“Spinning The Truth Around Part II” by Blue October emerges as a captivating continuation, one year after its predecessor. The album concludes with two remixes that offer fresh perspectives on their music.
The “Mark Needham Mix” of “Down Here Waiting” seamlessly transports us to the vibrant energy of a late-night club, providing a vivid auditory experience reminiscent of a 3 a.m. gathering, complete with the beats and rhythms and the pills popping.
In contrast, the “Brooklyn Mix” of “A Better Man” is a delicate and string-laden rendition that evokes the imagery of a springtime serenade, offering a beautifully fragile interpretation.
My personal encounter with Blue October added a unique layer to my appreciation for their music. Long story short: A harrowing bus crash on the way to the concert threatened disaster. Only Justin Furstenfeld and Ryan Delahoussaye were able to play, delivering a sensational and intimate performance that ranks among the best I’ve witnessed in years.
That night, it became evident that Blue October was unbreakable, and their songs, as on this album, were a mosaic of emotions and styles tied together by their raw and vulnerable core.
Likewise, this album’s tracklist encompasses a wide range of feelings and musical landscapes. “Sideways” exudes an uplifting aura but contrasts with lines like “I’ve got money, screw you,” complemented by a stunning guitar solo. “All I See Is You” is a hypnotic, danceable pop piece, while “Sobriety” offers a serene ambiance that culminates in an explosive sound.
“Magic Isn’t Real” perpetually questions, never quite finding happiness and exposing anxiety on a grand scale. “Make Room For A Miracle” embraces massive, ambitious soundscapes, while “Last Look Moving Forward” weaves a message of hope.
Even the original “Down Here Waiting” seems ready for the club, expressing hesitance with lines like “Easier to cut and run,” hinting at a fear of commitment. “Goodbye To The Old Days” poignantly addresses the theme of moving on.
“Slow Down” plays with pop vocal effects and a piano-laden atmosphere, demonstrating the band’s versatility. In “I’ll never fall in love again,” Furstenfeld sings, “There will never be another this,” leaving the listener partially convinced, all while carrying the essence of Hopeless Dreamers in the piano’s delicate notes at the end.
The acoustic rendition of “A Better Man” echoes a similar story, delving into themes of redemption and self-discovery with lines like “I made them run” and “watch as I build my stone walls,” alluding to the possibility of transformation, but that is for another album, never mind another day.
At times, listening to this album feels like leafing through Furstenfeld’s personal diaries, a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the band’s emotional landscape. This transparency is what garners Blue October such fervent responses and unwavering devotion.
Blue October’s commitment to their truth, and their ability to invite listeners to understand their own experiences through the music, make this album a poignant and impactful journey. This is their truth now; tell them yours.
Rating: 8/10
