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June 25, 2004
"Limited Lifetime Guarantee" by Marc Copely
"Limited Lifetime Guarantee" might not be on store shelves if Marc Copely hadn't nearly been killed in a car accident. In fact, the album might not even have been written at all. An argument could be made that it was the severe head trauma that gave birth to the album.
But the point is that Marc Copely has both survived and arrived. And despite his debut record having a contradictory and cliche title, it's not half bad.
Upon first listen, the album sounds familiar. Like maybe you've already heard some of the songs. This is the main drawback of the album. Copely doesn't break any new ground. But who says every album has to be revolutionary?
"Limited Lifetime Guarantee" is unabashed straight ahead rock. In fact, Copely has done a very good job of taking a well trod musical landscape and improving upon it. He has taken the typical verse, chorus, verse format along with typical rock band instruments and created an album that, if not brilliant, is certainly enjoyable.
"Cellophane", the first track is a case in point. It is the best cut on the album. It rocks and is both catchy and notable because of its uncommonly aggressive bassline. Bassist Dave Hull's talent is brought the to forefront early, but then qickly fades into the background at the end of the song and doesn't reappear for the rest of the album.
The following two songs, "Surprise" and "Right to My Head" are also good. It appears as if Copely has taken his three best songs and put them 1-2-3 on the album. Which leaves the rest of the record a bit disappointing.
Although Copely is only a small step above dime a dozen bands like Matchbox 20 he shows promise. In short, the album is good for a major label debut. It's format will sell well and keep the record company happy. But next time, Mark, show us some of that talent that got you into the prestigious Berklee school of music and create something a little more fresh. Hopefully, it won't take another car accident to get the creative juices flowing.
Posted on June 25, 2004 at 1:10 AM