Hi Jordan,

We appreciate that you listened to and reviewed our album, "We'll Be Fine." We thought we'd let people know that some tracks are available for preview at our website and on our Myspace page.

The album has had raving reviews in print, and is receiving a significant amount of national radio play right now. We do appreciate the heavy amount of criticism, and will use it to learn how to better approach our next studio session. We would like to say however, that a lot of effort and PASSION went into creating this album and our music. When you say that the songs lack "substance and heart," we would suggest that you aren't really listening. We understand that as a writer you may take initial feelings and translate them in extreme fashions, and that you probably don't hate the album or Acorn Project. It's what critics have to do to make their writing stand out from the rest.

Thanks again for the review, and we will certainly send you a copy of any new material we record.

Regards,
Sam, Andy, Kale, Todd, Tristan, Oskar

Acorn Project

they still make jam bands?

This review is terrible and in no way does the album justice. I might be bias as I've followed the band for a few years, but I think you sound like a total ass! They are definitely known for their live show, but this album speaks to people through their lyrics and eclectic mix of tunes. Sure it's a little out there with all the different styles they are trying to show, but at least it's something different from everything else out there. I wouldn't even call them a jam band, and are definitely not self absorbed. Probably the nicest guys in the business, and I think you should have given them more cred being from the NW.

Whitey,

I'm glad you enjoyed the record. It quite simply just wasn't my thing and I noted that. To do otherwise simply because I happen to reside in the same neighbourhood as the band would be a disservice to their music.

I'd also add that no review could ever "do an album justice." Instead, people should actually listen to the music.

I in no way set out to undermine the amount of heart or passion that Acorn Project put into their music. Instead, I talked about how the music came across. The songs, the lyrical content, and the flow simply didn't capture me. I give credit where credit is due and found them to be technically proficient musicians. I'm also sure they're nice guys and remain convinced by their above comment that they are respectful and kind.

I will preface this comment with the fact that I do not enjoy the jamband genre in any way. That being said, I did give this album a listen on CDBaby and heard some full songs on MySpace and was rather impressed with them (although I only heard the samples of most of the songs). I do see what you are talking about as far as the band being all over the place musically, but definitely do not hear any DMB influence (except that they, like DMB have a saxophone player). I also was amused by the Weird Al Comparison...really? I didn't hear anything even close to the annoying singing style of Yancovic (sp?). Thanks for the review though, if it would have been a positive one, I probably wouldn't have checked them out, and now I will probably get the album on itunes. I suppose sometimes bad press CAN be good press.

DMB has jams and breakdowns; Acorn Project does too. Another clear example of this is the start to "Hello Neuman," which you can hear on the band's MySpace page. The pacing, the instrumentations, and the arrangement are all akin to what DMB does. It's not that much of a stretch to compare the two. It's also not meant as an insult. I may be stretching it slightly here, but I doubt any of the members of Acorn Project would deny some DMB influence to their music.

Also, the "Weird Al" style vocals really captured with the most insistency on "Funny Pair of Pants." When Pritken breaks through the guitar, the first thing that came to my mind was "Weird Al!" Again, not necessarily a bad thing as the style can work within certain contextual arrangements.

Regardless, Steve, I'm glad you gave Acorn Project a chance. They deserve a look.

Acorn Project does not lack any passion or substance. They put a lot of time and energy into their new album and deserve credit. I think that for a small town band, their album is amazing. Comparing them to Weird Al does not even make sense. I mean, have you ever listened to Weird Al? I guess it is easy to sit on your high chair behind the screen of the internet, and your silly blog and criticize others. I am willing to bet that you could not create an album that is even comparable to what Acorn Project has done here.

Just so you know they are playing a Halloween show in Bellingham, so you could come and see for yourself that they do not "lack substance" or that even resemble "Dave Matthews Band fronted by Al Yankovic".

Get over yourself and weak reviews.

Leon,

Acorn Project does not lack any passion or substance.

I never said they did. I said that the songs on this album did. Big, big difference. I also do not quibble with the fact that these musicians put talent into their songs. There is a distinction between what I am saying and what you are interpreting it as.

I think that for a small town band, their album is amazing.

What does being from a small town have to do with it? And Bellingham's not that small, btw.

Comparing them to Weird Al does not even make sense. I mean, have you ever listened to Weird Al?

The vocalist hits some notes that are very Al-esque. It is a nasally sound that is most apparent on the opening track. I've already explained this. If you don't see the comparison, that's fine.

I guess it is easy to sit on your high chair behind the screen of the internet, and your silly blog and criticize others.

When bands make their albums available for bloggers and critics, do you expect the reviews to simply be positive? The Acorn Project commented on my article with respect and disagreed like the classy individuals that they are. They understand the critical process. I did not belittle them as a band, they did not belittle me as a critic. You, on the other hand, decide to do so. Well done.

I am willing to bet that you could not create an album that is even comparable to what Acorn Project has done here.

And why would I? I'm a critic and a blogger, not a musician. That doesn't even make sense.

Get over yourself and weak reviews.

Um...what?

As for The Acorn Project's live show in Bellingham, I'd be glad to see it. As I mentioned in my review, I imagine these guys to be impressive and exciting as a live band. They are all talented musicians and it's just too bad that the fans who rush here to defend them can't see the positive notes that can be taken from this review. Frankly, the type of critique from Leon, etc. reflects poorly on the band's fanbase and comes across as needlessly abusive and snarky.

I notice you failed to mention Obama's connection to Acorn Project. Typical left wing mainstream media bias.

Wow, this is a pretty heated issue. I play keyboards for this band, Acorn Project. The review was amusing and at the same time tough to read after having put so much work into our album. However, you can't appease everyone and we were taking a chance dispersing our album all over the United States and Canada.

There are a lot of things that this review has taught me. Going easy on the twinkly piano intros was one of them. That song (Neuman) is not a song about nothing. I did chuckle at the comparison, a poor assumption, but a good zing none-the-less. Hello Neuman is about our friend, Chirs Neuman and the nature of his character. Pay no attention to our song titles, they are a little silly as is the rest of the band. Thanks for reading and please don't let this review deter you from listening to our album. If you don't like it, well, that's just the way it goes. I happen to think Oasis is a poor excuse for Rock 'n Roll (sorry Jordan), but that's just my opinion. We'll be sure to send you a live album soon Mr. Richardson.

Here's to Weird Al!

Oskar,

Thank you kindly for the comment.

A few notes I have to make before I close the book here, as life goes on.

1. First of all, I did not take away from the amount of work that went into the album. As a critic, I would never do that.

2. I have said several times in the comments now that I am certain that the Acorn Project is very passionate about the music they play. It was not my contention to suggest otherwise. Rather, the songs as they came across on the record were as such. I reviewed the album, not the band. In fact, what keeps getting ignored by the continued barrage of comments and Acorn apologists is just how talented I found the musicians to be.

3. As to the song "Hello Neuman," the press release that came with the album from Powderfinger stated that the song was "an ode to the Seinfeld character." While it is not my intention to shift blame or point fingers, I review several albums and films. I use the press release to inform myself about bands and albums that I am not familiar with. If the song was about a friend and not an "ode to the Seinfeld character," the press release should have reflected that.

4. I am a critic. My intention when I review records and films is to give each a fair shake, to remove preconceived notions, and to describe the experience I had while listening to, watching, or reading the material. It is my job to relate said experience to the reader. I did so honestly and openly with this review. It is not my job to sell people on the Acorn Project or on this record. That is, rather, the job of the Acorn Project. This review should NOT deter you from buying this record, listening to this music, or going to an Acorn Project concert. This review should, instead, provide the essence of my experience with this particular album. Nothing more, nothing less.

5. I look forward to a live album and, even better, checking out a live show. As per usual, I will review each subsequent experience based on its own merit. I wouldn't insult the Acorn Project or the reader by providing anything less.

Hey Jordan,

We just want to again state that the band appreciates the fact that you did review our album. Criticism is something that musical artists must approach with an open mind. Whether positive or negative, something can always be learned through constructive criticism. The point here is that not everything is certainly to be enjoyed by everyone. As an artist, a level of maturity comes from knowing your creation will be enjoyed by some, and that those who may not enjoy it are still witness to its existence.

At some points your tone in the writing could be described as rash, and I think that's where the controversy has been sparked. As I said before, as a writer you have to make it interesting, so it's a matter of style.

Obviously a few of the bands fans who have posted on this board don't represent the entire AP fan-base. The community following Acorn Project is eclectic and extremely fun to be around.

We would be happy to have you at any performance in the NW, and will gladly offer you free tickets as a media guest. Please feel free to contact me through our site if there is a date of interest in the future.

Thanks again for the time you put into listening and reviewing the album, and we will pass any new media your way for future consideration in review.

Regards,
Sam and Acorn Project