Everything To Everyone

10/24/2003 4:00 PM, Yahoo! Music
Rob O'Connor

The funny thing about "funny rock" is how often it's not funny. Motley Crue, Van Halen, heck, Creed, now that's funny. But these folks who try so hard to be clever end up making music that sounds like it belongs in a parade. Like the hyperactive kid who just can't relax, Barenaked Ladies make the kind of music that makes you nervous to be around. Their rhythms jump all over the place and their vocals are so determined to land that punchline that it all ends up sounding like one smarmy mess. (For the record, "Maybe Katie" and "Shopping" made this listener nearly crash his car in exasperation.) Any violent impulses you may feel are completely natural and to be expected. It's even more aggravating when they write a decent tune. Lead-off cut "Celebrity" has all the makings of a turn-it-up radio hit, but then those cloying lyrics sneak through and you're left with another "wanna be a star" song. No joke.