Review of Good Weird Feeling (The Odds)

Good Weird Feeling is the third full-length release by the Odds (now the New Odds), and it's a titan of Canadian alternative rock. Craig Northey (Vocals, Guitar), Steven Drake (Vocals, Guitar), Doug Elliott (Bass), and Paul Brennan (Drums) make up the band, whose name reportedly came from Brennan asking Drake, "What are the odds of us ever escaping bullshit gigs like this?" while in a small town in British Colombia.

Good Weird Feeling is not too far out there, musically. It's an accessible power pop/alternative rock album, but don't let that fool you. I mentioned Heinz's quote, awhile back, something to the effect of, "To do a common thing uncommonly well bring success". This album is uncommonly well done. The subject matter is occasionally uncomfortably well treated, like in the case of "Oh Sorrow, Oh Shame", which is a song about feeling the shame of crossdressing. The song definitely made me feel like I understood, which was quite a treat.

Have you ever listened to an album and thought, "Wow, there's nothing they could have done to make this sound any better"? It happens to me very rarely, but this one of those albums. I have no issues with it musically, none whatsoever. Every time I listen to it, it's a joy to listen to. Some songs stand out, of course, like the slowly building "Break The Bed", and the quiet and quirky "The Last Drink".

This is, as an album, one of the best albums I've ever heard. Each of these songs is great alone, but together they truly surpass themselves. If you ever go hunting for one Canadian alternative rock album, make it this one.