High/Low.

Released in 1996 this LP caused quite the stir in the rock world. Mostly for the smart and sassy tune "Popular." You might still hear that tune occasionally on a alternative rock station.

People who looked past that one hit and picked up this gem were treated to one of the perhaps most overlooked rock albums of the 1990s. Some accused it of being a poor Weezer rip off. I argue its superior in so many ways and its an essentual 90s rock album.

Its an album with Umph. It picks you up, and at least in my case inspires me. When you hit play "Deeper Well" starts pumping and sucks you right into the album. The vibe and the swagger of the record are infectious.

The pacing and song layout are almost perfect.

Ric Ocasek does a masterful job getting a great power sound out of the band. It sounds like a clean garage band recording. For a loud heavy album, its intimate sounding which is quite an accomplishment. All the instruments sound great.

Standout Tracks:

Psychic Caramel

Deeper Well

Stalemate

The Plan

Popular

Zen Brain (a perfect closer)

Sadly after this, Nada Surf changed musical directions. Unhappy with this direction shift they were dropped by Elektra Records. I honestly can't blame Elektra Records. When I shelled out $30 plus dollars for "Proxmity Effect" (AU import only in those days) because I was dying to hear it - I was extremely let down. It wasn't what I was expecting. The fun & inspiration was gone, as was the swagger. "Proximity Effect" is a morose, depressing, angsty and even preachy record. I listened to "Let Go" a couple of years ago, which didn't appeal to me either.

Fans of newer Nada Surf releases tend to look down at this effort. This is because it being a louder, brasher, faster, sassier record while having this b*tchin' swagger. Thats not what Nada Surf is today.

This album proudly stands on its own compared to the subdued material that came later.

I'll take this album over anything they've done since. It still inspires me on multiple levels and its brillance still shines brightly.

...are the times when i can't talk"

I firmly believe that Nada Surf's debut album is one of the best rock albums of all time. I bought this album cos I'd heard "Popular" on MTV2 a few times, and thought I might throw it on a few compilation tapes - what I didn't expect was that the rest of the album would be so good, and so unlike Popular! Each song on here is unique and brilliant in it's own right. The lyrics are written from a detached outsiders point of view, but often stuffed with spite and hatred. While some reviews on here rather unfairly compare the band to Weezer, I'd say that "The Get Up Kids" are a better comparison. Weezer have never sounded this vicious, and that Nada Surf do it with only 3 members makes it even better. The song writing and guitar playing are particularly self assured, with time changes and other experimental traits pushed to the forefront - for example, one song uses distorted vs undistorted guitar to create a riff out of one note. Genius.

The only thing that I had to complain about with this album was that it ended. :)

This is a really good album of punchy rock... while it is labeled "alternative" by some, Nada Surf is so straightforward and refreshing on HIGH/LOW, they seem to be channeling the best parts of Jimmy Eats World and Weezer at the same time. The songwriting quality is excellent, and the lyrics are often meaningful, witty, or poignant, hinting at the moments of genius to come on future CDs like LET GO.

So if you like quality power pop/alterno-rock, give HIGH/LOW a spin. "Zen Brain" alone is worth the price of admission.

I think it is kinda sad that this band doesn't have as much of a following as other bands. Most people that I've talk to never even heard of them. They certainity deserve a lot more recognition!

I also like the "Goo Goo Dolls" a lot, but think Nada Surf has just a little bit more of an edge. "Deeper Well" is played with as much energy as "Long Way Down" (by the Goo Goo Dolls) and "The Plan" is even more intense. I also think "Popular", "Stalemate" and "Zen Brain" are also excellent as well.

Definitely worth your money.