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O.A.R.
"All Sides"
(Everfine; 2008)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
This is the sixth studio album from O.A.R. (Of A Revolution) and I'm just now hearing them. Sorry guys, I've been busy! They have an alternative sound with reggae mixed in; they have rock tendencies, too, but it is more for radio play than anything. They are huge among the college crowd and when you listen you can tell why.
They are big with MTV and VH1 and if you don't venture onto those channels you might not ever hear them (this is my excuse). They have a good sound but it's not very strong and if you like the Goo Goo Dolls then O.A.R. would be their clones.
Every now and then some tough guitar will come in but it generally used to get over the bridge and it doesn't ever power the song. A sax or piano will usually be the instrument of choice.
O.A.R.: Chris Culos – Drums; Benj Gershman - Bass guitar; Richard On - Guitar (Electric), Vocals (back-up); Marc Roberge - Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Vocals; Jerry DePizzo - Guitar (Electric), Saxophone, Snare Drum; Mikel Paris - Vocals (back-up), Keys, Bongos.
For more information, check out http://www.ofarevolution.com.
"Live From Madison Square Garden"
(Atlantic; 2007)
Reviewed by Jeff Rogers
This is O.A.R.'s first live CD and it was released before "All Sides" in 2008. I'm not a huge fan of live CDs, but when I'm hearing a band live for the first time I'm cool with that. O.A.R. has that that reggae sound on prominent display during this concert. I would equate them to Huey Lewis & The News, 311 (light) and Dave Mathews (without the Dave).
The music is friendly and adult top 40 so if you want a really good live CD to play on a road trip this would be a good choice. Since O.A.R. is huge around the college circuit their lyrics are about everyday life including relationships
The guitar has some sweet solos. I'd never heard O.A.R. before until I reviewed their "All Sides" CD. The music sounds the same as now with some crowd noise as background since this is a live gig. Sometimes their lead singer can sound like Brandon Boyd of Incubus.
For more information, check out http://www.ofarevolution.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2011 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
18 Mar 2024 11:32:26 -0500.
