Cracker's Low: Great Song. Worthless Single.
Written: Sep 06 '02
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Low.
Cons: Nostalgia.
The Bottom Line: Go pick up Kerosene Hat instead.
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| lambchops's Full Review: Low [Cassette] [Single] - Cracker |
The very moment I first heard the Cracker hit Low, I knew I had to have it. At that point in time, 1994, the only media I had in my collection were cassette tapes. As luck would have it, the aforementioned single was published (as far as I know) only on tape.
The rootsy alternative outfit Cracker was born in 1991 after the breakup of the David Lowery fronted band Camper Van Beethoven. Lowery regrouped and recruited fellow musicians Johnny Hickman (guitar), Davey Faragher (bass), and Phil Jones (drums) to cut a demo. Cracker quickly got a deal with Virgin and released their eponymous debut in 1992.
Come 1993, Cracker finally hit it as big as they ever would with Kerosene Hat. The album spawned two bluesy alternative hits in Low and Get Off This. On the whole, the band’s sophomore effort was decent and the songs helped to rope in a ton more fans. In fact, Kerosene Hat remains the band’s biggest hit to date.
Low was the song that I first heard and to this day remains my favorite from Cracker. The CD single is rather scant with just two songs…both of which are also found on that second album:
Track Listing:
01. Low
02. Nostalgia
I would have preferred if the single had been more inclusive. Maybe a rarity or two and some alternate versions. Instead, it’s just an extremely brief single. If you’re looking for something a bit meatier, the Low maxi-single (now out of print) includes two from Kerosene Hat and three previously unreleased tracks. Be warned, though, that one is a little on the hard side to dig up.
That said, Low is a glimmering and catchy track. It’s strangely slow-paced yet incredibly interesting and musically adept. Little redeeming social quality can be culled from the lyrics that boldly speak to and about drug use and the “low” feeling associated with said activity. Not that I care in the least. Lowery voice feels depressed, yet when wrapped into the context of the rest of the track the aura is a little cheering (though not much). If you don’t recall the song, maybe these classic lyrics will jar your memory:
A million poppies gonna make me sleep.
Just one rose and knows your name
The fruit is rusting on the vine
The fruit is calling from the trees
The only other track here is Nostalgia. In all honesty, I’m not keen on this track in the context of the album. By itself on this single, it’s still not that great. It’s an appropriate b-side to say the least. Some of the rock guitars are pretty good and I like some of the historical references. Aside from that, it’s a completely lackluster track not worth exploring.
This Cracker single is merely average. I adore Low, but when the only other material is so outright boring I’m a bit soured on the entire picture. I much prefer the album Kerosene Hat to this material. Like I said before…alternate versions or a rare b-side would have been much nicer. I can’t recommend you attempt to dig this up.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Interested in finding out more about Cracker? Check out my review of Kerosene Hat:
http://www.epinions.com/content_32102190724
Recommended:
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lambchops
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