The Dream Is Over is MK Ultra's third and best album. While their first two are eminently listenable, and some of the well-crafted older songs still pepper their live shows, they both pale in comparison with this flawless record.
The title track starts off the album with the pristine strumming of two harmonious steel-string guitars. After several soothing measures, John Vanderslice's gorgeous vocals float in, layered with the band's signature impeccable, intricate harmonies. Under several additional vocal tracks, some perfectly clean, some tinny and distant, the low-key and jazzy drumming of Matt Torrey kicks in, but in such a subtle way that you almost don't notice. The ever-interesting guitar work of John Tyner adds yet another dimension to the mix, and the result is haunting and spine-tingling. I could listen to this track all day, it kicks me right in the gut. When Vanderslice sings "it's unbelievably sad" you suddenly feel, well, unbelievably sad. The song is a seeming paradoxical mix of simplicity, complexity, purity, and studio trickery.
The qualities that make this track a heart-breaker are present on every moment of this album. Sonically, MK Ultra has grown confident enough to embrace simplicity, stripping down the songs to the most vital elements. Yet, the richness of the instrumentation and the interplay between each vocal and guitar line is such that you discover something new to like about each song with each subsequent listen. In essence, it's all of the best things about pop music, without the musical banality that is the pitfall of the genre.
Lyrically, Vanderslice has found his voice. He's gravitated toward intensely personal narration, as opposed to the more esoteric subject matter of his earlier songs. The result is emotionally engaging, whether his narrator is regaling us with his love for the militia ("Red on White on Blue") or dealing with the aftermath of his girlfriend's abortion ("Goodbye, Max!"). Regardless of the subject matter, the originality and excellence of his words is impressive, and a breath of fresh air after years of indie-rock mumbled nonsense. It's so refreshing to hear people actually sing, and sing well. And with three-part harmonies, no less.
But with all this talk of beauty and emotional resonance, don't be misled; MK Ultra still know how to rock. Dan Carr kicks into "All We Have" with a driving pop bass line that I wish I'd written, and we get to see the rhythm section bust out a bit. Not to mention, this song is noteworthy because Vanderslice sings about "jerking off" in a way that would make Jocelyn Elders proud.
If you have ever called yourself a fan of pop music, you need to own this CD. And play it repeatedly. Your ears will thank you.
If you like The Dream Is Over, check out:
MK Ultra Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
MK Ultra MK Ultra
Granfaloon Bus Good Funeral Weather
Elliot Smith XO
Neutral Milk Hotel In The Aeroplane Over The Sea
