Today's featured shit

When your band is named “Dead Man’s Bones,” going with the self-titled album isn’t remotely cheating. Why try to be clever twice?
Fans of Siouxsie and the Banshees might enjoy this early-1990s chanting effort. Some tracks are heavier on synths, Depeche Mode style (“Pa Pa Power”). Others are just scary and have women crying (“Dead Man’s Bones”). Still others sound like old Velvet Underground (“Werewolf Heart”).
“Flowers Grow Out of My Grave” reminds me of a somber Tilly and the Wall song, although the particular track escapes me. I think it is because it uniquely sounds like a party song while being depressing at the same time. That’s one hell of a party.
“In the Room Where You Sleep” is another organ-heavy number deserving of being played a band named “Dead Man’s Bones.” It feels inspired by the final level of the original Legend of Zelda, yet it does not tread on the overdone 8-bit music revival one iota. Good for them.
“My Body’s a Zombie for You” could be a B-side for Bobby Boris Pickett’s “Monster Mash.” It has a backing choir that just might be the Silverlake Conservatory of Music Children’s Choir, based on the cover art. I can get into this one.
If this were a wine and cheese pairing guide, I would pair this with some Potshot or other Japanese punk. I’ll let them duke it out as to which one gets to be the cheese. Maybe they can write a song about it.

Posted by Joel Edelman on January 25, 2010 at 2:52 pm
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