by Lisa M. Chmiola
Daily Cougar StaffOnce again, the Gin Blossoms have found an outlet for their memorable melodies and bittersweetly insightful lyrics. Their latest release, Congratulations I'm Sorry, continues in the tradition of guitar-based rock that transcends momentary musical fads in favor of timeless musical and lyrical qualities.
The follow-up to their 1992 debut, New Miserable Experience, this sophomore effort has striking similarities to its predecessor. The fast-paced opening track, "Day Job," conjures up memories of "Mrs. Rita" with its strong guitar work. The talents of Jesse Valenzuela, Bill Lean and Scott Johnson are displayed in the jangle-crunch sound of the song.
The radio-ready hit "Follow You Down" provides a compelling showcase for Robin Wilson's engagingly expressive vocals while sounding like another successful tune, "Hey Jealousy."
"Not Only Numb" is a softer tune, reminiscent of "29." Wilson's moving vocals are skillfully backed up by the work of drummer Philip Rhodes.
"Perfectly Still" has a sound like "Lost Horizons," along with introspective lyrics about needing some time alone.
That is where the similarities end between the albums. An unusual to this release is "7th Inning Stretch," a 14-second clip of baseball music that leads into "My Car."
The following track, "Virginia," is a bouncy tune with ironic lyrics. For example, the first verse starts with "It's like trying to light a cigarette/When the matches you got are soaking wet."
The final track, "Competition Smile," is more of a ballad than the rest of the tracks. Its lyrics speak about facades people wear.
An added treat to the album is an untitled drum set following the last track. The jazzy segment sounds like the start of a hidden song, but only lasts a few seconds.
It would have been great for the band to add a hidden track, especially the excluded, "Til I Hear It From You."
Overall, this album rocks as well as the band's debut. As Wilson said, "Everything that's happened in the last four years has helped to make us a stronger band and stronger individuals."
Their hard work has definitely paid off, as the album was in Billboard's top 10 the week of its release, and "Follow You Down" is still in the top 20.