Ibuprofen to my left and a post-it note to my right acting as the official “to do” list of my life, I’m trying to get through it all. A back pain that’s left me feeling as old as my grandmother left me out of the game, but I was and am determined to listen to the new Candlebox album, Love Stories & Other Musings. It has songs Cupid would have on his iPod and some that will leave 90’s alt. rockers happy.
“Baby Love” and “Lifelike Song” are a pair that set up the audience for this record. People who were alive 20 years ago actually living in college and the adult world and not just waiting for Power Rangers to start; it’s a mature rock record. Candlebox will have their fans reliving the days with a song that’s the most full on gritty song on Love Stories & Other Musings, “A Youth In Revolt.” Imagine a whole House of Blues sized crowd signing in unison to the line, “make it last forever” and then smile, because that’s what music is supposed to do. It evokes the best times of ones lives, and with Love Stories & Other Musings, an audience can.
It’s not all about the past though, Candlebox continues after almost 20 years because it’s what they love and what their fans want, and it’s about gaining some new love. If they plan on taking on today’s market. One would suggest the very radio heavy “She Come Over Me” and the Pat Monahan like, “Three Blind Boxers.” Take those to VH1 and their Spring tour is bound to have a few or more new faces in the crowd.
It’s hard to consider the music of the 90’s as oldies, but when artists from that decade are still recording, touring and making a name for their selves, we can sweep that term “oldies” under the rug and just consider them current hit makers. Candlebox’s Love Stories & Other Musings is out now and you can pick it up here, here and here. You can also check them on tour starting April 7th in Pensacola, FL.
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