Me Condescending! Y’all Retarded!

The Mong
Music Group Commentary
June 2010

Band of Horses – INFINITE ARMS – 4 Stars
There’s no arguing that this is a very pretty sounding record but it’s maddening that INFINITE ARMS never really gets out of second gear. To complain that something’s lacking in this sea of gorgeous vocal doublings, nearly hypnotic melodies, excellent lyrics, and seemingly effortless songwriting feels like a douche move, but I’m only compelled by the need to point out what this album could have been with just a few out-of-control barnburners. Sometimes you must let go of the attempt to control everything to master the medium and that’s my message to you, Band of Horses.

Cheap Trick – DREAM POLICE – 3 Stars
Not quite what I remember it to be or have built it up to be since hearing it (from start to finish) in middle school.

Dire Straits – MAKING MOVIES – 2 Stars
Making movies? More like watching TV reruns of a show you don’t like very much because there’s nothing else on.

The Dirty Projectors – BITTE ORCA – 5 Stars
Easily one of the most intriguing, complex, and enjoyable recordings I’ve heard in years. And this is considered their “accessible” album?! Maybe my fear that I actually have pedestrian taste is true and am therefore compelled to explore mastermind David Longstreth’s earlier efforts.

Jesse Malin & The St. Marks Social – LOVE IT TO LIFE – 4 Stars
A very disarming album. I can’t really define why with words but I’ll try: This album makes me feel like what I can only imagine people who love Bruce Springsteen feel like when they explain to me why he’s so disarming. And great.

G’Hits – Frank Zappa
I want to like it, I know I’m supposed to, but to me it all sounds like a cross between the pathetically over-exuberant original Saturday Night Live band, the background music from the old “Fat Albert” cartoons, and a coked-up Muppet jam session.

Alan’s Topic

From where (and when) did you buy your last CD/vinyl record?
Bought my last vinyl record from Amazon.com, today (I wrote this the day before our meeting). It was Superdrag’s IN THE VALLEY OF DYING STARS LP that I bought used. It’s way out of print and I finally found one for sale online that was in mint condition. Yes, it’s the little victories that make life worth living.

When was the last time you were in a 'record store'? Where (in what town) was it and what did you buy there?
Last time I was in a record store was this weekend. I went to Pure Tone Audio in Litchfield and traded some records I decided to part with for a vinyl reissue of the Beastie Boys ILL COMMUNICATION. I highly recommend visiting Pure Tone Audio this summer. Cutting from Thomaston off Route 8 over to Litchfield is a sweet leisure drive this time of year and Karl, the owner of Pure Tone, is a very cool and knowledgable cat.

What's the best 'record store' still operating?
Amoeba Music in LA, which Monsta turned me on to. Awesome place! You want it on vinyl or CD, chances are you’ll find it there. Generation Records on Thompson Street in Manhattan is great, too, but I’ve only been there once so I can’t give it the glowing endorsement I gave Amoeba.

Do you think that a store like Newbury Comics - one that sells all manner of music, pop culture toys and clothing - is the only kind of full service 'record store' that can survive?
Yes, I think they can survive if they’re in the right place, run by the right people, and catering to its loyal clientele. Places as out-of-the-way (and thriving in this economy) as Pure Tone Audio in Litchfield and Red Scroll Records in Wallingford argues true. Maybe it’s because kids dig LPs again but, then again, maybe it’s not just an ongoing fad; maybe it’s an actual analog revival.