The return of Washington-state alternative rockers Poor Old Lu, after the obligatory releases of a best-of (Chrono (1993-1998)) and a farewell concert recording (In Their Final Performance), should be no real surprise to Easter people. We should be getting used to resurrection by now.
Still, in the world of pay-to-play Christian rock, one figures that sooner or later it's no longer going to be cost-effective for family men to play music that's guaranteed only modest sales in the Christian indie ghetto. So, Revivification might have been a more appropriate title than The Waiting Room, but other than that minor caveat, you'll get no complaints from me. It's a nice thing to have more fine, creative rock from POL.
Filled to the brim with Aaron Sprinkle's alternately chiming, jangling and crunchy guitars, we find a maturing Poor Old Lu working hard to maintain their previous high standard of emotionally true and musically compelling song-craft. From the opening "Revolve" to the closing title track they deliver smart, reflective and genuine reflections on life in the real world when you're "Praying for the Perfect World." In that regard, all of us are still waiting, but each beautiful moment in life, including this disc, cry out for us to live fully "Today."
Sometimes the second time around is the best time around.
Editors' ratings — Doug 3/5, David 2/5
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Chris MacIntoshOnce upon a time many, many years ago, in a land lost in legend, oh all right it was in Seattle and it was only ten years ago, a band was born. Taking their name from a line in The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, Poor Old Lu was born. After releasing a number of well received albums, the members of the group disbanded to pursue the greener pastures of solo careers. Bassist, Nick…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Matt ModrichSix years have passed since Poor Old Lu retired after Picture of the Eighth Wonder. Still, The Waiting Room seems like the band has only been in Narnia while no time has passed in the real world. The Waiting Room picks up where the last record left off. Tracks like "Now," "Crushed," "Crowded," and "The Waiting Room" are the hits, but the others aren't too shabby. Some of the songs just take a…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Keith GilesThe wait is over. Fans of Poor Old Lu will be thrilled to know that, not only has this talented band re-formed, they've also just released the most cohesive, evocative and passionate new recording in their "off-again, on-again" history. After nearly five years, hearing the opening strains of the album's first cut, "Revolve" is like getting a phone call from an old friend or a letter from a lost…Similar sounding releases
2003The Prayer ChainHere Comes the Rust
2002RushVapor Trails
2003BleachAstronomy
1995Adam AgainPerfecta
2002SilverchairDiorama
1996Seven Day JesusThe HungerMore from Poor Old Lu
1996A Picture of the Eighth Wonder
1998Chrono (1993-1998)
1998In Their Final Performance
1992Star Studded Super Step
1993Mindsize
