Band of Horses
Band of Horses
The internet has definitely changed the way that I read reviews. In the past, it might be necessary to read the review to get a feel for whether you might like a band. Nowadays, if you hear buzz that a band might be up your alley, you can in all likelihood be listening to one of their songs within seconds, through official websites, MP3 blogs or other channels. The review in many cases serves as a simple stimulus, to provoke you to check something out, and then maybe a guide to peruse after you've obtained the music to see if what you think ends up being in line with the reviewer.
At least that's how I work. So when I see a stimulus as glaring as a coveted Pitchfork "Best New Music" review, and a summary of the review that wastes only six words before comparing the band to My Morning Jacket, I decide to check out the band: in this case the tempting musicians go by the name Band of Horses.
I definitely think that these guys could be for real. This music sounds great turned up loud, and many songs build towards awesome climaxes featuring crashing cymbals and kick ass guitar work. The My Morning Jacket comparison that drew me in initially is pretty accurate, definitely in terms of the singers voice. It is a high pitched spacey one, and sort of detached from the music going on around it. Definitely the kind of band where you are 80% certain that the live show would blow you away, as long as the focused on the rockin' portion of the album.
So check out the first two songs that caught my eye. Both of these songs contain the previously mentioned elements that make them awesome, and are featured on the bands CD Everything All The Time. "The Great Salt Lake" is absolutely worth a listen, and these two different versions of "The Funeral" make me realize that i would most likely not go very far as a record producer. Listen to the The Funeral - Demo Version, then the The Funeral - Album Version. Obviously the same song, but the album version much more epic and awesome. I would have been fine to leave the great demo version alone, pack up and save some dough on studio time. I, ladies and gentlemen, am an idiot.
One final note, that I debated including for a long time. I decided to go for it. I promise to you, the reader, that on this blog, you will never ever read a record review that includes the following string of words: "In the year between my father's diagnosis with cancer and his death...."
Comments
Christ what a terrible way to start a record review. I would rather have read "Band of Horses is the first band to cause a noticable decrease in the size and frequency of my anal warts."
By the way I've been reading your blog.
Posted by: Jake | March 21, 2006 09:21 AM
Very cool to read your opinion on the internet review/download paradigm shift. I have aquired the same habit and likewise was drawn to Band of Horses because of Pitchfork, downloaded a couple of tracks and bought the album a few days later. Works for me.
Posted by: Wendy | March 28, 2006 08:52 PM
great site, and thanks much for the show. i have their tour only cd on my site available for download. see the link belfow, if you are interested in hearing it. keep up the great work.
http://www.captainsdead.com/?p=161
Posted by: gregor | March 30, 2006 06:30 PM
God I LOVE the way you started the record review-prior to reading the comment above. That really puts the finger on the current status of new music! I've been trying to phrase it in words, but that really sums it up
Posted by: Nilina | August 8, 2006 12:08 AM