My review of "Stockholm Syndrome"
Derek Webb’s long-awaited new CD, Stockholm Syndrome, finally came out this past Tuesday. But even before it was released it already stirred controversy with the lead single What Matters More. Not only was it a completely different sound–Derek Webb’s gone techno now?–but after getting away with saying “damn” and “hell,” he finally let one of the Big Dirty Words slip:
We can talk and debate until we’re blue in the face
About the language and tradition that he’s comin’ to save
Meanwhile we sit just like we don’t give a shit
About 50,000 people who are dyin’ today.
Naturally this made the record company very nervous, so as a compromise Webb agreed to release two versions: a clean version (without “What Matters More”) and an “explicit version” (with “What Matters More”). You can only get the latter through Webb’s website, I think.
Whether it’s the clean version or not, Stockholm Syndrome is definitely . . . interesting.
Webb’s music is usually acoustic, and has very little bells and whistles. It’s guitar, bass, drums, and maybe a horn section and some strings. But very organic. With the new album, however, it’s all electronic beats and synthesizers. It sounds like Webb invited Radiohead, Moby, and Santogold into the studio with him.
The album begins with “Opening Credits,” a weird instrumental full of electronic blips and noises. During the next track, the trip-hop sounding “Black Eye,” I wondered if perhaps Webb had completely lost his mind. But by the middle of “Cobra Con,” both the audience and the artist feel comfortable with this new format. Although there are some awkward moments (“The Spirit vs. The Kick Drum”), Webb still has a knack for writing great songs with thought-provoking lyrics. One of my favorite tracks is “Freddie, Please,” which imagines Jesus calling Fred Phelps’ b.s. “You’re picketing my grave for loving the things you hate,” Webb sings. Another favorite is “Heaven,” about a homeless man.
Overall despite its flaws, I give Webb credit for exploring new musical territories with Stockholm Syndrome.
Yeah, I really like the album. One of the problems that I had with some of his older ones was it was an album full of convicting songs. I’m sorry but after 20 minutes of being convicted I have ample to chew on and really kinda need a break. I think he did a good job of mixing in some fun stuff on this one. Black Eye and Jena & Jimmy are some good songs just to enjoy (until he explains that there is some deeper meaning). If you want to listen (and/or download) to Black Eye, Heaven, and What Matters More you can do so here.