Spartan Daily - Serving San Jose State University since 1934

Issue date: 9/9/08 Section: Student Culture

Media Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

With the popular single "Iris," the Goo Goo Dolls have transformed from their early thrashing, punk-esque sound to a scarred yet emotionally mature band. They have released "Greatest Hits Volume Two: B-sides and Rarities," which includes their earlier work as well as familiar tracks.

This CD-DVD compilation encompasses not only their more famous hits, like "Iris" and "Black Balloon," but also their lesser-known music, which has a harsher feel with grinding guitar chords and ear-throbbing drum lines.

The CD starts out with the gentle and sorrowful "Hate This Place." The disc then drifts into "Stop the World" and "Long Way Down," two tracks that mourn the loss of someone close to the heart.

The twangy guitar chords and light tone make up "All Eyes on Me," while "Lazy Eye" moves into overdrive with heavy, masculine riffs and husky vocals.

The demo version of the ever-popular "Iris" is demolished by broken, jangled vocals and sharp chords. Thankfully, the chorus takes a break from the choppy guitar riffs and smooth vocalist John Rzeznik's harsh, unfeeling voice. Overall, the song leaves something to be desired.

"I'm Awake Now" has a gentler feel with haunting lyrics as well as softer drum beats and guitar riffs.

"Torn Apart," "No Way Out" and "String of Lies" provide a faster beat and angst-filled lyrics but are nowhere near the thoughtful and melodic tracks they produced in their later years.

The foot-tapping "We'll Be Here (When You're Gone)" turns the mood around with strong drumming and simple guitar chords. The sobered lyrics stress the idea that lost ones are always around - no matter how rough the road remains.

"Without You Here" sets the mood for a confession of love with twinkly cords, hushed vocals and soft percussion. It is one of the more honest and emotional tracks.

"Only One" is an unusually heavy track, which includes unorganized, choppy lyrics and an overbearing guitar riff that take over the bass lines and drumming.

"Truth is a Whisper" has a head-bopping beat and clean vocals that address the double standards of society.

More catchy beats make up "What a Scene," which addresses the unreal image of the "real world" and self-inflicted illusions.

Of their cover tracks, only half were worth the listen. The Damned's "Wait for the Blackout," INXS's "Don't Change," FabTheGap's "I Don't Want to Know" and Tom Petty's "American Girl" had smoother vocals and more catchy beats than the other songs. The Plimsouls' "Million Miles Away," the Soft Boys' "I Wanna Destroy You" and Lime Spiders' "Slave Girl" were disappointing. Lead singer Rzeznik's imitation of gruff vocals broke every other lyric, and the overbearing cymbal-thrashing and crashing guitar chords left the ears ringing with noise.

The upbeat songs such as "We'll Be Here (When You're Gone)" and "Truth is a Whisper" make this CD a great pick-me-up before going to work or when you need to wind down from a stressful day. The more sobered tracks such as "Without You Here" and "Iris" set a calm and relaxing mood.

This disc is a strong representation of the changes the band has undergone. From the more anger-driven tracks to the catchy and somber songs, the Goo Goo Dolls have found their place in many music players. For a variety of tracks, Goo Goo Dolls' "Greatest Hits Second Volume: B-sides and Rarities" is the one to pick up.

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