Unlucky
AdmiralTwin

Have you been considering whether or not to check out AdmiralTwin’s album, "Unlucky?" Well, before you buy, let me do a shameless promo for it on this page. Here’s what I think of the tracks from the “other band” on the Albertane Tour:

Unlucky
If this song doesn’t cause you to laugh out loud, I don’t know what will. One of my favorite phrases is, “Black-cat infested night.” I don’t know, I just like the sound of it as it rolls off your tongue and especially the way the guys sing it. (BTW, I’ve noticed a large population of these creatures in my neighborhood. There’s always one crossing my path whenever I take a walk. Hmmm . . . ) What about the music? It’s a great way to kick off the album. It’s a very short track, but it sets the tone for this entire album. Besides the lyrics are also a great way to console yourself if you weren’t one of the lucky ones to get backstage passes. It’s almost as though Admiral Twin sympathizes with you as you hear Jarrod (?) say: “And all the little bus drivers sing . . .”

A Box under His Bed
This is a GREAT song to “air drum” to while in the car. . . Not that I would know from personal experience, especially while sitting at red lights causing the people directly behind me to switch lanes. Oh no, not me. This song is for anybody who has lost someone they truly loved, and don’t know how to (bang, bang) break the spell that’s held them down. The beat also made me wonder if Admiral Twin contributed at all to the concert version of “Sometimes.” Hmmm . . .

Phone Call #27
Um, this was my early favorite since I recognized it right away from hearing it live this summer. I always crack up when I hear “Peneleope” say, “WHAT?” after the phone rings for, I guess, the 27th time. (grin) I also wonder if choosing this song is kind of an inside joke for the band – a memorable line is, “I’ll chant your name until I see you again!” Half the time they play this song there’s more than likely hundreds of young fans chanting the name of a certain band. The tunes here have a high “bounce” factor – something the band is famous for in Tulsa (according to the bio on their original webpage: The Mellowdramatic Wallflowers).

Such a Saint
Really, the lyrics are too clever to miss (But if you’re looking for cleverly written songs . . . that will be one of many reasons to become an Admiral Twin fan.): “And I’ve known evil, mean, bad people, kinder than you . . . “ And you probably have since this girl was having lunch with Joan of Arc "today down at the Blue Room.   She told Joan she'd like to barbecue.  Then laughed as Joan began to cry.” Heartless, no? Again, the melody does not disappoint. The one thing I’ve noticed though, is that sometimes the lyrics may sound bitter, like the guys are writing about painful break-up experiences, but the music still sounds festive.

When I Hit the Brakes
There are a few lines that you may take with you and mull over for awhile afterwards: “Your head hits the windshield, when I hit the brakes . . .” This is song is kind of bitter.

I’m No King
Many people may wonder if Admiral Twin, like Hanson are keeping their faith at a low profile. I don’t know. This is a great song about being a “believer.”

Down
This one starts out whispery. It’s a melancholy song that finally wonders, “God, Where, Are You, Now?!!” There’s a section at the end where the band layers their voices that is pretty cool.

There
You can picture the writer at his favorite park in Tulsa, suddenly discovering his future love sitting under the very tree he has come to year after year . . . after they fall in love, she disappears. Sigh.

. . . But I’m Dying
There are a couple of lyrics that bug me in this song: “Everything you say is Greek to me” and “It’s a cracker-jack deal.” I don’t know-- they sound cliché. Just my opinion.

I Don’t Know All I Know
We’ve arrived at my favorite track! This song literally causes me to feel like “I’m melting, I’m melting.” It’s simply gorgeous! I refuse to taint your enjoyment and opinion of it by quoting lyrics (Although, apparently, I have no problems doing that with the other tracks. Hehe). It makes me think of someone considering a marriage proposal. A friend said it reminded her of Simon and Garfunkel. “Graceland” has always been high on my list of favorite albums. Hmmm . . . After the melody has ended, there are some melodic strains that sound to me like music that might have been played at a Shakespearian wedding.

Figi Fandango
You’ve no doubt heard this one if you’ve been anywhere near an Albertane Tour stop. Tons of fun. From what I hear, it’s a favorite of a certain Hanson math tutor, video operator, and MOE contributor. This may just be a rumor – I’m not completely sure.

Swingbox
Here’s a swingy version of “A Box Under His Bed.” The first part always makes me think of that “Oddsville” music where Taylor does his infamous dance moves. There are some twangy sounds before and during the song. If you like the “Box” song, this version is a fun remix of it.

Sun and Moon
The thirteenth and final (?) track is a smoldering love ballad. This is a song for people who know what it’s like to be with someone who completely understands you. But wait, don’t just switch off your CD after the time noted for this song . . . or else you’ll be missing a real treat. This album has some hidden tracks on it for all those who love surprises. (For "Fog" you'll need a technologically advanced CD to hear . . .)

parting thoughts
That’s my assessment of "Unlucky." I’d love to hear what you have to say. Thanks for listening!

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