Matthew Caws understands the value of hardship and speaks of it so eloquently it moves me every time I listen to "The Weight is a Gift". Ever asked yourself the age-old question, "why do bad things happen to good people" or "why me"? Ever think about personal responsibility in regards to your feelings? This cd may bring comfort and answers. It does so for me.

But that was not my first impression upon listening to this cd. After the first listen I was so-so about it; basic, well-crafted pop that would likely gather dust on the shelf. But instead of blowing it off I kept listening and Nada Surf pulled me in. It's very well recorded, the band plays great and Caws has a wonderful voice, and all this leading to a performance that is more than the sum of it's parts. Now I cannot listen to "Weight" without being moved.

There is a lifetime of experience in these 11 songs and Nada Surf lays it out ever so eloquently. In regards to both the music and the metaphor, believe it: the weight IS a gift.

For those expecting "Let Go" Part II...

You may be surprised.

Gone are the hallowed introspection, moody musings and indie-production that made Let Go shine. On this new LP, I don't see the harrowing grace that was "Fruit Fly" or the wispy and up-front melancholia that was "Blonde on Blonde."

I do see a fine new LP that's more direct, more clear, more "sunny" pop sounding, yet still retains the trademark Nada Surf songcraft and wit.

I'm still mulling over the new disc, but have very good impressions on the different direction this new title takes.

The guitars are sharp and more "direct". There's less "air" to the songs -- tighter constructions rather than blissful melodies that take time to develop or those that refrain over-and-over (and often collapse on itself).

Lyrics are as wonderful as ever (e.g. - the weight is a gift line is simply great), vocals = more upfront.

If this signals the beginning of a great musical '05 fall, I'm all for it.

As a person who likes indy rock, it is hard for me to often let co-workers and friends sample different bands. Not because I want to horde all the "cool music" in hopes that while sitting at an art opening I can say something like, "have you heard of said cool band?" Truthfully, I want to share the music that I have found with everyone; however, when I do so, most people think that the music is too strange and off beat from what they normally listen to. Nada Surf's The Weight is a Gift is a collection of good pop/indy rock tunes that anyone can enjoy. There are no heavy guitar riffs, no raspy vocals, just a pure, steady rock sound with lots of creativity and heart. So next time you are at the water cooler talking about music, tell your cubicle buddy about Nada Surf, because everyone can relate to good music.

like my two favorite current records, both by the black watch (investigate "the hypnotizing sea" and "jiggery-pokery" if you don't know this band), the new thing by nada surf (whom i'd heard but who always seemed a little "lite") grips you from the get and doesn't relent--great, skippy pop melodies you will dance round your room to. nada surf mix it up pretty well as well: the songs don't sound samey, but they are certainly "of a piece." really impressive! great mild dissonance amidst the acousticy sweetness--kinda thing that gets me every time! buy it!

I have read countless reviews of this album on other web sites and they always refer to Nada Surf, on the release of albums that are post-HIGH/LOW, as a one-hit-wonder band. I don't know about everyone else, but i have been following this band since HIGH/LOW and every album is great than the previous. This album is no exception. 'The Weight Is a Gift' is by far the best recording they have released yet. The song writing is top-knotch and the Engineering on the disc is flawless.

I should go on to tell you about the single on this record, but ever song is awesome. I cannot stop listening to this album. Thank you Nada Surf for making music that doesn't bore me after one listen.

I would for sure recommend this to any fan of the Beatles, Matthew Sweet, Superchunk, and any thing indie power pop.