Dr. Dog”Fate”Rating: 9.0
There’s a lot of terrible, recycled music out there these days. Whether it’s the stuff played on the radio, or something you’ll find only at Good Records, there’s still an amassing amount of sub-par tunes blasting through car speakers and headphones alike.
What happened to the groundbreaking and amazingly awesome pop music – from pioneers such as the Beatles, the Beach Boys and the Zombies? Well, it was stuck in the ’60s until bands like Olivia Tremor Control and the Apples in Stereo reminded us that it can still be made.
Dr. Dog’s latest entry, “Fate” is another memento from ’60s psychedelic pop and classic rock sounds. Guitar chords seem pulled directly from the work John Lennon and vocal harmonies echo the Wilson brothers. The album is not as lo-fi or underproduced as the band’s previous efforts, but “Fate” is a step in the right direction for Dr. Dog.
“Fate” is a breath of fresh air to the music world, extremely easy to listen to and you can even pick it up at Target.
Track Picks – “Hang On,” “The Old Days,” “Uncovering the Old”
Similar Artists – The Band, Olivia Tremor Control, Guided By Voices
Silver Jews”Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea”Rating: 8.0
Even after the departure of ex-Pavement frontman Stephen Malkmus, Silver Jews have survived and even flourished through founder and frontman David Berman.
Silver Jews’ mixture of indie rock and alternative country has been delighting listeners since ’94 and has seen six albums under the guise of Berman.
Berman’s silly vocals and folk-driven guitar melodies continue on “Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea,” sounding as fresh as the tunes on the Silver Jews’ debut, “Starlite Walker.”
Berman and company have continued to pump out great records, but really haven’t expanded on their sound. After ’98’s arguably best Silver Jews record, “American Water,” the band hasn’t reached such excellence.
That doesn’t mean, however, the band has failed to make good music. “Lookout Mountain” is on par with the band’s last release, if not better.
If you’re new to the band, any album from its discography would be a good first buy – you might as well grab “Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea.”
Track Picks – “What is Not But Could Be If,” “Party Barge”
Similar Artists – Will Oldham