I have been struggling with something for a few weeks and I've all but given up trying to express it in writing. It's a much more effective in-person discussion. But I'm going to give it a shot.
In short, I have a real issue with novelty and hype. That a great band of musicians could write and produce a great set of songs but get less attention than a mediocre group of Asian/Latino teenage chicks who barely churned out a listenable garage rock record really eats at my mucosa.
This isn't something new. I have been bothered by this for ages. A band playing Zeppelin covers? Who cares? Midgets playing Zeppelin covers? "Count me in!"
By now, you should have at least heard of The Linda Lindas, if not the album itself.
Here are The Linda Lindas.
This is their new single.
It's fine. It's basic. It's not terrible. Some of the other tracks on the new album are indeed terrible, but your ears may vary. The buzz surrounding The Linda Lindas is giving me a headache and I can't help but think if this song was by four guys from Erie, they'd still be in Erie.
And speaking of Brazilian/Danish Garage duos, The Courettes have announced a 2022 tour, though no US dates are listed yet. Are you familiar with The Courettes? They play music with a big wall of sound, fuzzy guitars, and girl group melodies. Not exactly a fresh approach, but I have to admit, "Back In Mono," their newest release, has a few truly infectious songs. But, would anyone have given these songs a second thought if the album cover wasn't a play on "Presenting The Ronettes?" I admit, I only listened because of the cover. And I will also admit, these songs have little weight. By the second spin, I was bored. But how about that album cover?
This is nothing new. I know this, so no need for examples--Beatles' suits, Heavy Metal crosses and leather, Kiss, etc.. I understand. I am also all for rooting for the underdog. Not every band has to employ Steve Gadd and Al Di Meola. But isn't there something in between The Shaggs and Weather Report?
The Linda Lindas and The Courettes are average. They are not the biggest thing since sliced bread, regardless of the hype. The Linda Lindas sold out The Mercury Lounge in record time. Okay, it's not a very big venue, but they also got a slot opening for Jawbreaker, five nights at Irving Plaza, while NRBQ plays the Elk's Club in Ho-Ho-Kus. And bless Bonnie Raitt for taking The Q on tour for a few dates. Lord knows they deserve that break today.
Finally, I can feel the heat already, so please refrain from any "Get off my lawn" comments. That is not what this is about and I think any long time readers should know this. But I can't be the only one frustrated with the proverbial bar that is so low, it is now residing in Perth.
16 comments:
Can't comment on these because I haven't heard them yet. The Linda Linda's debug song didn't do much for me, but it's on my list of things to listen to.
But what about Wet Leg? I just listened to the whole album yesterday -- and I loved it. Tight 37 minutes with catchy songs and amusing lyrics. I think that's deserving of the hype so far.
I am halfway thru Wet Leg and I have loved every track.
I was just going to say Wet Leg is onto something. I've played the album several times, and it's the most punky girl fun I've had since The Slits "Cut". There's a there there.
As the Grammys proved, a little visual style is very important these days. I wasn't impressed with either album. I just listened to the Linda Lindas album before reading this, I don't remember anything by the Courettes, but afterhearing the tracks you posted, I see a new trend in the making. Meh.
I just heard the Linda Lindas. They're fine, I guess. But the hype is based on the schtick, which is indeed very frustrating.
Jumping in to say that I am listening to Wet Leg and I agree with those here who say they ARE onto something!
Some days "Fine" is just fine by me. I drank a cheap and cheerful bottle of Portuguese red wine last night; it won't win awards (or critical praise) but we had fun.
I like the Wet Leg very much, the Linda Lindas are fine, and there's just too much going on with that Danish / Brazil Courettes thing for me.
It is nice to hear new and different music. And I'm looking forward to more and better to come.
I'd posit that a cheap and cheerful bottle of red would not be as much fun if it was presented as a $600 Margaux.
Ramblings....
Ok, I know I am showing my age, but those posted tracks did nothing for me. At least when Billy Joel did An Innocent Man, he was paying tribute, not making a career out of it.
If people want to listen and appreciate those performers, that is fine with me. However, it irks me how many really talented musicians, who are committed to musical exploration and growth, never get the opportunity and exposure that the aforementioned performers get.
I remember when Kenny G, John Klemmer and others of that genre were selling tons of records and genuine jazz performers were lucky to get a good paying gig, let alone a record deal.
Some of my good friends kid me about how clueless I am about the latest performers and albums. That's ok, I lost interest in the "next big thing" in 1975.
Being 70, it's easy to walk away from all that bullshit and play records that matter.
Rant over. Now back to Miles, Levon and Allen.
Sal, you old sommelier, of course you're right if my six dollar wine is presented in a six hundred dollar bottle. The flip side is sometimes the six buck wine is just what one wants.
Far more important ... I dig the Tears For Fears Bowie cover!
When everyone started talking about the Linda Lindas months ago, a friend sent me a video... "Check this out, it's great!" I did. It really wasn't "great". But I didn't want to rain on their parade, or my friend's parade either. So I didn't really say anything. You know, "if you can't say anything nice..." If everyone else is having fun at the party, who am I to piss in the punchbowl? But I didn't realize they'd be selling out clubs and shit. They were on James Corden last night! This is a pretty long 15 minutes for them. The me of 25-30 years ago would probably not be so tolerant.
I whole-heartedly agree with this post, and it took some courage for you to say this.
When I was 16, we had fist fights over who was a better guitar player, Blackmore or Iommi? That was a long time ago.
I never want to rain on anyone's parade, mostly because I don't like it when anyone rains on mine. This isn't about having fun and enjoying The Linda Lindas. It's about the hype, but also, the neglect for real musicians and songwriters who create real records, but because they may look like everyday shnooks, get nothing. No interest.
The Linda Lindas are fine. And when has "fine" ever been good?
Aldous hardings new album warm Chris is very good and different.
In particular the song passion babe.
Other than that it’s been serious gene Clarke vibe going in for me lately. I can’t get away from it. It’s a best of. 3 cds. Covers his various guises. But it really shows him for the great artist he was
I listened to the Linda Lindas last night. It was serviceable, but nothing I'd go back to again (which is true for a lot of music I listen to these days -- even including some stuff from artists I like). "Racist, Sexist Boy" is actually the weakest track on it, IMO.
I like the Cowboy Junkies Bowie cover!
I remember when I originally started reading the British music mags. I would flip out as a review of a single and then a review of a concert and then an album release would all tout a certain singer or band as literally the most exciting music coming out of the UK in ages. beatles and bowie references abounded. I thought, Oh my god! I have to check them out. And then next week someone ELSE was touted as the best new band since the Beatles. And then the week after that it was another act breathlessly reported as the most amazing act since the Stones. And then Led Zep. And then back to the Beatles. Hype has always been exhausting and I soon realized the Brits made the American mags like Rolling Stone and so on seem positively reserved and cautious in comparison. But hype is tiresome wherever one finds it. I've long tried to be very, very restrained in my praise and can't abide it in others. But it's nothing new and not getting worse as far as I can tell. Maybe our patience in ignoring it is wearing thin?
Never heard of either, and not offended or particularly stricken by either once I played your selections. The LLs may not inspire, but I've been in love with the song that must've inspired their name since it came out in 1987 (Don't let the restrained beginning of the song fool you).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNj8m41EZto
C in California
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