Morningwood isn’t a new name to you loyal SaM readers. I talked up ‘Jetsetter’ back in September but the full album wasn’t released until January. It’s pretty good. People disagree with that.
It’s definitely got a lot of the cool things in the mix: buzzing guitars, sing along lyrics, driving beats; but the whole is something less than the parts. The first 4 songs are a great start, “Nu Rock”, “Televisor”, “Nth Degree”, and “Jetsettermusicletter” give the impression that a lot of thrashy new-wave-esque fun is ahead. The letdown is almost immediate. “Take Off Your Clothes” comes across as dumb while trying to be dirty. It just doesn’t work for me. The rest of the album doesn’t get close to the promise of the first four songs. It’s not terrible, I still spin it here at Chez Flynn, but I don’t love it like I hoped I would. I see it destined for that pile of albums that are fondly thought of but rarely played (see: Zutons, Pulp, Breeders).
“Nu Rock”kicks the album off and I think you’ll agree it gets kicked off in style. The big guitar riffs pair with the pounding drums to make a big wall of noise that singer Chantal Claret tears at with her punk rock screech. This is a cool song.
Seductive Barry | 23-Feb-06 at 10:17 am | Permalink
pulp should be played weekly.
Michael | 23-Feb-06 at 10:21 am | Permalink
I know.
As soon as I posted that I broke it back out. I listened to that album so much when it came out. Good times. Great album.