Bob Evans - The Bradley Suite

The Bradley Suite was the last album that the New Jersey trio of Bob Evans released before splitting up in 1995. The album got the major label treatment, however it’s no surprise that it now qualifies as one of those 1 cent used CD’s that are often found on Amazon. It’s kind of disappointing that such a good album gets that sort of treatment, but at the same time it’s kind of nice for those rare people out there that want them. Before making The Bradley Suite Bob Evans had two albums under their belt, both of which were chock full of powerful punk/post-hardcore tunes. Their earlier material was especially more punk fueled than that of what is contained on The Bradley Suite. What I imagine was an attempt for Elektra Records to cash in on the alterna-boom of the 90’s, The Bradley Suite really doesn’t fit that mold. Their earlier pop tinged punk material probably made the band attractive at the time, however what was delivered on this album was something fairly different and honestly I find it to be their best album. The band is ultimately a bit more melancholic here on The Bradley Suite and the songs greatly reflect it. It sort of steers into that whole mid nineties emo sound with songs like “Rome” and “The Follow”, however that’s about as close as it ever gets.

It makes me wonder what label execs must have thought of an album that contains two acoustic guitar based interludes squeezed in between nine other tracks of moody post-hardcore. Hearing albums like this only makes that time period more interesting to me and music that actually made it to majors due to the overwhelming response to grunge and anything resembling alternative.

Bob Evans – Lawyer [MP3]
Bob Evans – Asphalt [MP3]
Bob Evans – The Follow [MP3]

As mentioned earlier in the post, The Bradley Suite is currently available on Amazon for a penny. So, if the tunes above are of any interest then drop the money for shipping to get the album. Enjoy.