Grohl's idea was a good one. Pay tribute to each city with a song based on the stories told and lessons learned. Except the songs themselves aren't very remarkable. They all sound like Dave's pondering middle ages and he's really bummed about it.
shareYeah the episodes really nosedived in energy and inspiration towards the end, when there's this tangible change in tone as the band's new song is performed and shot like a boring music video.
I applaud Dave and the band for this inspired idea - I've learned more about music history watching these episodes and Sound City than I have locked away in my room listening to records all day as a kid. I really hope there's another season.
But they need to take another approach to how the band's inspiration is made apparent. Maybe next time they don't actually record a new album and rather do a covers record with a whole bunch of local guest artists?
Sonic Highways is my least favorite FF album and the songs are especially hokey and bland when you hear them within the context of the episodes. The Finale song I Am a River from the NY sessions kinda p!ssed me off.
I prefer FF when they're far less earnest than this. As you say, it sounds very middle aged and middle of the road and it's far too soon for the band to turn into the Eagles or Steely Dan.