Maroon

Sound DNA

• Alt/Indie
• Alternative Rock

• polished
• earnest
• urban

About

Barenaked Ladies entered the 21st century as one of Canada’s biggest musical exports, after their 1998 motormouthed pop-rap smash “One Week” forever cemented their reputation as the preeminent court jesters of the ’90s alternative era. But 2000’s <i>Maroon</i> reminded listeners that, at their core, Barenaked Ladies were jangle-loving tunesmiths and clever storytellers in the ’80s college-rock tradition. In other words, no Chinese chickens were harmed in the making of this record: While <i>Maroon</i>’s folky yet funky lead single “Pinch Me” sees Ed Robertson once again flexing his rapid-fire repartee to keep the “One Week” lookie-loos onside, he delivers its wistful lyrics with tongue removed from cheek. And atop the playfully waltzing arrangement of “Tonight Is the Night I Fell Asleep at the Wheel,” Steven Page shares a fantastical vision of his own demise in a car crash with forensic detail and literary gravitas. But as a signpost in the band’s long and winding career, <i>Maroon</i> is perhaps most significant for the song they originally buried as a hidden track: The dreamy, jazzy piano serenade “Hidden Sun” is the first Barenaked Ladies song to feature keyboardist Kevin Hearn on lead vocals, introducing fans to the calm, quizzical voice that would become ever more integral to the group’s sound following Page’s departure in 2009.

via Apple Music

Tracklist

Credits