Counting Crows Album Good, But Different

“Recovering the Satellites,” the recently-released album from the band Counting Crows, is making many impressions on its listeners.

Anyone who is a fan of the Crows knows they aren’t exactly about an uptempo, hard-rock sound, but for anyone who has caught a glimpse of the band’s video for the track “Angel of the Silences” it would be easy to see how the average person might be deceived. Don’t be.

“Recovering the Satellites” is one of those albums that doesn’t live up to pre-conceived notions. The “Angels” video shows the band playing a much more straightforward, heavy-sounding song than their reputation allows. In my opinion, the song kicked butt. After reviewing the CD’s 13 other tracks, however, my opinions were more than slightly altered.

Many of the songs are of a smooth, laid-back quality - combining piano, acoustic guitar and the mellow tones of lead singer Adam Duritz. This is what the average Counting Crows fan would expect, but it disappoints those music lovers who are hoping to hear more of the “Angels” sound.

In many ways, the album is impressive. Duritz, who wrote all the lyrics, did a superb job. Guitarists Matt Malley, David Bryson and Dan Vickrey blend the sound of acoustic and electric well. And drummer Ben Mize, along with pianist Charles Gillingham, provide a solid rhythm section.

Counting Crows mix soft rock, hard rock and even some blues to form an excellent second release for the group.

A few other tracks besides “Angels” deserve note. “Daylight Fading,” “A Long December” and the title track are all well written and smooth sounding, furthering the Counting Crow’s reputation.

If you were a Crows fan before, it’s a must that you buy this album. If not, or you’re hoping for the same sound from the album’s first release, it might not be worth your money.

Grade: B-