If let us say 20,000 visas were unallocated in 2007 and USCIS realized that on the 28th of September, 2007, they still wont be able to use up those 20,000 visas. Hence, setting cut-off dates conservatively is not that motivating. Now nearly all AOS applications have been submitted. In my opinion, this was the only reason to retrogress on July 2: avoid AOS submission whose PDs became current in July. WesleyJones, sputnikmusic.A cut-off date avoids submission of AOS applications with PD after cut-off date. But keep in mind that they can't please everyone. If your wanting to find something good about Nickelback, listen to this album. It has ups and downs, the ups of which are definitely worth a listen. So, in the end, "Curb" is a strong debut album which, despite a few faults that I described above, can be a very entertaining spin for those who are fans of the grunge genre, or indie music. I know its not a big deal, but Roadrunner Records really should've done they're research. "Curb" means the side of a road, and the new cover shows the middle of a road. Also, when originally released, the album cover was different than the one that is shown above, which really makes no sense. The band had also yet to be signed at the time the album was released. The album as a whole has a very underground/indie production style to it, incorporating elements of Grunge, Post-grunge, and Alt-metal. Some of the albums weaker songs include "Sea Groove" and "Pusher". Much like the 1999 follow up "The State", the album suffers from too many similar sounding moments, such as "Detangler" and "Fly" and "Left" and "I Don't Have". Although, that could be a good thing because it makes it sound a lot more underground. "Window Shopper" has decent instrumentals but the vocals on it are diffucult to understand due to the microphone fuzzing out Kroeger's voice. Another is the way some songs are recorded. Chad Kroeger's growling vocals may come off as decent to some, but those unfamiliar will just find them unpleasant, especially on tracks like "Just Four" where Kroeger sounds as if he is singing through his teeth.
The albums highlight songs include "Where"" A fast, raw tune about love and trust, "Falls Back On" a catchy, grungey, more energetic track, "Fly" a nice song about Kroeger as a child wanting to know where bad men go when the die, and "Left" about a man who drowns, his final words being "I'm the only one left" hence the title. Speaking of instrumentation, the bands drummer at the time, Brandon Kroeger, was very energetic, much like the bands current drummer Daniel Adair, who is also an excellent drummer. It may come off as choppy to some, but on tracks like "Falls Back On" and "Detangler" it really stands out.
The next pro with the album is instrumentation. Kroeger seemed a lot more focused and sincere with his lyrics on the bands earlier albums, unlike their newer works with songs such as "Something In Your Mouth" (shudders). Another positive is the lyrical content, especially on songs such as "Where"" "Fly" "Left" and the title track. One of the positive things about this album is that Nickelback have a very grunge-inspired sound, which may please fans of the genre. That doesn't mean the album is perfect, though. "Curb" is the Canadian rock band's debut LP, and it's a pretty solid first effort. Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals – Ryan Peake