The Weight Is a Gift

by Nada Surf

Overview

Upon its reissue in 2003, Let Go had already positioned itself to be an indie rock milestone in the making for Nada Surf. They'd left the major labels behind for Barsuk and remained for their fourth album, The Weight Is a Gift. The punk threads found on Let Go are much more relaxed this time out. The snarky, boyish charm of High/Low, which made the band a brief mainstream favorite in the mid-'90s, won't ever fade, but ten years later Nada Surf don't appear to be that interested in the angst-ridden, fashionable appeal that they once. The Weight Is a Gift is a soothing fit for those who grew up with the band. This 11-song set calls cliches into question, challenges old convictions, and somehow makes sense of growing older without losing sight of one's youth. Nada Surf have composed fine songs for free-thinking, analytical, and pensive individuals, without being overly complex. The result of all this experience and reflection is that Nada Surf and producer Chris Walla have made a great pop/rock record. It's more of an emotive affair, with soft-hued guitar layers, hushed harmonies, and frontman Matthew Caws' signature aching, bittersweet vocals. From the gloomy orchestrations of "My Legs Grow" and the shiny hopes of "All Is a Game" to the more unapologetic, rollicking moments such as "Blankest Year" and "Armies Walk," the disc never loses momentum. The Weight Is a Gift is Nada Surf's most honest and earnest record to date. ~ MacKenzie Wilson

Product Details

Release Date:	04/14/2009
Label:	Barsuk
UPC:	0655173104613

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Nada Surf   Primary Artist
Joe   Keyboards
Louie   Keyboards
Sean Nelson   Vocals (Background),Vocal Harmony
Coralie Clement   Vocals (Background),Vocal Harmony
John Roderick   Vocals (Background),Vocal Harmony
Lianne Smith   Vocals (Background),Vocal Harmony
Kenneth Earl Jankowski, Jr.   Horn
Joe McGinty   Keyboards
Louie Lino   Keyboards,Resonator
Rachel Bowman   Cello
Chris Walla   Guitar,Keyboards
Phil Wandscher   Guitar

Technical Credits

Chris Walla   Audio Production,Engineer,Producer,Photography
Lorca   Composer
Elliot   Composer
Louie Lino   Audio Production,Mixing,Producer
Caws   Composer
Nada Surf   Audio Production
Ted Jensen   Mastering
Ed Stasium   Mixing
Geoff Sanoff   Mixing
Joe McGinty   Engineer
Peter Perrett   Composer
Tom Beaujour   Engineer
Chris Shaw   Mixing
John Goodmanson   Mixing
Fabrice Debuire   Engineer
Fino Oyonarte   Pre-Mixing
Nate Manny   Design
Alexandra Holden   Cover Illustration
Ben Weber   Management