Labels: Type
Review by: Andy Malcolm
Mr Fred Thomas on some blog recently refuted that drugs were involved in the making of this record. And I can quite believe him. As blurry, mellowed and hazy as this rather excellent disc sounds, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it was fueled by narcotics. I frequently find myself feeling just like how this album sounds, and I can’t be arsed to do anything particularly stronger than cheap whiskey. Anyway, City Center have come up with a record that soundtracks bleary eyed hangovers and energy empty post-work evenings to perfection. Thomas’ peculiar vocals drift aimlessly over a variety of sounds to conjure up an LP of gorgeously confused pop music. Sometimes acoustic led, but mostly with subtly belching electronic parps nestled amidst to make things so much more expansive and organic. In some ways it reminds me of “Up in Flames” by Manitoba, but a lot less Madchester (WTF?) and all that wacky stuff. It’s a similar muddle of bumbling indie and spaced out droney electronica that summons up a rumble and a desire to zone completely out. There are also a few well hidden (well, maybe not in some cases) Phil Spector influences that have coloured Fred’s previous band Saturday Looks Good to Me, sneakily buried under the layers of fuzzy guitar and buzzy electronics. I particularly like how the b-side of this LP stumbles into earshot. All of these sounds come together to make a delightful record which is one of my favourites of 2009 to date.
I am sure that folk who do partake in mad drugs will find this LP just as appealing as I, but I am trying to explain it’s appeal from the perspective of someone who might like to listen to music whilst sober, at least part of the time anyway. Fred Thomas has found his feet again, after stumbling for a while with SLGTM. I am still not entirely certain how I click with pretty much any record he releases, no matter what sound he starts fiddling with, but I do. If you are similarily stricken by such a syndrome, then I can heartily recommend you buy this ASAP, and if not, if you enjoy the thought of wading into the sound of being utterly tired yet unexpectedly content, then this will do the trick for you.