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The
Morningsides: Self-Titled 7" single
Well, when you include a sticker in your press kit that usually sells me its fun for me and it puts your name somewhere on something that I might one day own. However, an even easier way to get to your reviewers and your audiences heart is to put your first couple of songs to ever be released on powder blue, white and black splotched marble wax AND hand number a limited 500-copy pressing. I must admit, I do feel special. If youre not interested in just picking up records for their pretty aesthetics, then Ill move on and try to explain to you these two songs off the Morningsides new 7. Side A tracks the song Summer Song. Ill just go ahead and deem this a piece of the power-pop variety. But man, what a fine specimen of power-pop this little number is, reminiscent of Big Star and those other sad rock n rollers from the 60s and 70s. It sounds like something lifted from a Quentin Tarantino soundtrack. While the music is uplifting, cheery, bouncy, catchy as hell and quite pleasant, the lyrics spiral into darker wastelands of teenage boredom and apathy. Darkness embeds itself into its sing-along-ability. It truly is one of those sunny, summer, beach rock songs you cant help singing to yourself as you walk down the street (but for some reason you just cant help feeling sad). Brilliant. Side B captures the song A Mole Hill Is a Mound. This is another catchy little number which seems to deal more with alienation and coming to terms with your own small existence while keeping a bit of a sarcastic bite. The music is almost juvenile and innocent with a little bit of simple xylophone pinging, a rolling bassline, and minimal guitar and piano work; but the catch and hooks lie in the vocal melodies. In turn, this draws more emphasis to what the singer has to say. Again the listener is a bit thrown off by the music and lyrical content not quite matching up. It creates this wonderful dynamic which fills the song with intrigue. That said, if you dig the smart, dark pop or beautifully colored wax, then pick this up. You will not be disappointed.
This album can be purchased at The Morningsides Official Website About LOTD Contact/Staff Advertise Home All content © LEFT OFF THE DIAL 2001-2005. All rights reserved. |
