From Blown Speakers

Monday, March 27, 2006
smitten

Every once in awhile I hear this from a friend: "You're going to see (insert band keyshere)? I thought you hated them." And my reply is often that, "yeah, I do." But there's a reason that I'll check out a band that I haven't thought much of in the past. And, that's because (especially when it comes to local bands that I've seen very early on in their lifespan), things change; my tastes for one, but also, bands get better. I'm not sure which is responsible for my reformed opinion on Run Chico Run, but I'd imagine it's a bit of both. The first time I saw the Victoria based twosome was almost three years ago, opening for the Constantines at the Brickyard. I was significantly underwhelmed. Lucky for me, the kind folks at Boompa were gracious enough to send a copy of their brand spankin' new cd, Slow Action, to me.

Matt Skillings and Thomas Shields definitely sound as though they've honed their craft a bit, but (as much as I love them) the muffled confines of the Brickyard might not have been the best place for a first date with their music. There's a lot of stuff going on here. Guitars, drums, synth stabs, piano, seemingly random sounds, and harmonized vocals all compete for air on Slow Action's densely layered tracks. The tunes also resist easy categorization. Yes, there is a unifying "sound," but the boys jump around a bit. "Clockwork Crows" and "Oneanotherwell" feature that jagged rhythmic action that I was complaining Hot Hot Heat had lost, a couple of posts back. Opener, "Broadcast," will probably impress the "freak folk" fan in your life. And, closer and sorta title track, "Slow Action Is The Best Action," sounds like it could soundtrack a spooky, Tim Burton directed, animated film. I'm still digesting it, but thus far, I'm suitably impressed.

download: Run Chico Run - Clockwork Crows (via Boompa)

As a funny aside, when I popped the cd into my computer ITunes displayed track 3, as "Smitten (Visit Http://www.tower.com/theconnection)." The URL takes you to some Tower Records podcast. Weird.

For the record, if you're employment involves sending people CDs, I do promise to listen to everything I get, but I'm probably only going to write about things that I like.

For the record, if you're from Jagjaguwar and you email me a headsup that you've posted a new Ladyhawk .mp3, I will most definitely write about it. I can't wait to hear a recording of "Teenage Love Song," which I'm assuming, is my favourite Ladyhawk liveshow sing along song ("I don't believe in endless love..." You know the one). This blog is going to to turn into a Ladyhawk fansite or something soon.

download: Ladyhawk - The Dugout

Vice's blog has a Chromeo mixtape (yes, tape) up for download. This is all kinds of awesome, as I would venture to say that most of these remixes are better than the album versions (and I like those quite a bit). They're also giving away 50 actual cassettes. Head over there to find out how to get your hands on one.

Finally, head over to my buddy Martin's MySpace to check out his absolutely slammin' DFA1979 vs. Purple Ribbon AllStars blend.

now playing: DJ K. - Romantic Kryptonites (DFA 1979 vs. PRA)

posted by Quinn @ 12:30 a.m. Comments:3

3 Comments:

Yea Run Chico Run is one of those bands where the more you listen, the more you like.

Meggee from Limblifter is a huge fan of them.

By Peter, at 3:24 p.m.

do you have any further info on the Julie Doiron Zulu in store?

By Anonymous, at 9:36 p.m.

not yet.. when i get a time, ill post for sure though.

By Quinn, at 11:10 a.m.