The Special Goodness - Land Air Sea

“What do you call someone who hangs out with musicians all day?” “A drummer.” Drummers often get little respect in the mass media of music. Even though the very foundation of song is founded in a good rhythm section, people still praise and worship lead singers, while drummers sit un-noticed under the camo of the kits. Sure John Bonham and few others get mentioned, but for the most part they are an under appreciated group. Following in the footsteps of Dave Grohl and other adventurers, Patrick Wilson got bored in his off time and decided to step out from banging the skins for Weezer and front a side project of his own. The Special Goodness is pretty much a small operation. Founded by Wilson, and filled by a rotating cast at the beginning, it settled down when Atom Williard (Rocket From The Crypt) joined up. Land Sea Air, the bands second release, proves that drummers can indeed do more than just bang away at drums, filling twelve tracks with catchy guitar driven rock that sweetens the ears. “Day In The Autumn” and “N.F.A.” deliver catchy choruses and upbeat grooves to get the albums front end off to a very nice start. The mid section contains arguably the strongest track, “Whatever’s Going On,” an almost ballad-like ditty showcase of what pop rock is all about. The entire album is filled with goodness, but this isn’t to say there aren’t some weak points. “Oops” illustrates the album's handicap; namely the lyrics. “Oh no! I did it again / don’t look now but I lost a friend / might have been me but I think it was them / makes me think I never had a friend,” isn’t exactly Dylan poetry my friends. The majority of the album's lyrics follow suit in sticking to the melody and vibe well but not providing much food for thought. Despite the lyrics, Wilson shines through the album. Having sung back up and harmony on a few Weezer tracks, we know the man is not a mute, but his voice shines given the front stage, feeling emotional, catchy and subtle but powerful. The melodies are catchy and instantly memorable, lead with force by distorted guitars. Forgiving of some of the lyrics, these guys know how to write a catchy tune with a snappy beat. Although the albums falters in a few places, fans of Wilson and Williard's past efforts will be very pleased. This is side project, and that means it is supposed to be fun. And if there is one thing this album accomplishes, it is having fun and putting a smile on the face. A tip of the hat to Wilson and gang for proving that drummers are musicians too, so give a tip of the hat to the man with the sticks the next time you see a good band. [www.thespecialgoodness.com]