dirty town
I've been told that objectivity and music criticism go together like oil and water. And to a point, I don't think anyone would argue that that isn't true. On the other hand, passing judgment on something, isn't always directly tied into whether or not you like something or not. There are plenty of acts that I dislike and also think out and out suck, but there are also artists that I'd never go out of my way to listen to who I can recognize as extremely talented. I don't really like M. Ward or My Morning Jacket, but honestly, I think you'd be stupid to call either a "bad band." Well, M. Ward isn't really a "band" at all, but you get my point. With that, here's a record that really didn't do anything for me, but could very likely do a lot for you.
Promo Pile: Vol. 2
Mother Mother - Touch Up
I remember reading a claim somewhere that Vancouver's own Mother Mother (formerly just Mother) were like "nothing you've ever heard." The statement's completely untrue, but I can see what they were getting at. The songs on Touch Up are like everything you've heard before all at once. And it's that strange blend of the familiar that's certainly positioned the band as something unique. The songs are rooted in country/folk traditions, but they pull from anywhere and everywhere through the record's thirteen tracks. While it's less frantic than Girl Talk (and certainly less dance floor oriented), it's not totally outlandish to say that both acts are the product of the same sort of ADD, mashed up, MTV clip'd culture.
There's really no "you'll like A if you like B" comparison to make. But you can get a pretty good idea of what the record is all about by streaming three songs on their official site. It's one of those records that will divide rather than unite, and there's probably an equal chance that you'll love it as there is that you'll hate it. And that means you should at least check it out.
now plaing: Julie Doiron - Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard (Paul Simon Cover)
Labels: mother mother, promo pile
11 Comments:
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By 
redux89, at
12:07 p.m.
i agree about MM. it's a wicked record, and a very unique blend of genres, but i still don't have the burning desire to put the record on at home.
thanks for showcasing another local band.
By redux89, at
12:08 p.m.
they are currently the best live band in vancouver.
By 
, at
1:53 p.m.
according to who????
By , at
4:33 p.m.
Dude, you don't like My Morning Jacket?!
And you were right about Do Make Say Think... I don't think I'll be paying to see them again anytime soon.
By , at
5:57 p.m.
not a whole lot, no...
my friend said DMST "blew her mind" last night.
By Quinn, at
11:58 p.m.
the DMST show was one of the best shows I've ever seen. i'm not exaggerating.
who is this Chris fool who disagrees??
By redux89, at
10:24 a.m.
I just didn't think it was a particularly engaging live experience. Some of ther new compositions didn't really go anywhere, and I found some of the time signatures a bit jarring.
On the whole, I feel that their music is better enjoyed at home than in a club. That is all.
By , at
12:18 p.m.
I didn't see the most recent show... but after seeing them whenever the last time they came was (also at Ricahrd's)... I sort of tend to agree. They were really good, but I was sort of compelled to lie down, which probably wasn't appropriate in a bar.
DMST was good, but hardly mind blowing or even top 20 of the best shows i've seen. actually chris is pretty accurate in his comments. although, they did play a lot longer than i thought they would.
By firmdragon, at
4:46 p.m.
fair enough. I guess all that mescaline I took beforehand caused me to have a more enjoyable experience.
i agree that the newer songs weren't as compelling as the best ones from their last 2 records.
By redux89, at
10:05 a.m.
