Lemuria's Get Better is a great pop record. It is a no frills power pop record. This is the type of record I don't spend nearly enough time with. It's the kind of record that when one of the songs comes up on shuffle you can't help but think, "Why don't I listen to this all the time?" I think the main reason I don't spend enough time with records of this ilk is simply because so much of it seems boring, but this band is anything but boring. Almost all the songs are up beat and catchy with very simple lyrics*. If your looking for a fun sing along record, then I highly suggest Lemuria's 2008 release Get Better.*
*When I say simple i don't mean simplistic. I mean often repeated. The lyrics deal with the usual themes. Love, Love Lost, Friends, Day to Day life, and so forth.
*Don't worry by the way, a slew of emo and hardcore reviews are coming. I have by no means forgotten my roots.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Owen: At Home With Own
Let's try something new. See I have not bothered to write words at all in so long that I fear that I may lose the skill. So, with that crippling fear driving us forward, how about some record reviews? I have recently gotten into buying and listening to music again* So the first batch of new records arrived on my door Saturday. First up Owen - At Home With Owen
Some quick background on the Owen. Owen is a group out of Chicago IL. The members have done a zillion other bands that they would probably prefer people not to mention in reviews.* Plus framing bands in the context of all their former bands often times give you the wrong impression and sets expectations in the wrong direction.
Owen play soft indie twee pop. The songs usually center around intricate acoustic guitar playing. There are occasional elements of rock, but over all the band is a soothing listen. The vocals have that classic mid west somewhat off key and yet right in there feel that so many bands from the region have mastered. The lyrical content is great. If you are older guy who has spent anytime on tour, you will be able to relate to a great many songs. Some of my personal favorite lyrics include:
"The free beer and basement shows don't mean what they did.
It's what you do, not who you were,
What you wear, where you've been.
So do something."
This one sums up so many people I have known through the years who are attempting trading on their past glory in bands that almost no one has ever heard of. Trust me, I get how they feel. I sure as hell miss basement shows with bands rocking and screaming. Instead I live in a world where because I have a job where I get up in the morning it means I can't go to rock shows. It sucks and it's painful, but living in the past isn't the answer.
Bad backs and hardwood floors.
I'm so sick of waking up sore and not knowing where I am.
And this was a lot more fun when the music meant something to someone.
And I didn't have a girlfriend.
Basically this one makes me miss everything about tour. Mostly because I have not been touring constantly for a decade plus like the singer.
Over all At Home With Owen is a solid B+ album. It will be in heavy rotation on long night drives for a good while.
And might I just say, that I had no idea how much I missed it.
Let's just say they were in some supper influential indie bands and just move on.
Some quick background on the Owen. Owen is a group out of Chicago IL. The members have done a zillion other bands that they would probably prefer people not to mention in reviews.* Plus framing bands in the context of all their former bands often times give you the wrong impression and sets expectations in the wrong direction.
Owen play soft indie twee pop. The songs usually center around intricate acoustic guitar playing. There are occasional elements of rock, but over all the band is a soothing listen. The vocals have that classic mid west somewhat off key and yet right in there feel that so many bands from the region have mastered. The lyrical content is great. If you are older guy who has spent anytime on tour, you will be able to relate to a great many songs. Some of my personal favorite lyrics include:
"The free beer and basement shows don't mean what they did.
It's what you do, not who you were,
What you wear, where you've been.
So do something."
This one sums up so many people I have known through the years who are attempting trading on their past glory in bands that almost no one has ever heard of. Trust me, I get how they feel. I sure as hell miss basement shows with bands rocking and screaming. Instead I live in a world where because I have a job where I get up in the morning it means I can't go to rock shows. It sucks and it's painful, but living in the past isn't the answer.
Bad backs and hardwood floors.
I'm so sick of waking up sore and not knowing where I am.
And this was a lot more fun when the music meant something to someone.
And I didn't have a girlfriend.
Basically this one makes me miss everything about tour. Mostly because I have not been touring constantly for a decade plus like the singer.
Over all At Home With Owen is a solid B+ album. It will be in heavy rotation on long night drives for a good while.
And might I just say, that I had no idea how much I missed it.
Let's just say they were in some supper influential indie bands and just move on.
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