The Proximity Effect

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Cat No: MDV03

Format Details:

Release Date: 01 November 2010

Label: Nada Surf / Mardev

Packaging Type: Jewel Case

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 5051808700321

Genres: Rock

Release Date: 07 August 2000

Label: Nada Surf / Mardev

Packaging Type: Slip Sleeve (CD or Vinyl)

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 655173995211

Genres: Rock

Release Date: 01 November 2020

Label: Mardev

Packaging Type: Jewel Case

No of Units: 1

Barcode: 787331800225

Genres: Rock

Description
By now the Nada Surf story is well-known: band scores a semi-hit in the twilight of the Alt Rock gold rush. Band records the ever-crucial second album, only to be asked "where's the hit?" by the label, who refuse to release/promote it. Band retreats to the practice room and the drawing board, after much hand-wringing and disappointment, to eventually emerge from adversity and obscurity as a leaner, stronger, more confident glistening-pop-making machine. Those looking for something in the vein of their sarcastic nerd-rock anthem "Popular" were likely confused by this dense thicket of angsty rock. While the band was to truly find its way on their subsequent albums, after a prolonged period of hibernation with its future very much in doubt, the direction they would take is hinted at on songs like "Amateur" ("You said I should get professional help/it always makes me cry"), the bouncy "Bad Best Friend," the ruminative "Bacardi" and the bracing opener "Hyperspace," all of which rank with their best work. The true highlight is "80 Windows" ("The moon is closer to the sun/than I am to anyone"), a paean to voyeurism and loneliness which reflects the album's generally dark vibe, which shows the band beginning to find their new direction: distinctive melodies with ruminative lyrics that reflect more epiphanies than your average power-pop combo can usually muster. Sure, there are some mis-steps (like the ham-handed anti-date-rape screed "Mother's Day") and half the album is fairly indistinct alt-rock-by-numbers but the good songs are very good indeed, and make this worth a listen.
Tracklisting
Tracklisting