Breezy, understated, lushly-produced indie pop from a Chicagoan brother-brother duo. Elements of bachelor pad music, jazzy lounge, and yacht rock abound, making for music that's extremely easy on the ears, but holds up quite well to closer listening. Think The Divine Comedy, but instead of aggressively hetero, gay. I wonder if anyone has ever written about this band without using the word "sophisticated."
Track listing:
1. Chocolates
2. Angel on a Trampoline
3. A Boy in Love
4. Sugar & Promises
5. The Mattachine Society
6. Sunday Morning
7. 9 Months Later
8. Sad Gay Life
9. Steam
10. Star Wish
11. Photograph
12. Storytime
Similar listening:
This is such a great album! A barely-heard gem I discovered back in the day through CMJ, as I recall. "Chocolates" instantly hooked me, and has been on my various best-of lists since 1998.
ReplyDeleteremember having this when it came out. Great album of sophisticated ;) songs. wonder what happened to them musically thereafter..
ReplyDeleteI've heard most of their later albums, and they've all been pretty great. More electronic but not far off at all from this sound. Plano's still my favorite.
DeleteIt's a bit of novel mental stretch to consider 'The Divine Comedy' as 'agressively' anything really, hetero or otherwise! Foppishly hetero i'd've said...
DeleteSure, it's not "aggressive" music. I meant "aggressive" as in an aggressive ad campaign -- everywhere you look, there's a reminder that Neil Hannon is very interested in heterosexual sex.
DeleteFair point. I tend to 'hear' lyrics last when listening to music, rhythm/riffs/texture/melody always come first, and Hr Hannon does have a gift for arranging a fine melody. I note a discogs reviewer describes his breakout 1996 britpop 'Casanova' as 'made up of songs themed around the act of fornication'. So next time i listen to his stuff it will certainly be with fresh ears!
DeleteAbsolutely one of my favorite pop albums. They pull off the combination of smooth vocals, silky arrangements, and dark lyrics kind of like a latter day Steely Dan. The later albums are more electronic and just as catchy.
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