When I think of what “radio rock” should be, versus the current state of mostly tepid fare that jocks it forward, THE SPECIAL GOODNESS seem like the exact antidote needed to expunge the masses from embarrassments like TRAPT, PUDDLE OF MUDD, STAID, and so forth. “Land Air Sea,” is an sweet tooth of glorious pop charm mated to mid-paced, thick-textured WEEZERish grandeur. Of course, that’s not entirely shocking with WEEZER’s Pat Wilson maintaining one half of this band’s personnel. The other half is comprised of Atom Willard, who spent ten years with ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT, and is now drumming for THE OFFSPRING. The tracks for “Land Air Sea” were originally crafted a couple of years ago, and were sold through a limited basis in early 2003, but Epitaph has had them remixed, and the overall result is very warm and inviting. Although all 12 songs have near-single like quality, the one that stands out the most is the second tune, “Life Goes By,” with its booming chorus, and can’t miss guitar hooks. The fifth tune, “Oops” comes off as appropriately named with its ominous guitar riff, signaling that misfortune is on schedule. While “Land Air Sea” has a very consistent feel, the songwriting isn’t at all mundane, perhaps by the assistance of a few guitar solos that peek out every so often, including one that I swear mimics GUNS N ROSES’ “November Rain” for a chunk of notes. THE SPECIAL GOODNESS sedates me in a fashion that makes me wonder why these guys have seeminly hit all of the perfect “pop” buttons where so many others have failed.

Epitaph

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