The Long Weekend E.P. cover

The Long Weekend E.P.

Barenaked Ladies · 2014

13 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A stripped-down collection of acoustic renditions that spotlight the band's clever lyricism and melodic sensibility.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Odds Are (Acoustic) — This track exemplifies the band's knack for balancing upbeat melodies with introspective lyrics, making it an engaging opener that invites listeners into the EP's intimate atmosphere.
  • →
    Blame It on Me (Acoustic) — The acoustic version strips down the original's production, allowing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics to shine through, reflecting vulnerability in a relatable way.
  • →
    Did I Say That Out Loud? (Live) — This live rendition captures the band's dynamic energy and interaction with the audience, emphasizing their charisma and ability to connect during performances.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases acoustic reinterpretations that highlight lyrical strengths but lacks a strong cohesive narrative.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks are acoustic renditions of previously released songs, maintaining their original melodies while altering the arrangements.
  • The final track is a live performance, which introduces audience interaction and a different energy compared to the studio tracks.
  • The EP has a consistent mid-tempo feel throughout, with an emphasis on vocal harmonies and lyrical clarity.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Odds Are (Acoustic) 3:05
  • 2 Smile (Acoustic) 2:35
  • 3 Blame It on Me (Acoustic) 4:43
  • 4 Did I Say That Out Loud? (Live) 2:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata