Music Review: Somewhere Under Wonderland

Album: Somewhere Under Wonderland
Music: Counting Crows Capitol
Rating: 3.5
Pop/Rock: Counting Crows hit the global music scene in a big way in the mid-90s (also dominated by the grunge triumvirate: Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden) when they released August And Everything After, which was a smash hit album with several hit singles like Mr Jones with its Van Morrison-influenced vocals by Adam Duritz and the powerful and emotive Round Here.Then followed their 1995–98 era with Recovering The Satellites and a double live set. After a period of subdued sales while the music scenario changed, they’ve proved their staying power with Wonderland.
With a slightly harder edge, the music has a rockier vibe as well as a joyous tone with jaunty lyrics. The music has more ‘attack’ but is often tempered by a C&W tone throughout. And of course, Duritz’s voice takes you right back. Palisades Park is a beautiful slice of rural America and uses all the tropes of a country fair and circus. Earthquake Driver, Elvis Went to Hollywood and Scarecrow are also as catchy as heck. Dislocation uses a soft-loud-soft dynamic and is a heavy record. God of Ocean Tides and Cover Up The Sun are reminiscent of Dylan at his best. A Prayer for Johnny Appleseed is a quirky one while Possibility Days is a soulful song of yearning that is also the most emotive in the album. If you want quality tunes, look no further.