I thought I'd left behind my adolescent fixation on my favorite bands after the New Kids on the Block left popular favor. Upon discovering the Barenaked Ladies with the help of my college-girl sister, I find myself thrown right back into that whirlwind of insanity. I keep the TV on VH-1 in hopes of seeing a video, I will not budge from the house if I hear they will be making a special appearance on some television show and I repeatedly hit the redial button for an hour to get in touch with TicketMaster to get tickets to the Charlotte Show (yes, I now know that you can buy tickets online). This said, you can believe me when I say that Gordon is one of the best CD's of all time. After all, I'm not a loon.

This album epitomizes Barenaked Ladies quirky genius. The lyrics are clever and fun. No serious love songs on this album; every song has a touch of humor to it. If you listen to all of their music, you will know that their latest songs represent a more grown up group. This album, released in 1992, was right before they really made it big, and the lightheartedness that comes from not having to follow up a hit album is apparent. However, though they have had several "hits" since this album, this one remains the definitive album of the Barenaked Ladies career.

The ladies on this album are: Ed Robertson (vocals, guitar, banjo); Steven Page (vocals, guitar); Jim Creeggan (vocals, acoustic bass); Tyler Stewart (vocals, drums); Andy Creeggan (vocals, congas).

Hello City: This song is all about the life and rigors of being a star...or almost a star, I should say. It speaks of the late nights, the monotony of playing in bars and the criticisms endured. It isn't as humorous as the songs that typify this album, but it is still fairly light.

From the Liquor room to the change room,
To the doom and gloom of the hotel room,
I think this seaside beer hall should sink into the Bay.

Enid: This is a fun song about teen angst. Puppy love can be the most difficult emotional experience of our young lives. However, the Barenaked Ladies don't let that stop them from poking fun! The music here is jumpy and fun, you will definitely be tapping your toe:

It took me a year to believe it was over,
And it took me two more to get over the loss.
I took a beating when I wrote you those letters,
And every time you told me to get lost.

Grade 9: This is a song everyone can relate to as it talks about how nerdy we all were as freshmen. Definitely one of the silliest songs on the album, the beat is energetic and the vocals are happy-go-lucky.

I've got a blue-and-red Adidas bag and a humongous binder,
I'm trying my best not to look like a minor niner.
I went out for the football team to prove that I'm a man;
I guess I shouldn't tell them that I like Duran Duran.

Brian Wilson: At first I couldn't really appreciate this song, but it grows on you. It also describes a period of history that most music lovers can remember. The song is about Beach Boy Brian Wilson, who at one point of his life became so depressed he wouldn't leave the house. So creative to sing a song about a blip in history.

And if you want to find me I'll be out in the sandbox,
wondering where the hell all the love has gone.
Playing my guitar and building castles in the sun,
and singing "Fun, Fun, Fun."


Be My Yoko Ono: Why they would choose Yoko Ono to sing about, I don't know, but it works! It's also got a catchy tune that will have you singing it around the house. It's got a chorus, and only 2 real paragraphs of lyrics, so it is easy to learn.

"I know that when I say this, I may be stepping on pins and needles; But I don't like all these people slagging her for breaking up the Beatles."

Wrap Your Arms Around Me: This song is one that really is appealing, but I don't quite understand it. My stab at uncoding the meaning of the lyrics is a song of obsession. There is something calming about the melody of the music and this song relaxes me even as it talks about wrapping your hands around my neck. Odd, but that's the way most of their songs can be described!

Do you believe that we are all innately good?
Do you think that you would love me until tomorrow if you could?
Would you please turn down the radio,
So we can speak.

What a Good Boy: Another slow song that relaxes me is What a Good Boy. It has little that interferes with Steven Page's strong lyrics and you can tell in this song that he is classically trained. And everything in the song rings true, of the expectations we have from birth. One of my favorites, and one of the strongest tracks on the record.

This name is the hairshirt I wear
And this hairshirt is woven from your brown hair
This song is the cross that I bear
Bear with me.

King of Bedside Manor: This is quite a fun song about an aging movie star who sees the world slipping away in front of his very eyes. It reminds me of the beat of New Kid On The Block, with its quick beat and faster lyrics. Surprisingly, it isn't hard to learn!

You know he’s not the king of bedside manor.
He’s not the Tom Jones that lives next door.
He’s not the king of bedside manor.
He hardly even lives there anymore.

Box Set: This song is about the stages all mildly successful groups probably go through. It showcases Steven Pages wonderful, mellow voice and throws in a few jazz sounds in for effect as well. It's all about trying to follow up on former success.

I never thought I’d be regretful of all my past success.
But some stupid number one hit single has go me in this mess.
You can put it on every compilation - that’s all right.
You can hear it on the oldies radio station every night.
And if you want it again, you got it
It’s right here in my box set.

I Love You: This and the Flag are the songs on the album that I really don't care much for, though I can appreciate the talent behind them. This is a silly song about love, written with the help of Jim and Andrew Creegan. Leave the writing to Steven and Ed, guys.

I love you
And you love me
I love you
So let’s make a family tree.

New Kid (On the Block): This isn't one of their more popular songs, but if you listen close, you'll just have to chuckle (and insert any of the new "boy band" names if you'd like). I can't believe I'm liking something that rags on a former infatuation I had, but I do. It has a nice catchy melody, and the lyrics are really funny.

I’m a New Kid on the Block,
though I may not be Johann Sebastian Bach.
So we may not write the songs we sing,
But look at Elvis, he sold his soul and
You crowned him king.

Blame it on Me: Every relationship goes through rocky times and that's when you start to lay blame. The Barenaked Ladies thought it appropriate to make fun of just such a situation, and it works! It is one of the lesser known songs, but one that I love nonetheless. The music is light and simple and Steven Page's voice is the star of this number.

Here we are again and we’re looking at each
Other as if each other were to blame.
You think you’re so smart, but I’ve seen you naked
And I’ll probably see you naked again.
Milli Vanilli told you to blame it on the rain,
But if you blame it on the rain tell me
What can be gained so,
If all else fails you can blame it on me.

The Flag: This is probably the most serious song on this quirky album, and it is easily my least favorite. It deals with the subject of abuse, but still manages to inject a bit of humor.

The phone rings, it's early, it's seven o'clock.
He says sorry I woke you, but I just had to talk
You know last night, remember when I tried to choke you?
I didn't mean it, I was drunk, it was only a joke.

If I Had $1000000: This song is my favorite on the album. It is also one of their signature songs. It has a folksy sound and it is sung with Ed singing the lyrics, and Steven chipping in his two cents after everything Ed says. Another interesting tidbit is that when these lyrics are sung in concert: "If I Had $1000000 We wouldn't have to eat Kraft Dinner.(But we would!)" the crowd slings Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (uncooked) on stage! It's great fun.

Crazy: That last song is hard to follow up, and BNL doesn't even try. Crazy is a good enough song, but I find myself skipping it and going right back to the first one on the CD. The only good thing I can say about it, is if you sit patiently through it, you will be rewarded with a hidden track of BNL live. Neat!

I’m a few bricks short of a load,
But a full load always hurt my back.
I flew over the cuckoo’s nest and
I’m never ever coming back because
I am crazy just like you.

This may read like a silly review, but this is a silly and wonderful CD. Just give it one listen and you'll be hooked. And when you are hooked, you'll be interested to know that they will be on the season premiere of Charmed (I just can't help myself)!


Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Hanging With Friends