debfan74's Full Review: Coil by Toad The Wet Sprocket
I have been a fan of Toad The Wet Sprocket since 1994, even though they had been around for quite some time, it took one album to get me hooked on them!
I hail these guys as the ORIGINAL Matchbox 20! These guys opened doors for acts such as Alanis Morissette, Matchbox 20 and 3 Doors Down. These guys know how to write, rock and perform. I consider Toad The Wet Sprocket as one of the best rock bands of all time, but they were always given very little credit! When they were big, radio did give them their time and allowed them air play, but as times went on, this great rock band has been left in the dust, but yet it was these guys who opened a lot of doors for many who have came and yet to come!
Track 1 opens with Whatever I Fear. This upbeat and rocking tune starts off acoustic and really slams into heavy guitar. This is song is similar to songs that Rob Thomas of Matchbox would later make monster hits. I like the lyrics due to a lot of metaphorically speaking. Glen Phillips, who leads this super group. really puts his whole self into this truth spoken track about fears.
Track 2 is the radio smash hit Come Down. This song about lies and deciet..and lead singer Glenn Phillips admits he is wrong about something, and he is letting this person to simply come down off their high horse and to simply forgive him, and again I hear an element of Rob Thomas here, but that is ok, because I think it is possible Rob and the guys of Matchbox 20 may have been inspired by this awesome group!
Track 3 is a song called Rings, and it is very acoustic bound. This song basically shows great harmony and blend in vocals. I think what Glenn speaks of here is, even though this relationship has its ups and downs, he is not going any where and he is quite contained with this person. It is a major shame that this song did not get released to radio, because it would have done very well in 1997 when the album was released.
Track 4 is a personal favorite of mine. The song is called Dam Would Break, and this song is your typical sounding song from Toad. I think what is being talked about here is when we are in a relationship, we expect a person to walk a way when the absolute worst has happened, and Glenn is simply saying that no matter how big or small, he will always be there. I really like this mid-tempoed song a lot due to its hard core harmony and great blend of guitars and deep lyrics. I would introduce anyone who has never heard Toad The Wet Sprocket with this song, because it is a great on to introduce one to. I play this song a lot and I hope you will too!
Track 5 is a song called Desire, and this one dives into a hard rocking song. This song shows a little anger here, and that is ok, because bands like this usually deal with all sorts of emotions, and anger is an emotion that needs to be dealt with. I would reccomend this on a bad day you may be having or also if you are in a period in your life where you need a song like this to get you through the tough times.
Track 6 is a song called Don't Fade, and this song is very much a dark ballad and starts out with a strong acoustic guitar. The song deals with things not fading out of your life, so basically a sense of security is what this song deals with. I hear a little bit of Alanis Morissette here, because Alanis also deals with similar lyrics, which is basically an interesting blend of talent here.
Track 7 is a song called Little Big Man, and this song is an interesting acoustic bound song. The lyrics deal with men...which is different, because females usually talk about their own sex, and now Glenn turns the tables and he sings a song about men dealing with being a man, sometimes we as men can be destructive, but also how weak we as men can be..so a little bit of this and that about men. I like this a lot! All you males who buy this album really need to hear this great song...because it is relatable!
Track 8 is a song called Throw It All Away. This brings us back to a mellow Toad The Wet Sprocket. This is the sort of song Toad is famous for, with their laid back, and strong harmony sound. Glenn is talking about throwing away all the negativity in your life and also dumping all the stress, and you will see the outcome may be rewarding. I like this a lot, and I know I will play this song time and time again, due to it is very Lisa Loeb/Hootie And The Blowfish effect here.
Track 9 brings us to an edgy one! The song is called Amnesia. The song deals with problems that you want to forget and sometimes just abandoning yourself for a short while is the answer. This one puts me to mind of groups like Collective Soul with a hint of Matchbox 20. I think you will find this rocker a great one to jam to!
Track 10 is a song called Little Buddha, and this song simply deals with the religion, and it sounds like Glenn may be a Buddhist, and that is ok, because I feel every person should be allowed to show us what their faith and beliefs may be, sort of opens up doors to possiblities for others who may want to follow. Even if this is not the religion for you, at least listen to this soothing ballad, it may even inspire you some how or some way. It is a very beautiful ballad with strings and acoustic guitar, but also this song is slightly dark, which again has a hint of Alanis Morissette.
Track 11 is a song called Crazy Life, and this I believe was a single for the group, but got very little air play. This takes us back to basic Toad The Wet Sprocket. The song is a mellow rocker. The title simply explains itself, but you may find another meaning in this song too, because I find many in it myself, I have a few people I dedicate this one to. This is also another personal favorite of mine! I hear this slight hint of Sheryl Crow mixed with Hootie And The Blowfish here.
Track 12 closes out the the album, the song is called All Things In Time. This closes out on a ballad, and it is very pretty with the acoustic guitar and Glenn hitting high vocals. Basicall this song deals with if you need a friend, it is a song saying I will be there for you. This is one you would dedicate to special friends or even family.
I want to basically tell all the youngsters here that is where groups like Matchbox 20 and Three Doors Down really get their start from, Toad was the original and also very much legends in the alternative rock world! Pick this album up and just listen....you won't be disappointed kids!
I hail them as the "New Classic Rock"
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.