Though the expectation is probably unfair, I can't help comparing this collection to the seminal previous album, Daydream Nation. Though "Dirty Boots" has the expected building intro, the opening notes confirm that this will be a more subdued affair, and with less of the intricate moments that made Daydream Nation shimmer. Gordon's "Tunic" is cool as a concept, though not much of a song. "Kool Thing"****, with its "Highway Star" intro, is more focused and memorable, though Gordon's taunting monologue is a mere distraction and excuse for Chuck D to phone in a couple sound bytes (compared to Mike Watt's enigmatic phone message on Daydream). Gordon's "My Friend Goo"**** is dumber but addictively fun. On this album particularly, for better of for worse, Gordon's songs are actually the most memorable. Moore and Ronaldo's songs all have a few interesting riffs and textures, especially "Disappear" and closer "Titanium Expose". Almost every song on the album has merit, but there is just nothing as propulsive as "Teenage Riot", intense as "Eliminator Jr", or as textured at the end of "The Sprawl". There are worse things, but then there are better.
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