Notwithstanding (album)
1996 studio album by Chalk FarM
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Notwithstanding is the debut album by the American band Chalk FarM, released in 1996.[1][2]
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| Notwithstanding | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1996 | |||
| Genre | Alternative rock | |||
| Label | Columbia | |||
| Producer | Matt Hyde | |||
| Chalk FarM chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Notwithstanding | ||||
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The singles "Lie on Lie" and "Live Tomorrow" charted on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart, at No. 13 and No. 35, respectively.[3] The band supported the album by touring with Better Than Ezra and Tonic, among others.[4][5]
Production
The album was produced by Matt Hyde, who recorded the band after hearing their 4-song demo.[6][7] All four band members contributed to the songwriting, which often aspired to U2-esque songs about social problems and universal themes.[8][9] The title of the album is a reference to the legal argot that kept appearing in Chalk FarM's recording contract.[10] The album contains a hidden track, which begins three minutes after "Sunflower".[11]
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [12] |
| MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide | [13] |
| St. Petersburg Times | C−[14] |
The Washington Post called "Lie on Lie" "a power ballad that uses Orlando Sims's stabbing bass line to build the tension released by the anthemic chorus."[4] The St. Petersburg Times wrote that "Chalk FarM boldly goes where so many bands have gone before ... in this shiny happy realm of three-chord bliss, the time is always 4/4 and backup harmonies are sweet enough to rot your teeth."[14] The Sun Herald considered the songs to be "essential progressive pop rock—usually medium- to up-tempo, always crystal clear."[15]
The Los Angeles Daily News deemed the album "a solid effort that brings to mind the '60s-influenced songwriting and playing of Counting Crows and the Wallflowers."[16] USA Today determined that the band "recalls the Gin Blossoms in their hook-writing skill and dreamy explorations of adult responsibility... The songs have pace and structure—beginnings, middles and endings."[17] Tulsa World noted that "the homogenized trance of this music is ironic ... considering that most of Chalk Farm's lyrics focus on various Everypersons trying to resist apathy and acquiescence."[18]
AllMusic called Notwithstanding "a cohesive, endearing album" with choruses that "are littered with instantly recognizable hooks."[12] MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide labeled it "mediocre, middle-of-the-road rock."[13]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Live Tomorrow" | |
| 2. | "Lesson" | |
| 3. | "Lie on Lie" | |
| 4. | "Hey" | |
| 5. | "Lose You Now" | |
| 6. | "When Something Becomes Nothing" | |
| 7. | "Don't Believe" | |
| 8. | "Wonder" | |
| 9. | "I'm Awake" | |
| 10. | "Lilly Anne" | |
| 11. | "It's Up to You" | |
| 12. | "The Girl Is Crying" | |
| 13. | "Sunflower" | |
| 14. | "Untitled" |