4Play

March 29, 2006

Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am That’s What I Am Not - Domino Records
The Arctic Monkeys arrived out of nowhere, to hit the UK charts at Number 1 with their single, “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” - which, of course, led the skeptical to label them a one-hit wonder at first glance.  Luckily, for those impressed by real messy Brit rock in all its glory, this band has more up their collective sleeves.  These songs give the impression that you’re peering right into the back of the Monkeys’ dusty tour van windows, listening to them mutter about trying to be cool in the clubs (“Dancing Shoes”), bad nights at the bar (“From the Ritz to the Rubble”), or a difficult yet beloved girlfriend (“Mardy Bum”).  There are even some pretty entertainingly obvious nods to their influences here, such as to Duran Duran in “I Bet You Look Good...” and to The Police in “When the Sun Goes Down” - listen for ‘em, and while you’re at it, check out the rest of this album.  As the phrase goes, you’ll be glad you did.

Belle + Sebastian - The Life Pursuit - Matador Records
Instantly likeable and catchy, the songs on Belle + Sebastian’s latest veer quite a bit from their usual acoustic-heavy sound, but, instead of going so far afield as to alienate their fans, they have instead merged their new more electronic/eclectic direction into these tracks seamlessly and beautifully. And there’s a real sense of bittersweet joy here, too, which adds to the appeal.  Songs like the 70s flavored “White Collar Boy,” the singalongable “For the Price of a Cup of Tea,” the Berry-Gordy-friendly “To Be Myself,” and the peppy “Another Sunny Day” keep things moving, while the few more downtempo songs - namely “Dress Up in You” and the slight, sweet “Mornington Crescent” - serve as perfect contrast.  The musicianship is top-notch, the production values are clean and perfectly highlight Belle + Sebastian’s unique song approaches, and there is an intriguing collection of influences here to add interest and detail to these already well-written, well sung songs.

Some by Sea - On Fire! (Igloo) - SideCho Records
It’s a given that plenty of writers have commented that lead singer Chris Du Bray sounds much like Death Cab’s Ben Gibbard, so we’ll start with that and get it over with - but suffice it to say that that’s definitely not all there is to this band.  Utilizing their instruments and voices not just as music-makers, but to convey a wide emotional range through their songs, as more bands should do, Some By Sea’s real forte is their fluttery yet thoughtful range of indie pop.  Complimented perfectly by Du Bray’s aforementioned vox, which are complimented in turn by the backing vocals of Rachel Bowman, the songs span many moods, all of them expressed succinctly and prettily on a stretched-out background of orchestral density, highlighted by some well-arranged string work and delicate guitars.  Standout tracks include the witty “This Song Is Not About You, So Don’t Ask,” the captivating “Darling, Here’s The Best Part,” and the quirky “Fables (Kentucky Social).”

Stereolab - Fab Four Suture - Too Pure/Beggars Group
This compilation CD brings together several songs from Stereolab’s previous 7-inch series that was released late last year, and pairs them up with more of the group’s consistently appealing songs to make this a great stopgap purchase.  The band was recently hailed by Spin Magazine as one of pop’s 50 most influential ensembles, and discs like this - even when they’re an effort that could be seen as merely marking time until a real album is completed - prove why.  Both opening and closing with “Kyberneticka Babicka” (Parts 1 and 2, of course), the album wraps right around itself with Stereolab’s usual burbling synths and chiming guitars, plus a little farfisa organ and more lyric-centered vocals than on the usual Stereolab effort, which makes for added interest.  Other tracks of note include “Eye of the Volcano,” “Whisper Pitch,” and “Vodiak” - it’s a lot of what Stereolab have become good at, and even more of what will continue to make them great.