Saso - My Brain Hurts EP
(Melted Snow)
My Brain Hurts is a single from Saso's last album, Big Group Hug. It is, unfortunately, not my favorite song on the album. My main complaint about the song when I reviewed Big Group Hug was that I didn't like the vocals. I think they are overbearing and too showy. I decided this time that I don't like the lyrics much either. There is something about the phrase "my brain hurts" that I find kind of silly. But I do like the music in the song—it begins with a haunting music box-like melody that, after a few moments, becomes a solid mix of piano, drums, bass, and synthesizers. There are two versions of this song on the single: the radio edit and the original version.
These versions sandwich two other tracks, "Turn Your Back" and "Beer Monster." I am glad these are on the single, since I like them both very much. "Turn Your Back" starts with whimsical acoustic guitar theme and light drumming, embellished with strings, singing, a clarinet (?) and a piano. The song is pleasant all the way through, building towards a more dramatic ending. "Beer Monster" is not at all the kind of song you might expect from its name, unless you picture a beer monster as a timid, gentle creature who creeps around the woods in the moonlight. This song is simply quiet electric and acoustic guitar with soothing bass and piano. It creates the lovely wintery atmosphere I have experienced while listening to other songs by Saso. I am sad that it is the shortest song on the CD, being only a little over two minutes long. There is, however a lovely surprise track at the end of the CD, which helps me feel better.
As I said, although I have my complaints about My Brain Hurts, it has good elements to it. And the two other songs on the CD are worth owning. They prove the band's expertise at mixing guitar with other instruments and contribute nicely to Saso's collection of atmospheric songs. For fans of Saso, I say, buy this single. To others, I say, buy it used or borrow it from a friend first.
|
