Ego Opinion Art And Commerce - Goo Goo Dolls

I bought this CD in 2005 after having bought "A Boy Named Goo", "Superstar Carwash" and "Dizzy Up The Girl", which in away seems a bit odd, as it is a compilation including all three of those albums. However, it contains extended musical interludes on several of the songs, including a couple of my favourites, "Acoustic #3 and "Naked", making it a must have CD for most Goo Goo Dolls fans. Normally compilation ...
...produced, however Goo Goo Dolls have decided to be different and added a mix of all their songs over the first 15 years together, including what some fans would call 'album-fillers'. By leaving out a couple of their big hits, such as "Name" and "Iris", they have created a CD which guides you through their development over the years they have been together, whilst recognising their vast musical ability.

In 2001, ... more

I bought this CD in 2005 after having bought "A Boy Named Goo", "Superstar Carwash" and "Dizzy Up The Girl", which in away seems a bit odd, as it is a compilation including all three of those albums. However, it contains extended musical interludes on several of the songs, including a couple of my favourites, "Acoustic #3 and "Naked", making it a must have CD for most Goo Goo Dolls fans. Normally compilation albums consist of the most famous songs the band has produced, however Goo Goo Dolls have decided to be different and added a mix of all their songs over the first 15 years together, including what some fans would call 'album-fillers'. By leaving out a couple of their big hits, such as "Name" and "Iris", they have created a CD which guides you through their development over the years they have been together, whilst recognising their vast musical ability.

In 2001, the Goo Goo Dolls released their first ever compilation CD, "What I Learned About Ego, Opinion, Art & Commerce" following their double platinium album, A Boy Named Goo and triple platinum selling album, Dizzy Up the Girl. More commonly known as "Ego, Opinion, Art and Commerce" or "EOAC", this album consists of 22 tracks from their 6 previous albums, Dizzy Up the Girl, A Boy Named Goo, Superstar Car Wash, Hold Me Up, Jed and Goo Goo Dolls.
Tracks 1-4 are from the album Dizzy Up the Girl. Tracks 5-9 are from the album A Boy Named Goo. Tracks 10-16 are from the album Superstar Car Wash. Tracks 17-20 are from the album Hold Me Up. Track 21 is from the album Jed. Track 22 is from the album Goo Goo Dolls. All songs have been digitally re-mastered to improve the sound from the original, often with extra instruments and backing vocals sung by the Goos for their younger selves.

If you have not heard of the Goo Goo Dolls before, here is some vital information! Formed in 1986 Buffalo, New York by guitarist/vocalist Johnny Rzeznik and bassist/vocalist Robby Takac, the Goo Goo Dolls are an American alternative/punk rock band who produced famous big hits, such as "Name" and the soundtrack for City of Angels, "Iris". Originally the band took on a metal/indie, college rock edge backed up with plenty of melodies and harmonies, however after a split with their former drummer, George Tutuska, the band toned down the edge to create their best selling album "Dizzy up the Girl". Their latest album, "Let Love In", released in 2006 marking their 20th anniversary is their largest main stream album to date.
In my opinion Goo Goo Dolls musical writer Johnny Rzeznik is one of the best in the world. Each song, with its own story to tell is unique. By combining an immaculate use of harmonies and melodies, every one of the tunes has great depth and meaning. I feel find that bands tend to start off simple, with little use of harmonies and melodies, however Goo Goo Dolls have used them to full effect right from the beginning. Each album produced also progresses musically, using a wider variety of instruments, rhythms and styles.

The band includes members,
Johnny Rzeznik - vocals, guitar
Robby Takac - vocals, bass guitar
Mike Malinin - drums, percussion (Hired in 1995, made official member in 1996)

Track 1 - "Bullet Proof" (Johnny Rzeznik, 1998)
The 6th track on the album "Dizzy Up The Girl", Bullet Proof is a hard and relatively fast Goo Goo Dolls song, with unbreakable melodies. Starting with a classic guitar line and strong chorus, the song is a great sing along and introduces you to the powerful, intoxicating voice of Johnny Rzeznik and unique voice of Robby Takac.
"Do you listen to yourself
Never live for someone else
Do you like the way you feel
Nothing hurts when no one's real"

Track 2 - "All Eyes On Me" (Johnny Rzeznik and Robby Takac, 1998) - extended musical interlude.
All Eyes On Me is a collaborative song, written by both Johnny and Robby. The 8th track on the album "Dizzy up the Girl" is a beautifully crafted song, entwining everything that is Goo Goo Dolls. Sublime lyrics, musical backing and vocals make this an uplifting and memorable hit.
"You drown in deeper oceans
Inventing new religions
They smile and stab my back and
I lie and have to laugh"

Track 3 - "Amigone" (Robby Takac, 1998)
A fast, forceful song with powerful guitar lines and Robby's distinctive voice illustrates the musical variation available to Goo Goo Dolls. With Robby singing, Johnny is able to concentrate his efforts on the guitar, enhancing the verses with intricate plucking.

Track 4 - "Acoustic #3" (Johnny Rzeznik, 1998) - extended musical interlude.
The song is intentually short, so that it would not be released as a single, and therefore not over played by the radio. This is possibly one of the most beautiful Goo Goo Dolls songs ever. An elaborate acoustic guitar line, backed with instrumental strings forms a relaxing tune layered with stunning lyrics.
"They press their lips against you
And you love the lies they say
And I tried so hard to reach you
But you're falling anyway"

Track 5 - "Naked" (Johnny Rzeznik, 1995) - significantly changed
Probably the most famous song on the album, "Naked" is the 3rd track on the album "A Boy Named Goo". The song treats you with fantastic guitar melodies, drumming and even contains a solo! This upbeat song has great depth and musical promise.
"You're naked inside your fear
You can't take back all those years
The shots in the dark from empty guns
Are never heard by anyone"

Track 6 - "Ain't That Unusual" (Johnny Rzeznik, 1995)
The 9th track from "A Boy Named Goo", "Ain't That Unusual" is another fast, upbeat song with strong guitar lines and chorus harmonies. Its hard to think of what else to say, another superb song!

Track 7 - "Burnin' Up" (Robby Takac , 1995)
"Burning Up" is the 2nd track from "A Boy Named Goo". Sung and written by Robby, this song represents the more original Goo Goo Dolls style, with a high tempo 'punky' style.

Track 8 - "Flat Top" (Johnny Rzeznik, 1995)
Flat Top, taken from the album "A Boy Named Goo" uses catchy guitar lines and a strong chorus to pull you in. Another great sing along track, the brilliant lyrics are very easy to pick up. This song really hits out at the world media attempting to control personalities, when we need individuality.
"And my dirty dreams all come alive
On my TV screen
And assassination plots
Show me what I haven't got
Show me what I love, and who I'm s'posed to be"

Track 9 - "Eyes Wide Open" (Johnny Rzeznik, 1995)
What some fans may call an 'album filler', selected from the album "A Boy Named Goo", this song makes good use of harmonies and melodies to add depth, especially during the chorus. Eyes Wide Open flows beautifully from verse to chorus and chorus to a fantastic interlude. A very well worked track.

Track 10 - "Fallin' Down" (Johnny Rzeznik, 1993)
The first track of the album "Superstar Carwash", Fallin' Down incorporates an addictive guitar riff with an attractive hook. As a great album opener track, it almost splits this album as if the start of CD 2.

Track 11 - "Another Second Time Around" (Robby Takac, 1993)
Track 9 from "Superstar Carwash" and sung by Robby, the song has a very prominent, memorable bass line, almost backed by the guitar. Harmonies, with backing vocals from Johnny in the chorus, add further potency.

Track 12 - "Cuz You're Gone" (Johnny Rzeznik, 1993)
The 3rd track from "Superstar Carwash" opens with a powerful, distorted guitar line which continues throughout the song, creating a high tempo song. Cuz You're Gone also makes excellent use of Johnny's voice for vocals.
"You whispered in my mouth
And I spit you words right back
How good do you think I'll look
When the words start to break and crack?"

Track 13 - "We Are the Normal" (Johnny Rzeznik, 1993)
You are introduced by strings and light acoustic guitar, with a relaxing melody. After the first chorus the song develops, with heavier guitar lines and intelligent vocals. "We Are the Normal" is the 7th track taken from "Superstar Carwash".

Track 14 - "Girl Right Next To Me" (Johnny Rzeznik, 1993)
The 5th track on this album from "Superstar Carwash", the buoyant guitar lines make this song upbeat and a joy to listen to. Well thought out and meaningful lyrics make this a timeless song…it's surprising to think this album is 13 years old!
"You changed my face
I think I like it better now
It doesn't matter anyhow
Cuz that's the way it is"

Track 15 - "Lucky Star" (Robby Takac, 1993)
Lucky Star is the 2nd track on "Superstar Carwash", written and sung by Robby. Sometimes forgotten and outdone on Superstar Carwash by "Fallin' Down" and "We Are the Normal", this song is actually a quality song, well written and structured. That's the great thing about this album!

Track 16 - "On the Lie" (Johnny Rzeznik, 1993)
The 12th track and last on this album from "Superstar Carwash", this is one of the strongest songs on the album. Structurally and musically sound, this song is very well thought out on many levels. I especially like the interlude, which has a U2 edge to it.
"He said, man you want to be Elvis
I said I ain't dying face down
He said you gotta die facing up in the world
Cuz there's too many holes around"

Track 17 - "Just the Way You Are" (Goo Goo Dolls, 1990)
This song is the 2nd track, taken from "Hold Me Up". You can really tell the difference in the styles from the previous tracks, partly due to a different record label. "Just the Way You Are" is a high tempo "garage rock" song with cunning guitar lines and an old school rock solo.

Track 18 - "Two Days in February" (Goo Goo Dolls, 1990 - this version re-recorded in 2000)
This song is one of the most beautiful on the album. Re-recorded in 2000, this song has much greater musical structure, compared to "Just the Way You Are", taken from the same album. It shows how well Goo Goo Dolls have developed. This acoustic song is an must listen! A heartbreak song of distant lovers, this is a wonderful song.
"You said that this is crazy, you're a half a world away
Well I'm sitting and I'm thinking but I didn't know what to say
So I said something I can't touch, I always want way too much"

Track 19 - "Laughing" (Goo Goo Dolls, 1990)
Back to the garage rock style of Goo Goo Dolls, this song is very energetic! If you feel like jumping around the room with your air guitar, this is the song to listen to!

Track 20 - "There You Are" (Goo Goo Dolls, 1990)
This song has the sound of some of the Goo Goo Dolls latest work, rather than their older. It is almost in the middle of the two styles showing their progression. "There You Are" was the album's (Hold Me Up) lead single, with a brilliant descending lead guitar line and a perfect performance from Johnny.

Track 21 - "Up Yours" (Goo Goo Dolls, 1989)
From the 2nd Goo Goo Dolls album, this song is old school. By having it on the album, it shows how even Johnny's voice has dramatically improved. One of the rare lead roles for Johnny singing on the album, this move helped lead the way for the band's creative and commercial success.

Track 22 - "I'm Addicted" (Goo Goo Dolls, 1987)
All of the songs on the debut album "Goo Goo Dolls" are sung by Robby Takac, who was the lead singer when they first started, with Johnny Rzeznik not singing at all. With the garage rock/punk style at full flow, this song is once again a very speedy.

So there you have it. It's not the most typical compilation CD (with the songs arranged in reverse chronological order) and some wonder why it was released so soon after the albums themselves were released, and without the big hits. The thing I like best about this album is they way it's lain out. The album starts with the Goo's most recent work, which smartly demonstrates their development over the 15 years and the musical journey they have taken. By leaving out the big hits, it means you get to enjoy each song 'equally'. It made me realise that they have many big hits, which you don't appreciate when in the separate albums. It also shows what songs the Goo Goo Dolls liked themselves.
Although many fans and critics will say the album is not worth it, I would have to disagree. It essentially shows a different side of the Goos, which has always been there, without necessarily realising it.

EOAC is 78:36 minutes long and produced by Warner Bros. I bought the album from HMV for £5.97, however I am sure you can now get it cheaper. It is available on Amazon for £12.99, with Amazon Sellers starting from £4.69 new.

Inlay design contains a fold out section showing photos of the band whilst on tours during the period 1987 - 2000 as well as information on all of the songs on the album.
The CD itself is decorated with the name of the album and a picture of a microphone in the centre.

If you like the sound of this, then you may also like
Lifehouse
Vertical Horizon
Dashboard Confessional
Jimmy Eat World

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www.myspace.com/googoodolls
 

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