The Problem With Me leaves me immobile on the floor, staring at the ceiling in an introspective stupor. It's emotionally charged indie rock - the type with stream of consciousness lyrics and a clean, mildly jangled guitar on the verge of overdriven implosion. Here's my favorite track from the album:
The Problem With Me is a tumultuous experience that ends with the somber realization that we're either growing old or going insane. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the nostalgic or lonesome feelings of albums by Red House Painters and American Football. Seam's subsequent album, Are You Driving Me Crazy?, is worth a listen, but I don't find it as emotionally provoking as The Problem With Me.
They Might Be Giants albums can usually be split into two halves: one containing some of the most intelligent, captivating pop songs ever put to tape and the other containing Flansburgh's songs. They Might Be Giants is a minor exemption because Flansburgh cranks out some great ones (see "Put Your Hand Inside My Puppet Head" and "Youth Culture Killed My Dog"); however, Linnell still steals the show. "Don't Lets Start" is the quintessential introduction to They Might Be Giants. We get the drum machine, synth bass, meandering lyrics, and a melody that would make the mopiest of mopes head bop. It's only missing the accordion!
Linnell provides more pop perfection with "Everything Right Is Wrong Again", "She's an Angel", and "Rhythm Section Want Ad". There are a few songs I consistently skip, but don't let some of the duds keep you from listening to They Might Be Giants and exploring their discography, especially their output throughout the 1990's.
Unwound is restrained energy. I frequently expect songs to explode into crescendo heavy bliss, but Unwound remains composed. They combine the angular guitar tone of their hardcore punk predecessors with the brooding atmosphere of post-punk. Try "Lady Elect" on for size.
Sure, the instrumentation during the chorus is notably more aggressive than the verses, but the vocals remain distant. The low rattle of the bass resonates throughout my ears and into my chest. I feel angst, but I am surprisingly content and ready to be engulfed by the impending tidal wave.
Despite the occasional outburst, Repetition (and most of Unwound's later discography) maintains this juxtaposition. Their final album, Leaves Turn Inside You, is slightly more mellow and cohesive, so it may be a better introduction. Just make sure you eventually work your way through Repetition and the rest of Unwound's spectacular discography.
I've only started listening to Key Lime Pie recently, but it has quickly become one of my favorite albums. It's instantly memorable alternative rock that works as equally well for driving sing-a-longs as it does for background music. The violin accents the music and occasionally hints at the looming alternative country boom of the 1990's.
"All Her Favorite Fruit" is one of the slower songs on Key Lime Pie. It initially sounds like another unrequited love song until we get into "peppered steak and corn" and I'm lost. The melody is fantastic though and makes up for the sometimes nonsensical lyrics. The violin is spot on here and really shines in the bridge slightly after the three minute mark.
Key Lime Pie feels continuous. It's track after track of alternative rock goodness. If you're looking for something exotic or experimental, this won't be your cup of tea; however, if you just want to kick back and listen to a finely crafted album, give it a spin!
Key Lime Pie feels continuous. It's track after track of alternative rock goodness. If you're looking for something exotic or experimental, this won't be your cup of tea; however, if you just want to kick back and listen to a finely crafted album, give it a spin!
So true. I think this is one of the very first albums that really had that Alt Nation production sheen and feel to it making it very different from their preceding albums. The bright and crisp production really works for them showing what great songwriters they were. Haven't heard this in ages, but I remember it charming my pants off back in the day despite being their most overtly pop album.
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