The Aislers Set's brilliant album The Last Match was released on Slumberland Records in spring 2000. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart bring out the carbon paper nine years later, release their debut album on the same label and get the breakthrough The Aislers Set never had.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart entered my year list in 2007 with their self-titled EP. The five songs were very similar in sound. When I heard the opening track This Love Is Fucking Right a night out at Blekinska the following spring, I jokingly said that The Pains of Being Pure at Heart have recorded the same song five times - but it is okay as the song is quite good.
I find a common theme now that I read what others write about The Pains of Being Pure at Heart's debut album. Nostalgic descriptions picture memories of bands such as The Pastels, Popsicle, My Bloody Valentine, and Lush. Except for already mentioned The Aislers Set, I also come to think about Ride.
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart know their indie pop history very well, but it strikes me after a dozen listenings through the album that they completely lack a unique sound. The self-titled LP is one of 2009's best records so far thanks to amazing songs like Young Adult Friction and Stay Alive, but The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are far too gifted to throw away their talent on ambitious cover records.
Those who are introduced to indie pop music by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart will perhaps remember this album as one of the special records in their lives. For the rest of us it just remains a good album. There is something sad about the chorus of praise ignoring the obvious influences and the knowledge that copies all too often become larger than the originals.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
The Popguns - Waiting for the Winter
Six weeks gone and not a word
this means the end
Wendy Morgan's desperate, unhappy voice was followed by jangle guitars through a fantastic upbeat melody. I was once again fascinated by the cirumstance that the most bitter insights often are told with the most uplifting and catchy pop melodies.
The Popguns hit me right in the heart on the very first attempt. Waiting for the Winter was their great super hit and the perfect introduction to the band.
The other eight songs on the debut album Eugenie followed the same line. Beautiful, sad and amazing Down on Your Knees reinforced that image. Eugenie was an emotional rollercoaster built by cynical, depressive lyrics about much more than failed relationships.
Much later I would discover that The Popguns made an even better song called Still a World Away. A song which inspires, gives hope and makes me dream. I will write about it another time. Until then, I just want to state that The Popguns was the best band of the 90's together with Red Sleeping Beauty and Belle and Sebastian.
this means the end
Wendy Morgan's desperate, unhappy voice was followed by jangle guitars through a fantastic upbeat melody. I was once again fascinated by the cirumstance that the most bitter insights often are told with the most uplifting and catchy pop melodies.
The Popguns hit me right in the heart on the very first attempt. Waiting for the Winter was their great super hit and the perfect introduction to the band.
The other eight songs on the debut album Eugenie followed the same line. Beautiful, sad and amazing Down on Your Knees reinforced that image. Eugenie was an emotional rollercoaster built by cynical, depressive lyrics about much more than failed relationships.
Much later I would discover that The Popguns made an even better song called Still a World Away. A song which inspires, gives hope and makes me dream. I will write about it another time. Until then, I just want to state that The Popguns was the best band of the 90's together with Red Sleeping Beauty and Belle and Sebastian.
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