References

Have you ever heard of the theory that if you want to branch out and/or change who you are, it's easier in a new surrounding? For example, if you suddenly decided to start wearing red lipstick or a mohawk, when you've never done so in the past and all your friends have known you as the t-shirt and jeans person, they'd question you a little bit. But in a new setting, like a new school or city, you can change some superficial qualities about yourself without question.

We all try to be accepting, but maybe it's human nature that we don't like change.

When someone from distinctive well known band branches out with side projects/solo work/new bands, it's hard to judge the new work in isolation. There's always some part of us that will compare the new stuff with the nostalgic/well-loved/popular older sound.


For example, while I know that the Dead Weather is a supergroup with members from the Kills, Stone Temple Pilots and the White Stripes. Jack White (of the White Stripes) is probably the most famous of the group, so it's a bit hard for myself and perhaps lots of other people who refer to them as "Jack White's new band." I promise to stop doing it and the music obviously sounds much different.

White Stripes - Blue Orchid (mp3) (buy)

Dead Weather - Are Friends Electric (b-side) (mp3) (buy)


The Wooden Birds. Main man Andrew Kenny is best known as the singer and songwriter for the American Analog Set. Everyobody mentions this. But I have something to confess. You indie snobs can roll your eyes now, but I don't know anything about the American Analog Set. I can tell you that the Wooden Birds have an effectively simple acoustic folk sound. Like a lazy Sunday lounging at home with nothing to do but relaxing and enjoying the sun.

Wooden Birds - False Alarm (mp3) (buy)

Wooden Birds - Sugar (mp3) (buy)



Likewise, I don't know too much about the Brian Jonestown Massacre either. I know that they're sometimes referred to as a more hardcore Dandy Warhols. But anyways, Matthew Tows (of BJM and others) has been splitting his time between BJM and the Lovetones since about 2003. Knowing a few songs but not being too familiar with the reference of BJM, I can say that the Lovetones probably sounds very different from his other work. It's' still psychedic with lush shoegaze sensibilities, but with a shot of classic pop rock melodies and hooks.

Lovetones - Journeyman (mp3) (buy)

Lovetones - Love and Redemption (mp3) (buy)