O.A.R.’s direction change is chronicled on this 2-LP 20th anniversary vinyl of Stories Of A Stranger.
O.A.R. – Stories Of A Stranger – 20th Anniversary Edition – Lave Records/Everfine Records(2005)/Craft Recordings CR00936 (2025/) 2-LP gatefold stereo vinyl ****1/2:
Mark Roberge – guitar, lead vocals; Richard On – guitar, vocals; Benj Gershman – bass; Jerry DePizzo – saxophone, guitar, piano; Chris Culos – drums); Joe Gore – guitar, lap steel guitar; Bernie Worrell – piano, Hammond organ, Rhodes piano; synthesizer, clarinet; synth bass, mellotron; Colin Smith – percussion, tambourine, shaker; Vincent Nguini – baritone saxophone; Jerry Harrison – guitar, keyboards, celeste, percussion, drum programming, radio shortwave; Lenny Pickett – saxophone; Brian Switzer – trumpet; Raw Sun – vocals; Toby Lightman – vocals; Matt Nathanson – vocals; Cassidy – vocals; Kristen Henderson – vocals; Cathy Henderson – vocals)
Like many alternative rock bands, O.A.R. (Of A Revolution) achieved recognition performing on the college circuit. They relied on extensive touring and word-of-mouth to build a loyal audience. The core lineup included Mark Roberge (lead vocals, guitar), Richard On (guitar), Benj Gershman – bass), Chris Culos (drums) and Jerry Depizzo (saxophone, guitar). Their music combined elements of reggae, ska, folk and pop. The band was renowned for animated live shows that added to their community status. Eventually, O.A.R.garnered some mainstream success with the release of their fifth album, Stories Of A Stranger. Songs like “Heard The World”, “Love And Memories” and “Lay Down” received increased airplay. In 2006, they played two sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden. Additionally, the group is active in a variety of charities and special performances. O.A.R. continues to tour and record, as they enter their third decade.
Craft Recordings has released a 2-LP reissue of Stories Of A Stranger, which has bonus cuts. Produced by Jerry Harrison, the album is a shift to a more expansive, polished aural landscape, with several additional studio players. Side 1 opens with a pop rock arrangement (“Heard The World”). Roberge’s philosophical angst (“…Nothing’s gonna save me. I’m hanging from the nearest tree”) is framed by acoustic and electric guitar. The final coda is magnetic. “Love And Memories” adopts some of the band’s earlier musical templates. Roberge’s urgency is set against a pulsating beat and crisp backup vocals with cynical lyric imagery. In a palpable change of mood, “Wonderful Day” is breezy and reggae-infused with infectious chords and a raucous saxophone (DePizzo). Affirmative narrative also fits the musical style. This unique intermingling of jaunty tempo, hooks, saxophone and plaintive yearning is infectious. A call and response vocal (Toby Lightman) is excellent.
Revisiting a more affirmative, romantic message, “Lay Down” is another funky ska jam with propulsive drums and Roberge’s most energetic vocal performance. O.A.R. feels comfortable in reggae mode. “Program Director” is musically effusive, while providing a critical view of radio politics, with some Jamaican rap and layered instrumentation. In a change of pace, “Nasim Joon” is a soulful ballad that has some Memphis-type shading. Personal anxiety is never far away in the straight-ahead rocker, “Tragedy In Waiting”. But there is a fervent hope for a better state of mind with nimble saxophone shading. The band’s introspective views on “Daylight The Dog” (“…If you’re lost in the dark, get to where you can see…”) is paired with rock and roll attitude. Exploring ambivalence on “Dakota” (“…You saw everyone as an angel, But what about the thief?…”) feels second nature to the songwriting. A certain highlight is the muscular, hard rocking opus, “52-50”. At nearly 9 minutes, this is the most ambitious multi-faceted track on Stories Of A Stranger. It has a relentless cadence and piercing guitar solo that permeates a breathless transition. It displays intensity and complex musical textures. The final side has three live cuts and a studio number (“Sometimes”) from the original sessions, adding to the luster of this release.
This vinyl reissue is a great look at evolving contemporary rock with a broader sound mix. Vinyl enthusiasts will appreciate the eye-popping Storm Thorgerson (Dark Side Of The Moon, I Robot) cover.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
TrackList:
Side 1: Heard The World; Love And Memories; Wonderful Day; The Stranger
Side 2: Lay Down; Program Director; Nasim Joon; Tragedy In Waiting
Side 3: Daylight The Dog; One Shot; Dakota; 52-50
Side 4: Sometimes (Stories Of A Stranger Sessions); Heard The World (Live); Lay Down (Live); About Mr. Brown (Live)
