FDF Volume 1: Issue 82: Andrew W.K - I Get Wet

Album - I Get Wet
Artist - Andrew W.K.
Key Players - Andrew W.K - vocals, Tony Allen, guitar, Chris Chaney - bass guitar, Jimmy Coup - guitar, Mike David - bass guitar, Gary Novak - drums
F.T. Thomas - guitar, Frank Vierti - piano, keyboards, Phil X. - guitar
Produced By - Andrew W.K, Mario Dane, Scott Humphrey

Release Date - November 2001.


What caused me to blow off the dust? - One night recently I couldn't sleep so I headed to the basement where my stereo and cds are kept. I sat for close to one hour pulling cds and listening to a track from one, then on to the other..until for some reason I grabbed "I Get Wet". A huge smile overtook me and I realized it had been far to long.

Overview - Andrew W.K. (real name Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier) was in bands from age 13 released this, his major label debut in 2001. It caused concern from the get go with a bloodied image of AWK on the cover. Rumor had it that he hit himself in the face with a brick right before the cover shoot, thus resulting in the image. The album would bring him some success, getting tour slots and some commercial deals. Andrew, known for his totally white outfits on stage (he said he did this because the bands he loved growing up all wore black and you never could see them on stage), also would go crazy live, which resulted in a broken foot. He loves his fans and goes above and beyond to meet as many as possible. His follow up "The Wolf" didn't leave quite as big a mark and his subsequent release(s) haven't had a proper release in the U.S.

FDF Comments (aka the songs) - This album hits hard and fast with "It's Time to Party". Clocking in at 1 minute 30 seconds you are in the mix right away. The guitars buzz, the drums hit hard and before you know it your head is bobbing along. It IS time to party Andrew..indeed it is. Second song in, we are still in party mode when the lead off single "Party Hard" is unleashed. In a wall of guitars we are off to the races. A single guitar then rises over it before a single keyboard note is played a few times then wham the drums it. The chorus is just great "Lets get a party going, lets get a party going .....PARTY HARD!!!. Honestly, this song is rock and roll sugar..it is so basic, yet catchy. It all ends with a loud "AHHHH". Whew that was good. A seemingly lighter track "Girls Own Love" follows, but before you know it the trademark wall of guitars is laid down. The keyboard intro fools you. The chorus showcases some pretty decent harmonies for what the song is doing, you'd never expect it. Andrew keeps the chorus steady while the band layers over the top. A love song, but its hard to tell because its not a mellow track by any means. There is a false ending before we get the chorus one last time. The scary titled "Ready to Die" follows. Honestly, this is THE track from Andrew W.K. The music just explodes off the speakers and Andrew really pushes himself. The guitar and keyboard sort of mesh into this hybrid of 80's cheese and metal for a cool sound. When he stutter sings "ready to die" towards the end a gun shot rings out and the whole riff is repeated..man this is some good stuff. The band doesn't slow down as "Take It Off" follows. The same pattern is followed, quiet intro, drum crash, wall of guitar, slow it down with keyboard/piano then get it all rolling. It is harmless good fun. "I Love NYC" is the first track that has Andrew singing right from the start. He professes his love by singing that very line, then saying "oh yeah New York City". He is in strong voice, but its a little held back. The keyboard retain more of the 80's synth feel as well. A real hidden gem on the cd is "She Is Beautiful" which follows. Musically it is what we expect by now but the lyrics just strike a chord. If some American Idol pop star sang this, slowed down some, they'd have a massive #1 hit. Read the lyrics here. We are not talking a "Sgt Pepper" moment here folks, but this is pure pop..come on. The song that every single entertainment venue, complex would love to use "Party Til You Puke" is up next. Nuff said. This song says it all. The blistering intro sets the tone and we "go.go.go". The super growl returns to open up "Fun Night". Where the heck are the ad executives? We have been having Fun, Partying hard (till we puke no less). We are on auto pilot right now. The longest track on the album "Got to Do It" comes up and it is still 5 seconds short of 4 minutes. Its a little more laid back, but still a rock song. The title track is buried 11 tracks in, "I Get Wet" opens with what appears to be a horn section before we hammer on down once more. I think he repeats "I Get Wet" 50 or more times, but still its fun. The album closes off with a track that Target stores bought for an ad called "Don't Stop Living in the Red". The bulk used in the commercial is the hook of the track where they just sing "Don't stop living in the Red". *rushes off to Target*


Where are they now? - Andrew continues to write and record. There are rumors of at least two releases being slated for 2008.


FDF Personal Comments (aka the Live experience) - I have never seen Andrew W.K. live, but man I really want to. If his live shows are anything like the video (I believe they are) how can you go wrong?


FDF Overall Take - There are better records and worse records. For what this is, a blend of metal, pop and chaos it is just a fun, repeat FUN listen. Either you love it or hate it that is the bottom line on this. Honestly, how many songs mention "party" to begin with. There are some really fun moments on this record and it was a listen that was long overdue. Hopefully the last few AWK cds will get released here in the States.

Links
Official site
Myspace page


Curious? Check out some MUSIC!

***MP3's have been removed March 4, 2008 2:25 PM ET***

The live show has everything I'd have posted, but
"Fun Night"
and Don't Stop Living in the Red

Those tracks taken from "I Get Wet" which you can buy here

**Bonus Download**

Andrew W.K.
The Astoria, London England
February 10, 2002

This sounds GREAT and has all the tracks you WANT to hear.

Taken down...

Time to Party
Take it Off
Ready to Die
Girls Own Love
She is Beautiful
I Love New York City
Got to Do It
Party Till You Puke
Party Hard

Disclaimer - For the most part songs listed you can find on iTunes or your local cd shop. The idea is to give you a little taste of the music. Please support the artist buy purchasing some of their work. Songs are posted for about 1 week but can and will be removed at the request of the artist, band, band management etc. If you are one of those persons contact me via the email link in the profile and they will be removed as soon as we are made aware of the request.