Australian rock’n’roll institution You Am I turn the self-titled album concept completely on its head, releasing one over two decades after forming, and slapping it on a record that’s the least indicative of the band’s strengths. It’s also probably their weakest album since their debut, Sounds As Ever. I hate to point a finger at a specific person, but why would producer Greg Wale choose to smooth out the band’s sound? You Am I’s soul lies in their ragged edges and “perfect imperfections”, just like their influences, Big Star and The Replacements; yet Wales produces like he’s working with Coldplay. His heavy hand is everywhere you look, bathing Tim Rogers’ voice in unnecessary reverb, and adding other post-production distractions as if he was getting paid per sound. It’s too bad, because, from a songwriting standpoint, the band are at the top of their game, and Tim Rogers is never anything less than fascinating (especially on “Shuck”). If only they could’ve been committed to tape by a producer who could stay out of the band’s way and let the songs speak for themselves. If you don’t already know You Am I, start with their brilliant #4 Record or Hi-Fi Way, and then buy all the others. Just save this semi-flop for last.
Tracklisting:
1. We Hardly Knew You
2. Kicking The Balustrade
3. Lie And Face The Sun
4. The Good Ones
5. Shuck
6. Crime
7. The Ocean
8. Pinpricks
9. Waiting To Be Found Out
10. Trigger Finger
11. Let’s Not Get Famous
12. Right This Time (Bonus Track w/ Deluxe Edition)
Midnight To Six 