Third Eye Bline/Cousin Kevin/Bully/Kevin Cadogan
by
Stainless
Well after the untimely departure of Kevin Cadogan from Third Eye Blind very shortly after the release of their 1999 sophomore album "Blue" Kevin didn't sit around feeling sorry for himself. He is widely regarded as a very aggressive and unique guitar player, with the many open and altered tunings. These creative tunings are what gave the Third Eye Blind's first two albums their haunting and melodic sounds. Here on this release, it appears that he has basically renamed and remastered some unreleased material that you could actually have purchased under the moniker of the band "Cousin Kevin". Kevin is able as a singer, but his lyrics are not as creative as those of his former collaborator, Stephan Jenkins. So the trade off was Third Eye Blind got a moderately skilled guitar player and this excellent guitar player has lost something in the way of meaningful and underlying tones in his lyrical arrangements. Those who really enjoy Kevin at his best will particularly like songs 2 through 5, as well as Angel vs. the train. Gift Horse was previously titled "writing on the wall" and may not so overtly allude to his feelings on his dismissal from third eye blind "I stuck myself with a trojan horse gift" and goes on to comment "when I open it atleast I have a song to sing along to". Palpitations is good old fashioned aggressive chunky guitar playing with a swagger, possibly will be your favorite on the album, along with "Oh Well". I also enjoyed Lipstick as it has a nice groovy undertone. As much as I dislike Stephan Jenkins from Third Eye Blind, I have to say his thought provoking lyrics are sorely missed by one Mr.Cadogan. It's too bad they had to part ways. Many of the remainder of the songs on this album seem pretty forced, or even slightly contrived. It's a shame because Kevin is one of the most uniquely talented guitar players to come along in some time. Without a good collaborator like he used to have, you feel like there's still something missing, and you're getting half the picture. I really like this guy, and wish I could tell you to get the whole album, but you're better off just downloading the best 5 or so. I love iTunes for this fact that I don't have to buy the whole album. I give this 3 stars, begrudgingly. I really wanted to give it more, but the songs that I didn't like on the album weigh down the other tunes that I really liked. I bought much of this material directly from Kevins website that he had set up after his departure from 3EB. Since he left 3EB Kevin has gone through a couple of band names and ultimately obviously decided the solo route. He also did some producing for theChemistry.
I wish this guy would get back with Third Eye Blind then both parties could have some hits and get back on radio where they belong.
