End of the weekend. Bummer.
The weather kind of improved, but not much. Had a nice walk in the fading sunlight down to Fuji Ya, which is hands down the best sushi in Minneapolis. They're doing a Summer Roll on special right now, it's an exquisite inversion of their Winter Roll. Both are insanely good. If you have a chance you really ought to give it a try. But I digress. A quiet Sunday night like this I like to wind the weekend down with a bit of laid back music while getting ready for the week. I sound like a party animal, don't I? Screw it, I'll do what I want! Point is, if you're looking for an album you can put on while kick back on a Sunday night look no further than Joey Cape's solo record Bridge.
Released in 2008, the album is Joey's first completely solo endeavor. He wrote, recorded and produced the entire thing himself. Having fronted the long running legendary punk band Lagwagon for years in addition to the more experimental Bad Astronaut, this record afforded Cape the chance to express his sekrit softer side. I don't mean that in the sense of him singing lovey-dovey ballads, but more in the sense of him being able to do something that doesn't involve the double kick-drums of his excellent punk band. Bridge sees Cape singing softly with a nuanced sense of performance. His voice, while great with the propulsive, dynamic Lagwagon, is even better here, moving in and out of pleasing, soothing range and tone. There's a softness and genuine humanity to it, which is a refreshing relief when you've spent the weekend out and about, in loud bars or clubs. Sunday night with Joey Cape on is just this side of a lullaby - I hope that's not misconstrued as a dig because I think it's a great compliment. The songs here are well crafted and engaging, but they way Cape has written and arranged them, coupled with his voice, makes them just roll right over you like sunshine.
Tracks are both laid back yet energetic, depending on what the song calls for. 'Errands' is a reworking of a Lagwagon song, which still bounces along nicely. 'The Ramones Are Dead' is a pleasantly upbeat number, feeling like the best of his work and feels totally natural. These songs don't feel like a punk trying his hand at an acoustic guitar - they feel absolutely organic and normal coming from Cape. 'Who We've Become' is a fantastic song that gets your toe tapping just a bit, using that nice behind the beat rhythm of a seasoned player. One of my favorite tracks on the record is the melodic and contemplative 'Canoe'. The picking is gorgeous, as is Cape's singing. I'm also fairly certain that's Cape's young daughter making a surprise appearance at the end of the track, emphasizing the optimistic air he creates.
This album really is a wonderful way to wind down the weekend. Head over to Joey Cape's site and download a copy if you want a little music to put on while sitting outside and having a drink, or just put it on while you go for a morning walk. It's the best kind of singer-songwriter stuff out there, where you absolutely see what the artist is getting at. Cape's voice and playing work together incredibly well, a seasoned veteran of his craft. It's nice to see him step out of his role as a punk singer and stretch his wings a bit. Sorry to see the weekend come to a close, but music like this helps me make the transition.
The weather kind of improved, but not much. Had a nice walk in the fading sunlight down to Fuji Ya, which is hands down the best sushi in Minneapolis. They're doing a Summer Roll on special right now, it's an exquisite inversion of their Winter Roll. Both are insanely good. If you have a chance you really ought to give it a try. But I digress. A quiet Sunday night like this I like to wind the weekend down with a bit of laid back music while getting ready for the week. I sound like a party animal, don't I? Screw it, I'll do what I want! Point is, if you're looking for an album you can put on while kick back on a Sunday night look no further than Joey Cape's solo record Bridge.
