From: "Zachary Steiner" <zsteiner@butler.edu> Date: Wed, 26 Jun 2002 15:08:48 -0400
I think that it would be a good place for a starter. It's very song oriented, which is somewhat unusual for SY. Though the songs are distinctly SY. Though "noisy" Murray Street isn't as abrassive in it's noise as even the pretty poppy Dirty, IMHO. It's also short on the experimentation that has been common in the past. There are almost some tracks that I could almost see played on the radio, which doesn't seem quite normal for SY. I would like to know what others think on this matter. Overall, I think it's a very strong release, but not SY at their best.
Zach
Well stated. I pretty much feel the same way about it after listening to it about 5 or 6 times now. I'd add though that I find it does take a while for their albums to sink in, especially the last few ones. I've been a fan for a while so it's hard to totally discount what they do. Can't say I agree with the Pitchfork review though the writer takes an interesting tack in describing different kinds of SY fans. I remember some other discussions (maybe on the this list?) saying that you can't expect bands like SY (or Yo La Tengo for instance) to keep making the angry, noise-fests that they used to in their early days. I would be really disappointed with them if they kept remaking EVOL or SISTER or DAYDREAM NATION (though those are great albums). If you've made your peace with the songful direction they've taken over the course of their last few records, you'll definitely like this latest one. Best, Jason -- Perfect Sound Forever online music magazine perfect-sound@furious.com http://www.perfectsoundforever.com