Rock band revolutionizes live albums, ‘Rain or Shine’

Three eighth-graders jamming in a basement sounds like a familiar tale, but for the American rock band, called Of A Revolution, that’s how it all began.

Two additional band-mates, eleven albums and a decade later, Of A Revolution, or O.A.R., has toured the world from London to Los Angeles and even spent an evening, in April of last year, in the Spaulding Gymnasium on the Keene State College campus.
But how can a band that’s already accomplished so much take their music to the next level?

You might think after six studio efforts and five live recordings, the band might not have anything left, but they’ve recently proved that’s nowhere near true.

Rain or Shine, O.A.R.’s eleventh album, recorded live over the two night span at the Charter One Pavilion, on Chicago’s Northerly Island in June of 2009, released on Jan. 12 and it’s a winner.

Rain or Shine touches upon the bands entire catalogue of tunes, from the guys from Rockville, Md., that seasoned fans will easily assume to be a ‘greatest hits’ compilation from the band’s storied career.

It dives deep into the waters of antiquity with “Tonight,” the very first song the band wrote, while attending high-school in Maryland. And reaches its branch out to 2008’s All Sides disc with songs like “This Town” and the radio-friendly “Shattered.”

O.A.R. debuts only one new track on the compilation, but it clearly was inserted for the purpose of introducing fans to the band’s new direction the band is setting out upon for the follow-up to All Sides, which, according to the band’s Twitter updates, is currently in development.

The song is called “Rhythm of Your Shoes,” and, while it has everything you’d expect from an O.A.R. tune (acoustic guitar direction, traditional about-a-girl lyrics and a catchy chorus), it definitely sounds new and intriguing. But, until its release, in studio-fashion, alongside a host of other new tracks, it’s difficult to say if this is “new-O.A.R.”

Perusing through Rain or Shine’s 37 tracks, one in particular will likely catch your eye, poke it out and make you say “How’d this get in here?”

That song is Led Zeppelin’s “Fool in The Rain” and O.A.R. performed it multiple times during their 2006 national tour and, according to iTunes, the cover is the fifth-most popular O.A.R. tune sold in the digital marketplace. So it’s no wonder a newer, updated version of the song, with the help from Robert Randolph from Robert Randolf and the Family Band, made it onto Rain or Shine.”

Disc two treats listeners to a musical approach the band has yet to attempt, an extended acoustic set. For five songs, the band unplugged, took to the seat of a chair, swapped electric guitars for acoustics and played mellow takes on songs both old and new.

Included are smooth and soft versions of “Shattered,” “That Was A Crazy Game of Poker” and the always lovable and ear-pleasing “On My Way.” Hearing these departures from the normative formula of loud-n-proud, that the band has embodied for so long, was something most enjoyable. But, like all risks, this might not strike a chord with every listener. And thankfully, the acoustic set lasts only five songs and can be easily skipped over.

In traditional O.A.R. fashion, lead-singer Marc Roberge departs from normative lyrics and free-styles his way through breakdowns and these, like anything creative and spontaneous, you’ll either love or hate.

It’s not to say entire lyrical sets to songs are altered but you’ll simply hear a lyrically-dissimilar verse or chorus.

Jeff Juliano, legendary studio engineer, who’s worked with artists like John Mayer and The Dave Matthews Band, mixed the album. His diligent and masterful hand is evident throughout the album. There’s no hissing, amplitude spikes or anything of sonorous detriment found on any of the discs. Guitar riffs are loud and clear, vocals are powerful and always leveled properly, drums bear the hefty weight associated with the instrument and the bass is driving and heavy.

Those considering a digital purchase instead of an actual boxed copy should be aware the artwork, featuring shots of the band and the jubilant crowd, for the four-disc package is pleasing to the eyes, and for the collector, will likely end up framed.

Rain or Shine is the best and most complete live offering O.A.R. has ever released. What was once the crown-jewel and the pinnacle of live O.A.R. recording, and loved by many, 2002’s Any Time Now, takes a definitive back seat to Rain or Shine.

Eddie Makuch can be contacted at emakuch@keeneequinox.com