GAF does seem to have the "middle child" syndrome, having the misfortune to be released after "Starfish" but before "P=A", so some criticism of it is unfair, particularly its forced, Arista-dominated birth. It does suffer, IMO, as a piece, in that its parts are more than the album as a whole. But, that's not a reason to dismiss GAF whatsoever. If anything, it may have suffered most from its time in the early 90s, i.e. music styles changing, etc.

"Pharoah"- Creepy, anti-label screed. Still doesn't work for me as an opener, perhaps best on "QSAS" (since there are a few there IMO that could've been on GAF instead.)

"Metropolis"- Would've been a great, almost seamless segue from "Hotel Womb." Awesome, aged quite well.

"Terra Nova Cain"- I still love "TNC", as a church-y space rocker. Perhaps dated with the "Pharoah" synth stuff in the BG, but MWP and PK play great guitars on this one.

"City"- I love SK's lyrics on this one, and the chime-y guitars, a riff that sticks in my head.

"Monday Morning"- Another great guitar riff, nice mandolin, reminiscent of "Starfish." "Oh, Monday Morning...Take me back, leave me here...." Love the chorus.

"Russian Autumn Heart"- What can I say? "Spark, Part 2!" Which is a great thing! MWP excels at this, and it doesn't sound ripped off from "Starfish". MWP's low, almost imperceptible double-tracked vox give me reason to sing along, since I can't hit his register. And that guitar solo. Classic MWP. Of course, I have no idea what it's about, but the sounds....

"Essence"- SK's opening bass, the guitars, the drums, picking up speed, bringing us to that great riff, which is as church as anything they've ever done. "The universe is female...Your sway and your swagger....Something stronger than strength...." This could easily be a "P=A"-type sentiment; sounds nothing like that album, but has that similar SK metaphysical feel. Great guitar exit, perfect for an afternoon air guitar session at home.

"You're Still Beautiful"- Here's SK's patented female-folk problem song! In the Antenna/Reptile vein. Does have some nice lyrics, probably could've been a great instrumental, since the music really is nice.

"Disappointment"- Like a proto version of "Swan Lake" or the Spanish-type sound from "SA." A nice, quieter song, definitely giving MWP and/or PK a chance to shine on the old acoustic guitar. Not an essential track, but rather sad in its morose church-iness.

"Transient"- Not one of my favorite PK tunes, but does have serviceable guitar lick, good solo. Kinda get the feeling he tossed one off to match MWP's contribution.

"Laughing"- Nice, soft intro. World weary, glad I didn't hear this one in high school, would've cried my angsty teenage hormones out! SK's vocals are low and soothing, not something he may've been able to attempt and succeed at during the early years. Flows well into...

"Fading Away"- Awesome intro. A nice guitar hook throughout. Good to see a somewhat lessened SK female-folk issue, even though it's gotta be a break-up song. This is one of those "playing the movie in my head" songs SK and the boys are so good at writing.

"Grind"- Taken as is, I like it. However, in accordance with "GAF" as a whole, it's the anti-"Hotel Womb," just as "Pharoah" is the anti-"Destination." Certainly apt for the album, so I guess it does encapsulate "GAF" like those two define for me "Starfish." SK's weariness, bitterness at the world or Arista or life comes through quite well, and "GAF" certainly personifies that sentiment. Defying the current trend in emo "I hate the world, go the f*** away so I can die in a corner," "Grind" extorts us to do exactly what the song is named. And we do. It's a hard and grueling road working for the man, but better times, better music is ahead. And "P=A" is just two years away....

So, while not recommended for a new fan in a single dose, "GAF," taken bit by bit, with selected songs, can get the new fan a good church-y introduction, weaning a new listener off the "Under the Milky Way" hangover the radio may have given him/her. It just doesn't have the cohesiveness, the flow for me like "Starfish." Which is okay. I still rock to it.