Barenaked Ladies--Barenaked Ladies Are Me

After releasing a live album earlier in the year, the Barenaked Ladies release their latest studio album in Barenaked Ladies Are Me. It’s been two years since Barenaked for the Holidays, and three since their Everything to Everyone album, but this new release pushes the Ladies to the forefront of the digital whip-lash that’s scorching across the music business world. With a heavy focus on Internet users (that’s you and me), Barenaked Ladies are also offering their first single, "Easy" to listeners to remix. Each separate track for the instruments will be available separately, and its up to you to put it all back together. The best mixes will be featured on an EP, a rather interesting idea (made better by the fact that profits from the EP go to charity). The actual song "Easy" is a fun, pop-able tune with a heavy focus on acoustic instrumentals. The entire album seems dependent on acoustic guitars, and it works well. The light and breezy instrumentals give the tracks, well, a light and breezy feel. The Barenaked Ladies are easy-going, relaxed, and all grown up. Songs like "Bull In A China Shop" and "Home" are wonderfully melodic, and the storybook ballad of "Peteborough and Kawarthas" is a charming tune. "Maybe You’re Right" also deserves mentioning, with its well-paced tempo and dramatic, warm-hearted feeling. Barenaked Ladies Are Me is a softly powerful album. The songs are well-written and modest, yet very pop and just plain fun to listen to. With a favorable focus on acoustic instrumentals, the Barenaked Ladies’ latest release in their towering discography is a worth your while, whether you get in online or off.

(Published at MusicEmissions.com)