I’m going to give Augustana the benefit of the doubt. I’m not sure exactly why — itÁ¢€â„¢s not that I know much about them. All I really know is that they come from San Diego, although the band was originally formed in Illinois. CanÁ¢€â„¢t Love, CanÁ¢€â„¢t Hurt (Epic) is their second major label album, and they’ve had enormous success with their ubiquitous single Á¢€Å“Boston,Á¢€ which achieved digital platinum status.

All signs, including the radio-friendly production of this album, indicate that the band is being groomed for mega-stardom. The problem is, thatÁ¢€â„¢s an awfully long climb these days, and very few bands actually reach the top. More often these bands have one hit, and then they are never heard from again. If this album does not sell in quantities that meet or exceed expectations, expect Augustana to be dropped from the labelÁ¢€â„¢s roster. It happens all the time. Major labels these days are no longer interested in building careers over the long term. ItÁ¢€â„¢s all about the here and now. Losing their deal just might be the best thing that ever happens to them.

So why am I giving them the benefit of the doubt? ItÁ¢€â„¢s about the songs. Lead singer/songwriter Dan Layus doesnÁ¢€â„¢t just have an appealing voice; he also has a knack for creating extremely melodic pop songs, with anthemic choruses and the occasional meaningful lyric. After listening to this album a number of times, I have concluded that this band has an indie heart, and the sooner they choose, or are forced, to follow the indie path, the sooner they will have found their true calling.

On first listen, I immediately thought of Counting Crows, and as they are one of my favorite bands, I was excited. Then the production started to get in the way for me. I suppose producer Mike Flynn (The Fray) did what he was hired to do, but this is too slick by half for me. On the other hand, if AOR radio is your thing, grab this. As an example, I give you Á¢€Å“Sweet and Low,Á¢€ the albumÁ¢€â„¢s first single. I like the song. The production overwhelms me. Instead, check out Á¢€Å“Fire,Á¢€ on which Layus laments the struggle to find true love, accompanied only by a lone piano. See what I mean? The talent is there.

So itÁ¢€â„¢s up to you on this one, depending on your taste. I will certainly be interested to see where Augustana goes next.

Listening Booth, Music

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About the Author

Ken Shane

Ken Shane lives in Narragansett, R.I. He is a freelance writer and far and away the oldest Popdose writer. In fact, he may be the oldest writer, period. He wants you to know that he generally does not share his colleagues' love for the music of the '80s, and he does not forgive them for loving it. (Ken passed away in November 2022. R.I.P. —Ed.)

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