song in recent memory) and Patrick's "Scratch The Surface" -- neither of which are the ones you posted. Shows how strong this album is. :-)
Better than Steady? Twice Removed, Between the Bridges (which was my first full Sloan album) and Never Hear The End Of It for sure. The Double Cross has "Unkind" on it -- which I think is as close to a perfect Sloan song as exists.
Sloan's albums get better on each subsequent listen for me. They are right in the pocket for me like few other bands out there.
Looking forward to giving this one a spin , A great singles band but their albums just don't seem to do it for me , Sloan is a band I want to like but there's just something "same-y" about their records. I completely agree about TFC , never could understand the raves about their music, just don't get it
I have been with Sloan along time and I have to say some of their mid-career work left me underwhelmed. But with Never Hear the End of It and Parallel Play I thought they really hit their peak. Never Hear ... has short songs connecting with several other songs to form short medleys that really shine.
I'd start with One Chord to Another and Twice Removed; however, all albums are solid. Canada's second national treasure! (After Anne Murray)
Sal, you mentioned in 2011 that you liked that year’s The Double Cross. Maybe give a go to 2018’s 12 and then 2014’s Commonwealth - double album where each band member has a dedicated side. All the albums mentioned previously by others are classics! Have fun!
And thanks for all you do, sir.
Eric
For all the Sloan fans , check out Two Hours Traffic, their album "Little Jabs" is a power pop gem, these boys are also from the Maritimes like Sloan , must be the sea air !
I listened to "12" yesterday. Great opener, "Spin Our Wheels." Also loved "Essential services." And while I did listen to it all, never skipping a note, it was far less memorable than "Steady." I did not want to immediately hear it again like I did "Steady."
And Eric, as for 2011's "Double Cross," I just don't remember it, which I think may be the problem I gave with the band.
Looking forward to checking them out
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