Big thanks to Max at the War on Pop for reminding me to give these guys another listen. The Chicagoan (represent) up-and-comers have done recorded themselves a classic record on Chicago's Hozac imprint . Dare I crown them the most blog-worthy band of 2009? Ok, stupid term. Still, their self titled debut is terrific. At its core, it's an earnest testament to the all too familiar longing and restlessness of the modern boy in love, yet remains cool with its refreshing balance of confident/lazy vocal delivery and nervy, anxious guitars layered underneath. It's funny, the record has been giving me the same sensation Exile On Main St. did in the sense that it's loaded with astoundingly catchy material that sort of mesh together into one overwhelming package. I know there are twice as many songs on Exile but wasn't that the Stones' 11th or 12th album? Possibly older? I'm sure it's just the healthy mix of the lo-fi production and the consistency in songwriting that provides this effect. Also, note that on both records we see the groups toy with ideas heard before (themes from outdated styles) and twist them into instant nostalgia. Fucking brilliant.
These carefree jams are for fans of Velvet Underground, Modern Lovers, T. Rex, and even Bowie. Basically glam at its best (except with fuzzed-out, reverby guitars). Also, did I mention that 3/4 of these kids are still in high school? Yikes. Maybe that's why they got kicked out of the Music Hall of Williamsburg.
Apparently they're sharing the bill with Girls on the last leg of their U.S. tour (although the website for Girls' label doesn't specify this) and are playing a few shows on the West Coast with Cold Cave afterwards. Here are a handful of songs I can't get enough of off the album (don't let me downplay the other tracks, cause they're all great)
Smith Westerns - Gimme Some Time [Hozac] (right-click to download...)
Smith Westerns - Be My Girl [Hozac] (really, really recommended)
Smith Westerns - My Heart [Hozac]
///////////Fine, one more//////////
Smith Westerns - Tonight [Hozac]
Expect good things from these lads...
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