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Title: From folk-punk icon to pop mediocrity
Review: Let me first say-I think Dan Bern is one of the smartest, funniest singer-songwriters/performers EVER. I own all of his stuff & have seen him several times (including a house concert before started getting huge). And while I think this album has some EXCELLENT songs (God Said No and Thanksgiving Day, & maybe Black Tornado) the rest of it doesn't live up to his potential.The biggest problem I find is the rock band backup. Someone else mentioned that he's trying to branch out & find a bigger audience but I think by signing to the new label & having the band he did so at the expense of his soul. The music is just too much. And despite claims to the contrary I don't hear ANY radio hits here. I think this effort is a bust.I'm still going to listen to him & see his shows- but I look forward to the end of his contract with this label. Bernstein, if you're reading this, go back to being fiercely independent & don't let others views of your music pollute your vision.
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