REVIEWS

Review in Nightlife Magazine, Carbondale, IL, January 29, 1998, entire text:

Don't ask how they do it, but the Good can weave depressing subjects like political and moral decay into intricately devised compositions that sound exactly like rock 'n' roll. One finds oneself enraptured by the tunes, while at the same time being immersed in deep inner debate over the lyrical nature the Good exude. They are able to make the listener think without realizing it.

The Good's Whitehouse Records release, Milky White, is a fantastic journey through the history of everyone's childhood. It captures essences and nuances of life's grand parade that hardly ever come to light in contemporary media of any kind. The CD proves beyond a modicum of doubt that the Good are truly realizing what makes the American Dream tick. From the threat of nuclear disaster and the internalized ignorance and desensitization of the masses to specific instances in our nation's history, the Good revels in touchy subjects and even gives us some insight as to where the roots of the problems lie.

Tony Rogers and Devin Arkin are the Good's core songwriters. With subtle sarcasm, obvious taunts, and wicked senses of humor, the two provide the potpourri Milky White yields. They are backed up by John Scholvin on guitar and vocals, who provides a considerable amount of fervor to the Good's sound. John Goodman (not the actor) does the drumming and newly called aboard David Russell lays down the bass. Together they mingle to produce music that fate can't deny.

Their sound could be described as a combination of Pink Floyd and Pearl Jam, but that's not even close. British rock and American pop influences are evident, but the Good derive their sound from a single source... themselves. They can't be pinned down easily, yet they are very familiar. They are like long lost schoolmates who swing from jungle gyms of the rock 'n' roll playground.

Their live show is an integration of the stuff off Milky White, their first release, Oft Interred With Their Bones, and some newer material. They have been known to do a few covers, including an obscure fifteen minute medley/jam with a working title of "Smells Like Tom Sawyer." The Good have been playing out quite a bit recently and, according to Tony Rogers, they're only getting better. They don't seem put off by presenting their special brand of rock to new audiences either.

Devin Arkin put it this way: "We've played our stuff in front of [everyone from] punk rock crowds to cheese metal crowds. We are proficient enough as a band to play our stuff and make it entertaining. I don't fear any crowd."

The Good will be wielding their shtick live at the Copper Dragon this Saturday, January 31, and are only part of this nutritionally balanced evening. The afore mentioned Spelunkers, another Whitehouse Records band, will open. The Spelunkers and the Good have done several gigs together in and around the Midwest, so they are already comfortable playing together.

Expect to be surprised, since the Good has never been to Carbondale before. They received airplay on WIDB and WTAO in the past two years, so you may have heard them before, but rest assured, you would know if you had. They have a unique approach that throws everyone off kilter. This will be a band you'll remember unless you forget to go. Don't let these guys from Chicago go unsung.