The twelve-track CD begins with a remix of “Way OK,” the original version being the album closer. I enjoyed the remix for it’s catchy pop-induced beat, happy and feel-good all the way through. This mood carried me into the next song, and the next, and the next, finally reaching an annoying climax the the eye-widening fifth track, “Couldja Wouldja” (insert embarrassment at chorus: “Couldja use your teeth/ to take off my pants/ wouldja be down for/ that kind of romance”).
Beyond this point, as the bopping and popping continued to refuse alternative intonations, my initial happy high became lost and convoluted. The slightly sad and most lyrically touching “We Were Gonna Be,” track 10, and the aforementioned closing verison of “Way OK” managed to save the album from a complete downward spiral, reaching a plateau based on touching vocals and a subdued tone. Strange as it may sound, a little sombreness was a welcome addition.
What I truly appreciate about Camp Susannah are the vocals of Susannah Blinkoff herself, which elicit a strong response whether the tune is all pop or a quiet rock. I also appreciate the aurally addictive sentiment that the album attempts to evoke, a la Dido. It’s just that, for me,
