First Thoughts on “Joy”

• First, this is good, solid rock and roll. That’s pretty much what I thought when I first heard “Backwards Down the Number Line,” which debuted at Hampton this year.

• Speaking of that song, its chorus, with the two vocal parts, gives me goosebumps.

• Joy, the title track, is beautiful. The first listen brought tears to my eyes. I listened to it again after going through the whole record.

• I can’t remember where, but I saw some dismissive commentary about the Mike and Page tunes. I actually think the songs are critical to the record. Mike’s song, “Sugar Shack,” shows off the same originality that he brings to his solo stuff. I think that’s key to mix with the Anastasio/Marshall material. As for Page’s song, it was the only one that made me laugh. And even when he’s half joking, it’s clear how that dude can sing.

• I love “Time Turns Elastic.” That song has only grown on me.

• Bands evolve. I’m sure some folks will be disappointed with this one, because the chops aren’t quite as frothy as the old school stuff. No stops on a dime (e.g. You Enjoy Myself), not much in the way of trademark insane crescendos (e.g. Llama), and the vocal parts are solid but not really clever or over the top (e.g. Bouncing Around the Room). I’m not disappointed. I feel like I’ve been on a journey with these guys since 1990. I’m sticking with them.