Barenaked Ladies - Gordon (1992)

After enjoying Stunt for a while, I wanted to hear some of the BNL back catalog, so I picked up this disc. While not as consistently strong as Stunt, it's got some witty, immediately likeable songs. Moving effortlessly between folksy pop to ballads to country to scat to parodies, these Canadian chameleons had more talent than their (lack of) Top 40 success in the U.S. would suggest. My sons only know about them because of their TV show theme for The Big Bang Theory and that's a shame (but their pop music education is far from over).

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart:  Did not chart (later reached #36 on the Catalog chart in 1998, about the time I purchased my copy)

Tracks:  My favorite track is the hilarious Grade 9. Other favorites include Hello City, Enid, and Box Set, which is particularly funny if you've ever be disappointed in an eagerly anticipated box set from your favorite recording artist. I usually skip The King Of Bedside Manor and Blame It On Me.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None

Previously revisited for the blog:
Stunt (1998)

Barenaked Ladies - Stunt (1998)

I couldn't tell you what drove me to purchase this CD. One Week is a strong single, but I wouldn't think it was strong enough to warrant a CD purchase. Maybe it was on sale at Wal-Mart. In any case, I'm glad I picked it up because it's a fairly solid effort. Evidently, this was later re-released with a bonus disc, but I'm not that much of a fan. It's a good CD, it's not a great CD.

Peak on the US Billboard Top 200 chart: #3 (July 25, 1998)

Tracks: One Week, Alcohol, Who Needs Sleep, and She's On Time are all great songs and irreverently humorous at the same time. Light Up My Room is a sleeper pick - it has a beautiful simplicity. Call and Answer was released as a single, but I think it is one of the weaker cuts. Some Fantastic and When You Dream are a forgettable way to end an otherwise strong album.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: In the late '90s, I stupidly took on a home improvement project that involved sanding and painting all the cabinets in the kitchen. I remember this CD keeping me company while I primed and painted.