Look, I’ve made the jokes.
They’re a cult. Someone hide the Kool-Aid. My grandmother wants her mumu back. Hippies in hospital drag! Flower power for Jesus Christ Superstar. Tra la. Whatevs. I made the jokes, but I never actually listened to The Polyphonic Spree. Ever. I never listened to them because I decided straightaway that I could totally kick all of their asses, and for some reason, this meant they were off-limits. I mean, I totally could kick their asses. Probably because they wouldn’t fight back, since they are all about loving their fellow man and whatnot. But whatever… I could. I’m just saying.
Anyway. One of the most fun/infuriating aspects of reviewing music is being coerced into listening to something you would never choose to listen to ordinarily, and then broadening your musical understanding… and gaining… cultural experience… blah blah. Sigh. You know what I mean. I don’t need to spell it out. My point is, today I listened to my fellow Texans (all 467* of them hail from my neighboring metropolis, Dallas), The Polyphonic Sprees, for the very first time. Guess what? The motherfuckers are totally talented.
First of all, for this new album, The Fragile Army, the Sprees underwent a costume change. They traded in their shapeless robes for all black soldier-like gear. They look pretty effing tough in their combat get-ups, seriously. Gary Numan would totally have worn that outfit circa Telekon. Hell, I would wear that outfit. Can I join, too? Half of Texas already has, why not me? Come on! … I digress. The point of the costume is still the same, robes or otherwise: it’s a declaration of unity. The emphasis is on the group as One, not 24 individuals that make up a group. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside, aww. Pass the peace pipe.
But enough about fashion, let’s talk about the music.
24 people can make an awfully loud racket together. When the 24 people are a rotating cast consisting of a 10-person choir, a pair of keyboardists, a percussionist, drummer, bassist, guitarist, flautist, trumpeter, trombonist, violinist, violist, harpist, French horn player, a pedal steel player, theremin player, and an electronic effects person, shit gets very loud. Not only is this band loud, but the music is relentlessly happy. (My outer, surly self isn’t amused, but my secret inner self, who has a heart, kind of wants to skip around a bit, roll around in flower petals and stuff. Then my outer self beats my inner self with a stick for misbehaving, and life goes on.) The music reminds me a lot of the orchestral-rock that was big in the ’70s - big, sweeping walls of sound, super happy folk singing together, goodness and light and all that. The songs are actually far more poppy and accessible than I expected, and they have a ton of energy. The overall feel is fun and light-hearted, even when commentary concerning the war is slipped in, and damn, can’t we all get along? I love you, man. It’s the age of Aquarius or something.
It’s a well-crafted album, overflowing with happiness and hope and all that junk, and it’s absolutely brimming with talent and energy. If this is your thing, or if you’re on a ton of anti-depressants, you’ll adore it. Even if it’s not your thing, maybe you should stop being so closed-minded, Jesus. Broaden your…whatever.
Ok, back to gazing at my shoes.
Release date: June 19, 2007
Record Label: TVT Records
Brooder Rating: 5.5
Non-brooders: 8.0
*that’s an exaggeration. They have approximately 24 members. I’m not even sure if they are ALL from Dallas. But who can keep up?
8 Comments »
If liking this album makes me light on my feet, well then just go ahead and call me twinkletoes. Kudos to all 487* of them…
They’re not all from Dallas. Brian Birdstuff was in Man…or Astroman?, who were from Alabama. I think he actually runs the hot shit club where one is supposed to play in Mobile.
To this day, I still haven’t heard more than two Polyphonic Spree songs. Despite the fact that the guy who recorded this album is gonna record our next one, I’m not sure I’m ever going to listen to it. But I love this review. Amber, I want you to do like a Brunching Shuttlecocks thing where you just review anything within your sphere of vision. You can just email them to me.
Though they traded being musical messiahs to becoming the sound gestapo, there is still something scary about enforced group uniforms. Regardless of how good their music is. It’s just creepy!
Amber, you are a genius. That is all.
Just got this yesterday and have listened 7 times already. This will be my soundtrack for this summer. Perfect driving music.
Jesus, can’t this band/album fall short of the buzz so I can rest my weary ears? I feel compelled by the strength of your review, Amber, to finally put it on, and you know what? It sounds like it’ll be fun! Well done.
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Comment by joiezabel — June 19, 2007 @ 7:31 pm
love this album. so much. and i’m a cynic from way back so that has to say something.
ps. holy shit amber your reviews are awesome. that is all