Until very recently, I had never listened to The American Analog Set, but had heard their name in conversations about lo-fi music. As usual, I was in my favorite record shop looking for new stuff to listen to and came across one of their records called Know By Heart. Generally, I like to get into a new band by starting with their first record, but this time the price was right ($4) so I just went for it. My decision was made easier by the title of the first track: "Punk as Fuck". I actually laughed out loud because I knew they were on the mellow side. It seemed that the song must be some kind of inside joke and I was ready to get in on it!
I guess another thing that contributed to my leap into the world of The American Analog Set was the fact that I knew they came from Austin, Texas. Austin has been churning out really good bands for over a decade now including Spoon, The Black Angels and Explosions in the Sky.
Anyway, this album is just the right blend of dream-pop drone and elegant lo-fi. I have had it about two weeks and have probably listened to it about eleven times straight through. I am currently on the lookout for their other records. This one has plenty of sarcasm and wit. Plenty of ambience. Just plenty! Good record. Pick it up!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
That's NOT Indie Rock!
Dear American teenagers,
Just because a band has successfully imitated Death Cab For Cutie's sound that does NOT mean they are Indie Rock. In the same way that imitating Nirvana in the 90s didn't make a band "grunge". And what is the fascination with the word "emo"? Do any of you even know what the word means? I can't stand the labels people insist on putting on bands. In my teens, the term "alternative" started floating around. What's wrong with just calling something what it is? Is it good or bad? Seriously... what is "alternative" music supposed to be an alternative to? The garbage on the radio? What about "alternative" radio stations? I don't get it. Either it's good music or it isn't. STOP LABELING! Indie music used to mean something that was independently produced. Could be hip-hop or could sound like The Shins... STOP LABELING!
Just because a band has successfully imitated Death Cab For Cutie's sound that does NOT mean they are Indie Rock. In the same way that imitating Nirvana in the 90s didn't make a band "grunge". And what is the fascination with the word "emo"? Do any of you even know what the word means? I can't stand the labels people insist on putting on bands. In my teens, the term "alternative" started floating around. What's wrong with just calling something what it is? Is it good or bad? Seriously... what is "alternative" music supposed to be an alternative to? The garbage on the radio? What about "alternative" radio stations? I don't get it. Either it's good music or it isn't. STOP LABELING! Indie music used to mean something that was independently produced. Could be hip-hop or could sound like The Shins... STOP LABELING!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
