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BANDS: Punk
& Ska INTERESTS: Venues ETC... About
LOTD
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Parker and
Lily: The Low Lows
There is something really perverse that makes me a thrift store shopper. My motivation is not necessarily good deals (okay, it kind of is because my ex-boyfriend was able to teach me the value of occasional frugality). However, I can tell you that thriftiness accounts for less than twenty percent of the driving force behind my trips to my area mom and pop consignment shops, garage and estate sales, and larger chain second-hand shops. My motivation certainly isnt the filth, the odd smells or the grumbly disposition of those selling the oft-worn goods. What it really comes down to is one little dirty word: snooping. This second hand shopping is the only socially and morally justifiable outlet I have found for my curious ways. I get to glimpse into peoples lives and see their possessions: what they bought, used, were given, loved, and discarded. Furthermore, because Im technically shopping (and former owners of said possessions are nowhere to be found), I can fondle, caress and ogle any object I choose without the slightest hint of guilt that might plague other voyeurs. So now, Im getting to my point. Im to trying to explain to you, my dearest reader, exactly why when I got the press pack for Parker and Lilys The Low Lows I was salivating with giddy anticipation. Every bit of information I was able to find on this band pointed to an album documenting (in only the most blatant and painful ways) the dissolution of a long love affair. I was picturing explosive arguments, melancholy violence, and bitter and nasty truths professed. While there is no doubt that something has died during the making of The Low Lows, Im not certain what it is. The album begins with a cute ambient, sleepy jalopy of a sad cowboy song. Its quiet; it twinkles, whirs, and bleeds. The music is good (and continues to be good throughout the entire affair). At times, one could compare Parker and Lilys efforts with those of a lesser-developed Yo La Tengo. Its heartbreaking and sweet but so subtle that a more distinctive vocal would help Parker and Lilys cause. The issue is that Parker whispers with a mouth full of marbles. What about all of the cruel lyrical desperation I was anticipating?! Additionally, the songs are so similar that they bleed a little too seamlessly into one another, leaving the listener to wonder if tracks have actually changed or if theyre still stuck at square one. So if youre looking for a dramatic bang, this album isnt the correct choice, but if quiet, understated sadness is your thing, you might wish to snoop about The Low Lows for your fix.
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