It might be safe to say that Dave Grohl has hit his stride. His recent accomplishments include striking a deal with Courtney Love to release a new Nirvana “Best of” record and box set, drumming with both Tenacious D and Queens of the Stone Age (QOTSA) and releasing an amazing record after a three-year delay.The Foo Fighters fourth record, “One by One,” might be seen as a product of Grohl’s environment. It is apparent that while drumming for QOTSA Grohl picked up on more than a few of QOTSA’s writing techniques, as some of the songs on the record are a decided departure from normal Foo fanfare.
QOTSA isn’t the only Queen influence on this album, however, as Brian May adds his talents to “Tired of You.” The eerie guitar track May lays on this song makes it one of the highlights of the album as it maintains the same dynamics of a normal Foo Fighters ballad with the added dimension of the renowned guitarist’s fretwork.
Fans looking for standard Foo craftsmanship need look no further than songs such as “Halo” and “Lonely As You.” These are a few of the stand out tracks on the album regardless of style. While “Halo” is more of a standard Foo Fighters single that could easily warrant radio play, “Lonely As You” is a dynamic rock song that explores some of the band’s new tricks, while heading in a classic direction. While none of these songs sound quite like classic Foo hits, such as “Everlong” or more recently “Learn to Fly,” this collection of eleven songs is certainly worth more than a few spins. Thanks to a reeling record industry, however, a high-quality cd isn’t all you get here.
In an effort to offset the recent slump in record sales, album prices have risen once again. In order to make this cost seem plausible to fans, record companies have started to package albums with extras. This record is no different, as it contains a bonus DVD, with features such as the video for the band’s first single “All My Life,” the Foo Fighters’ song “The One” from the Orange County soundtrack, video clips, an extensive photo gallery, and special web-links.
With the exception of the “All My Life” video, all these features are of poor quality and are there simply as a means of enticing listeners to buy a cd with “extras.” Even if there was more of an effort put into this DVD, it still wouldn’t garner multiple plays, as it is a one-time novelty. Unfortunately the public has little say on the product they receive from record companies, short of the decision to not buy records.
Despite the fact that the DVD is a waste of packaging, most Foo fans will have no trouble spending $15 for their new compact disc, and the Foo Fighters will have no trouble selling what is sure to become their fourth platinum album.