AWmusic

Cass McCombs is a singer songwriter currently based out of Los Angeles, California. I really couldn’t dig some of his songs when checking out his work. I think it all changed when I watched the video for You Saved My Life. While the video’s concept is simply and perhaps deceiving, it worked and I became a fan of the song. I was able to slowly try to review Catacombs to see if I would like it.

I actually wavered back and forth on this album. There are times when I think it’s really good, other times I just feel like it’s average and was not into certain songs. It might be just me really, I’m in one of those phases where singer-songwriter rarely impress me. I really have to be wowed instantly or I end up calling it mediocre. Cass McCombs’ Catacombs while not overly difficult does need time to like. I really found myself enjoying the first half of the album greatly. Opener Dream-Comes-True-Girl really sets the tone with some vocals provided by Karen Black, it definitely one of the favourites on the album. Another favourite is the song “Don’t Vote” – much different in style then George Carlin’s Don’t Vote rant, it pushes some interesting political points but in a more storytelling way. It comes off much better that you’d have to hear it rather have myself explain it to you. Very powerful of a song nonetheless.

The other half of the album, I’m a bit mixed on. It’s really good but at the same time – I feel like it’s forgettable. Not bad forgettable, just not the type of songs that commit to memory regardless of the numbers of listens I attempt with Catacombs.

I definitely could see many people enjoying this album, even moreso then I have. It’s solid throughout with very little weaknesses. It may take a little long to find your groove but it’s definitely worth it.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Dreams-Come-True-Girl by Cass McCombs
Don’t Vote by Cass McCombs

P.S. Still kind of peeved I missed McCombs set over bringing an SLR.