Counting down to counting crows

Honorable Mention

Feature Story

Division 1

Counting down to counting crows

Nguyen Nguyen

Grade 10

Vidette

J.P. McCaskey HS

Adviser: Brian McDonald

Since it’s mid-March, many McCaskey students are probably anticipating the arrival of spring, nicer weather and a good-bye to winter. Although I am quite happy myself to be greeting spring and rejoicing in the fact that school is one step closer to being over, I find myself looking forward to another thing. On the 25^th of this month that band Counting Crows will release their fifth album, Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings, and I’m super excited.

Counting Crows is not a new addition to my list of good musical artists. The band was formed over sixteen years ago (before my time) in 1991 in Berkley, California, and by 1994 they gained much popularity with their son “Mr. Jones.” More recently, the Counting Crows song “Accidentally in Love” can be heard in the 2004 box office smash hit Schrek 2, and earned the band an Academy Award nomination.

Counting Crows are a rock and alternative band. Their style, however, us unique. It ranges from soft, smooth, and calming like in “Mr. Jones,” to a rockier, more upbeat and heavier sound, like in “1492.” This shows the versatility of the band and their impressive musical range. As a result, their music ends up not being monotonous and the same old thing over and over again.

On July 9, 2002, Counting Crows released, Hard Candy, their fourth album. I enjoy this album very much. It had the same Counting Crows sound, very refined, and filled with fun and lively lyrics. My two particular favorite songs on the album are “Big Yellow Taxi” and “American Girls.” Both songs had a relaxing tempo. I also enjoy listening to the story-based lyrics in both songs, not to mention the relaxing voice of the lead singer Adam Duritz.

Having such a good background and history with Counting Crows, it should be no surprise that I am excited for their upcoming album. On their Myspace page I was able to sample what is on the way. What I have heard so far has satisfied me. Their upcoming song “You Can’t Count on Me” reassured me that this album will be a good one. If your ears have yet to meet a Counting Crows song, I highly suggest that you check them out.