antiReviews: Fastball - The Harsh Light Of Day    By Scott Vile

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Label: Hollywood Records
Release Date: September 9, 2000

 Track Listing:

 
1. This Is Not My Life
2. You're An Ocean
3. Goodbye
4. Love Is Expensive and Free
5. Vampires
6. Wind Me Up
7. Morning Star
8. Time
9. Dark Street
10. Funny How It Fades Away
11. Don't Give Up On Me
12. Whatever Gets You On

I know not everyone in the world is a Fastball fan, but I am. 1996's punk driven "Make Your Mama Proud" album was incredible, and 1998's platinum-selling "All The Pain Money Can Buy" brought the band some much deserved success. "All The Pain..." was very different from their debut, very mellow in comparison to the energy driven "Make Your Mama Proud." So in a way, their new CD "The Harsh Light Of Day" is a sophomore effort of the band showcasing their new style.

 It is disappointing that the band has given up their very fun, punk roots, but I am not surprised, when you compare the sales of their first two albums. There are a few upbeat rockers on the new disc, I'm happy to report though. "You're An Ocean," their first single, is an instant classic, featuring some mad keyboards courtesy of Billy Preston. "Wind Me Up" is also a charasmatic fast-tempo tune that is catchy and instantly hummable. 

When it comes to the band's mellow side, it is showcased best by the touching "Goodbye" and the flamenco guitar-driven "Love Is Expensive And Free," featuring surprisingly romantic guitar playing by Brian Setzer.

 Other standout tracks include "Funny How It Fades Away" and the closer, "Whatever Gets You On." Like all Fastball CDs so far, "The Harsh Light Of Day" is strong, but it just isn't as gripping this time around. There are a few tracks that just aren't memorable. But if you're a fan, definitely pick it up. "You're An Ocean" alone makes it worth the price of admission.

The band:
Miles Zuniga
Joey Shuffield
Tony Scalzo

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