Artists | Issues | CD Reviews | Interviews | Concert Reviews | DVD/Video Reviews | Book Reviews | Who We Are | Staff | Home
 

The Toadies

The Lower Side Of Uptown

Review by Eric Meli

Toadies have been playing for more than 25 years. While they’ve been through band changes, break ups and reunions, it hasn’t stopped them from doing what they do best, putting out great music. The Lower Side Of Uptown is no exception. It’s well written with lots of hooks. While quite a few songs focus around a relationship, only a couple of tracks start out slow and then change tempo.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2017  Volume 5 at  garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2017.

Track by Track Review
When I Die -

The opening cut comes out strong with a sweet southern rock sound that fits nicely with Vaden Todd Lewis’ vocals.

Take Me Alive

A rocking song, this is about the fact that if she gave him more time and more love he’ll give plenty more back.

Polly Jean
This track is about the woman of his desires.
You Know The Words
Have you ever had a relationship where you can feel the love in their touch and kiss, but they never say those three little words?, That’s what this song is about.
Mama Take Me Home
While this starts out soft, it ends up on the heavier side.
Keep Breathing
This is a musical reminder to just keep breathing no matter how rough things get.
Amen
There’s a heavy Gothic feel to this track.
Human Cannonball
This one is about someone who’s nothing but trouble comparing himself to the wrecking power of a cannonball.
Broke Down Stupid

This number kind of brings to mind the Violent Femmes as far as structure goes, but still keeps a hard rock sound to it.

I Put A Spell On You
The Toadies do a great job covering this Screamin' Jay Hawkins song.
Echo
This song about a lost love starts out with a slow hypnotic tempo, picks up speed, and then slows down again.
Sentimental
There is a hill country blues/ hard rock sound on this cut. The song is quickly becoming my favorite on the CD.
You'll find concert pics of this artist in the Music Street Journal members area.
 
Return to the
The Toadies Artist Page
Artists Directory
 
Google

   Creative Commons License
   This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

    © 2024 Music Street Journal                                                                           Site design and programming by Studio Fyra, Inc./Beetcafe.com