Andrew W.K. – I Get Wet
Label: Island Records
Rating: 
 

Tracks: It's Time to Party Party Hard Girls Own Love Ready To Die Take It Off I Love NYC She is Beautiful Party Til You Puke Fun Night Got To Do It I Get Wet Don't Stop Living In The Red

There is nothing like a little controversy to kick off a music career. Andrew W.K. got a rousing start in the U.K. earlier this year due to the controversial cover art of his debut album, “I Get Wet”.  The vision of Andrew W.K. pictured on the album cover with blood running from his nose and down his face and chin was bit too much for some. (see photo above) The album containing the controversial cover was in U.K. stores less than a month when the Advertising Standards Authority cried foul! Andrew W.K.’s European label, Mercury Records, relented under pressure and placed a sticker on the CD jewel case obscuring all traces of blood from view, but fans only have to pull the CD booklet from the jewel case to see the cover art in all its gore! There is nothing like a little censorship to give a new artist launch a big push.

Needless to say, Andrew W.K. has already created quite a stir in Europe with his debut album, “I Get Wet”, now he is poised to unleash his music on North America. What’s it all about? Is this just another artist using controversy to sell CD’s? Let’s see what Andrew has to say about it? "This record is about 'not stopping' in every sense of the word, and every aspect of life, and it was created with determination that reflected that. Whatever you do in life, if you go full bore you're bound to get wet--with blood, sweat, urine, semen or girls' lubricant.” Says Andrew W.K. about his debut album. “This record is about cutting in to the heart of existence and getting wet... But it's also about having no fear, experiencing intense emotions – from passionate feelings of love and excitement to the most anger filled, hateful rages, and everything in between – embracing life and other people, and coming together as a party in celebration of possibilities, potential and opportunity. It's an explosion of human life."

"I like things to be strong because I feel that other people can derive strength from that themselves. And I try to reflect that strength, and purity, truth and passion for what we are doing in everything you see and hear. How it's not a f***ing joke and that what we mean is very serious to us. I guess you could say this is a cause, but if so, it is a cause that is undertaken simply for its own sake." 

The operative word in Andrew’s statement is “party”, not only are the two lead off tracks on the disc, “It’s Time to Party” and “Party Hard”, all about having a good time, the entire disc even at it’s most serious moments has a “devil may care” and “let’s enjoy today, because tomorrow we may die” attitude. 
Where does Andrew W.K. fit into grand musical landscape? Somewhere in the valley between the mountains Rob Zombie and The Clash, or rather Clash inspired The Living End. At other times the music has a ring of Third Eye Blind or Lit to it like with the track, “Girls Own Love”. Andrew has found a formula that works for him, driving beats, heavy guitars and keyboards, punk inspired melodies and his gruff “Rob Zombie” like vocals. 

Does it work? It really depends on the taste of the listener. Some will walk away scratching their heads, while others will see in Andrew W.K. a messiah on the musical landscape, delivered to save the world from the likes of nu-metal, rap-core and the latest pop stars we hear ad nauseam on the radio.  There is no denying that the music has an addictive quality to it, from the incessant beat to the well-crafted melody lines. To put it simply, Andrew W.K. gives us music to party to. It wouldn’t be surprising to find “I Get Wet” a top CD this year at high school and college parties, as well as in dance clubs. Sure the music is pretty limited in scope and focus, but it is consistent throughout the album. Some will find fault with that and others who love what Andrew WK is all about, will embrace it wholeheartedly. 

Unlike Zombie, who has a sinister edge to his music and a dark sound, Andrew takes things to the opposite extreme, even when dealing with gory subject matter like in the song “Get Ready To Die” the music has an upbeat, optimistic feel to it that has a “Let’s party” attitude. 

The production of the disc is pretty amazing as well. It's full digital treatment from recording to mixing and mastering really shows when you listen to it. The sound explodes from your speakers and envelops you in a wall of guitars, bass, drums and of course Andrew's unforgettable voice. 
 
 

When the album hits the States, you can expect some to dismiss it as frivolous, while others will take to it like a bee to honey because it really is a fun album. Maybe that’s what we need in this day and age, something to take our minds off the seriousness of life, offer us an entertaining escape from the pressures we face in these troubled times, getting back to music as a form of entertainment and an oasis in the desert of what it’s like to live in the early 21st century. You can’t fault Andrew W.K. for his formula; he knows what he set out to do and sticks with it to the last note. When he proclaims in the opening track, “It’s Time to Party”, he means it and delivers on that promise. So if you are looking for a fun new album to help you get away from the pressing issues of life, you really can’t do better than “I Get Wet”. 

Listen to sound samples and Purchase "I Get Wet" online