The Nadas - The Ghost Inside These Halls
Rip Info
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Artist: The Nadas
Album Title: The Ghost Inside These Halls
Record Label: Authentic
Rip Date: 2008-04-13
Catalog Number:
Genre: Rock
Year: 2008
Source: CD
Encoder: LAME 3.97 -V2 --vbr-new
Quality: 183 kbps avg / 44.1KHz / Joint Stereo
Track List
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01 Loser 3:40
02 Blue Lights 3:44
03 Goodnight Girl 4:24
04 Pieces on the Ground 3:20
05 No Thank You 3:44
06 Somethings Burning 3:51
07 Alaska 3:20
08 James 3:57
09 Feel Like Home 3:28
10 Hammer Down 4:48
11 Hidden Track 1:56
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00:40:12
56.21 megs
Rip Notes
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One of the more troubling affairs for fans is the natural evolution that each
band faces through their career. The countless times IÆve heard ôI like their
old stuff,ö reminds me of the double-edged sword that comes with die-hard fans.
The Nadas are no exception and their latest release The Ghosts Inside These
Halls is a perfect example of a band growing. What that means for their fans is
more difficult to estimate: they seemingly are gathering steam amongst fans and
critics alike. Still, IÆm an old-timer and IÆll admit that I fondly recall their
early material. Call me a skeptic, but IÆve always been fond of their roots-rock
stylings and part of me feared a Wilco-esque turn. Only a wet baby likes change
and IÆm no exception to the rule. That of course is no reflection on the quality
of work a band creates, only my own shortcomings. Still I had hoped to open the
disc and find myself amidst nostalgic Nadas goodness.
The Nadas of course are one of the midwest premier rock acts, having been named
one of the best unknown bands by Playboy and attracting a throng of new
listeners with each performance. Through hard-work and relentless touring the
band has built a reputation and distinctive sound upon which weÆve come to
depend. Call it ôauthenticö if you will.
Stylistically, this recordÆs menu varies between thumping prog-rock,
jazz-inflected undertones and their trademark country leanings. ôBlue Lightsö
strips down to the basics and comes complete with small-town heartbreak and a
steel guitar. I could eat that one with a fork followed by apple pie. ôGoodnight
Girlö immediately follows and tosses a changeup to acoustic rock thatÆs neither
a stretch nor entirely familiar. But for my money ôAlaskaö is the moneymaker.
Featuring rougher vocals and an absolutely booming country bass guitar, this
song nails the emotion much like ôTempleton Ryeö did on Listen Through the
Static. Of course, thereÆs much to love on the record, but the handful of ôhitsö
on this disc are like an oversized blue-plate special that leaves you wishing
for a nap in a nice warm spot.
Stretching their listeners comfort zone is something at which this release
excels. Fans and newcomers alike will find this album can both satisfy our
homespun tendencies while forcing us to look out the window. With a plump mix of
rootsy country songs and a handful of more esoteric arrangements, The Ghosts
Inside These Halls evokes a strong feeling of being at home in a different
place.