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Harvey Danger:
Little by Little...
Put aside everything that you think you know about Harvey Danger. Forget that they have two other albums and that you may have heard something from them on the radio in the late ‘90’s. Fast-forward to 2004 when they re-grouped to play some live gigs and began developing a third album for release the following year fully armed with a heavy dose of piano. Little By Little… is not so much an album as it is a package. The presentation graphics of the 2-disc fold-out case are exquisite. For those curious yet unsure souls, you can download the first disc, a ten-track studio album, for free on the band’s website. And for those ready to take the retail store plunge, you will be greeted by a second disc featuring nine tracks of original writing snippets, demos and extra songs. With the fully-polished “Wine, Women and Song” opening up the set, I immediately found myself a bit disappointed. Not that this is a bad song; in fact, it’s a great song. But for a real treat, look for Sean Nelson’s 2004 EP Sometimes You Have to Work On Christmas (Sometimes) which includes a demo version with only his raw, emotional vocals and a piano, plus a minimal guitar solo in the middle. The demo is so snappy and emotionally charged that it packs all the punch of a brilliant live performance. So after months of listening to that and also hearing it performed live, I can’t help but say I’m not ecstatic about the perfectly in-tune, drum-enhanced studio version. And moving right along to the album’s first release and a bone for those missing the band’s guitar-heavy music of the late 90’s, “Cream and Bastards Rise” is one of the weakest tracks in the set despite its upbeat nature and great lines like “You don’t have to be a genius, but it helps to.” The following track, “Moral Centralia,” is one of the best in the bunch. It starts out with quietly plinking piano keys, electric guitar and Nelson’s faded voice. Then it quickly bursts into a fully melodic yell amidst bouncy keys and drums with clever lines like “It seems like I’m stealing your words / but really I’m just giving them back to you.” And as a bonus, the even-better demo version is on disc two. Another gem is “Cold Snap” on the bonus disc featuring their pal from the Long Winters, John Roderick, on guitar. This is one of many opportunities for the listener to witness the versatility of Nelson’s voice. I seriously had to check on this one to make sure it wasn’t a woman. Not only can his voice traverse a wide range of styles but he also has a fabulously expressive yelling voice. So go check the band’s website to download the album and give the HD boys a spin. You may just discover a great “new” intelligently sassy rock band.
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