The Vanity Project - A Review

I guess it's no real surprise that I received an advance copy of The Vanity Project, as I have been working with Flagship Recordings behind the scenes, doing some design work to get things off the ground. Until now, I haven't really been able to talk about it, and that's been rough. The up side is, I have had about a month and a half to absorb the album, and let it sink in. Now, two weeks before the release date, I can finally share my impressions with the fan community.

The reason I say "fan community" and not "world at large" should be fairly plain -- as a long-time Barenaked Ladies fan, and the webmaster of The Royal Order of Steven Page, it's not particularly easy for me to be truly objective. I try, but as someone who often jokes that she would purchase a recording of Steve belching "O Canada," I can hardly be trusted for objectivity. Having said that...

If you've been following the BNL fan boards, by now you should at least know the short version of the birth of The Vanity Project. In case you've been out of the loop, here's the scoop: The Vanity Project is the first (and hopefully not last!) solo effort by Barenaked Ladies' frontman Steven Page. It contains 12 original songs, 11 of which were written in collaboration with Stephen Duffy, Steve's long-time, part-time songwriting partner ("Jane," "Call and Answer," anyone?). Named with a keen self-awareness, The Vanity Project is an excellent outlet for these songs now that BNL has begun a more collective songwriting process on recent albums. If you'd like to know more about TVP, I welcome you to read the official bio, available in PDF form from the Flagship Recordings web site, on the Artists page. The Vanity Project also has its own web site at www.vanity-project.com

Overall, I think I love The Vanity Project -- at the very least, I really, really, REALLY like it. True, I don't love every single song, but as a whole I think it is a strong album, and a great showcase of the Page/Duffy collaborations that I have always enjoyed in the past. "Powder Blue" and "Call and Answer" are two of my favorite Barenaked Ladies' songs, and, as it turns out, both are Page/Duffy creations. Why is this even remotely relevant? Listening to this album, I am repeatedly reminded of these two songs, as there are similar vibes throughout the record. (Side note: My Flagship sources tell me that the idea was raised at one point that "Powder Blue" be included on The Vanity Project. To be honest, it would have fit in very well.)

Top Five
1. So Young So Wrong So Long
2. Thank You For Sharing
3. Wilted Rose
4. Glitterbug
5. So. Cal

Resources

The Vanity Project - Official web site
Flagship Recordings - Bio, streaming audio, news & updates
Fan Driven Postcard Campaign - download the linked image, and pass it on!
JAM! Music - Article about the genesis of The Vanity Project