Men Without Hats are responsible for a tremendous comeback album, Love In The Age of War, in 2012. It was a beautifully crafted album that can rival just about anything else they did in the past. You were probably expecting to hear they were responsible for the timeless, Safety Dance, single back in 1982, and yes they did that too. Now that we are historically balanced, we can proceed to now.
Again (Part 1) is 5-track mini album of covers. The album opens up with Lou Reed’s Satellite of Love, and then followed by All The Young Dudes from Mott The Hoople, which in fact was written by David Bowie himself. Both are great covers with solid arrangements and great delivery. The two tracks somewhat predictable as both artists were big sources of influence for acts like Men Without Hats. Men Without Hats add their flavor to both songs adopting them as their own.
The next track is where things explode and go from great to amazing. Tragically Hip’s Blow At High Dough gets an absolute facelift, and goes from this laid back tale to a first grade rocker with a punchy beat. Men Without Hats sped up the tempo of the song, and focused on the melody line, bring it up to the front. It’s hard not to love the great arrangement and the outstanding delivery.
Similar treatment is given to The Rolling Stones’ 2,000 Light Years From Home. Once again the band is playing with the tempo, making this song incredibly catchy and danceable. This track is now a monster! Mick and Keith will be scratching their heads with amusement upon hearing this for sure.
The final song is called No Friends Of Mine, and it’s a dramatic reflection of that famous track mentioned in the first paragraph. It starts sounding as if Don MacLean himself was covering it, but then it develops into something completely different. There is an element of sadness attached to what normally is known as a very happy song. Could this be looking back at the passing time? It definitely makes you stop in your tracks and think, and perhaps appreciate that we’re still here and can enjoy the gift of music.
Again (Part1) proves that Men Without Hats are still in great shape, and nothing can stop them. Ivan’s vocals are as strong as they had ever been. The man is simply getting better with age, and his articulation is superb. This could only indicate that we will be soon receiving part two of this set, or perhaps an album of originals. Both would be welcomed.
Mark Kadzielawa
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