1997 - On the Run (Album)
I panicked when I first heard about the band 1997. It raised many questions. Firstly, could this band have been born in 1997? Surely not the case, as this would make them 11 years old. Although that didn’t stop the Tin Lids… unfortunately. Secondly, is 1997 already considered a whacky and daggy year like 1983 and therefore worthy of use as an ironic band name? It didn’t feel that way at the time, although I think this was the last year I wore flannel. Neither of these explanations made sense so I began to get a little more left field. Were they a Frente cover band? Were they trying to out do Prince’s ‘party like its 1999’ mantra by two years. Do they like large prime numbers? So many questions… so little clue.
Unfortunately, listening to this record just presented further uncertainty. (1) Is this emo? (2) Am I too old for emo? (3) Is emo any good? (4) If I listen to emo, and like it, should I feel a bit dirty? (5) Is this a Christian rock band? (6) Is the track ‘Winds of Change’ a Scorpions cover? (7) Is Alida Marroni better looking than Fiona Kitchin from The Drones? This was getting ridiculous. To simplify the whole affair I have devised a short checklist.
Question 1
If you answered yes, proceed to question 2.
If you answered no, proceed to question 7 as you are as confused as me and this is a less stressful question to ponder.
Question 2
If you answered yes, proceed to question 7 (refer to above).
If you answered no, you are not embroiled in a mid-to-late twenties crisis, proceed to question 3.
Question 3
If you answered yes, you will love this album. Great songwriting and excellent harmonies make for a thoroughly enjoyable, if confusing, listen. Proceed to question 4.
If you answered no, you should already be on question 7.
Question 4
If you answered yes, I hear what you are saying. This music can be overly emotive and heart-felt at times. It makes you feel like you are listening to a 21st century version of soft-rock exemplars like Toto or the Doobie Brothers. Catchy stuff but a tad saccharine.
If you answered no, go and buy some Toto, middle-period Doobie Brothers, and Chicago.
Proceed to question 5.
Question 5
If you answered yes, it may be due to some of the sickly sweet call-and-response duets between Alida Marroni and Kevin Thomas. Beautifully done but very Hillsong (note: I am not suggesting if that is a bad thing if that is your kind of thing). Buy some Johnny and June Carter Cash records to hear other musicians who pull this sort of schtick off.
If you answered no, proceed to question 6.
Question 6
If you answered yes, you are wrong. Go and buy a Scorpions record anyway.
If you answered no, proceed to question 7.
Question 7
No right answer here, although I’m sure the record company wasn’t too disappointed when Alida joined the starting line-up after their first record.
As you may be able tell, I liked this record but I really felt I shouldn’t. I have heard mixed reports, however I think this more due to the style than the substance. To me this is the record of a band and songwriter who are really hitting their straps. Accompanying some great hooks is some great playing, and interesting arrangements. Recommended.
