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| From | "AssociationWorks" <AssociationWorks@comcast.net> |
| Subject | Re: Ok Go on iTunes |
| Date | Tue, 28 Jun 2005 10:46:47 -0700 |
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OK GO's new one (due in August) is a bit more raw and unpolished
than their killer 2002 debut. There's a hint of the same songwriting prowess
but overall it seems a bit lackluster IMHO. Here's a forthcoming review
for Amplifier:
OK GO
Oh No
capitolrecords.com
When one typically associates pop music with anything Swedish, the notion of
lush, elaborate, meticulously crafted music may come to mind. Not so is the
case with producer Tore Johanssen (Franz Ferdinand, Cardigans) at the helm.
The famed Swedish producer had OK GO strip the poppy embellishments of their
sparkling 2002 debut and instead channel their inner garage rock demons for
their 2nd full-length. While Oh No may lack the flair and polish of their
debut, it bubbles with passion and panache for the most basic virtues of
rock. Similarities to the jerky, angular sounds of bands like Hot Heat Heat
and Bloc Party permeate most of Oh No's tracks and even though some
musicality is overshadowed by distorted howls and crash cymbals, there's a
undeniable craftiness to OK GO's sound. Stand out tracks like "Here It Goes
Again" showcase singer Damian Kulash's talent for weaving syllable-stacked
lyrics around the band's tight rhythmic core and "A Good Idea at the Time"
shows OK GO hasn't lost their knack for crafting memorable hooks. The band
cleans up well with the dry, plunky "Oh Lately It's So Quiet" (which bears
an uncanny similarity to The Cure's "Close to Me") and discovers the virtues
of psychedelia with the swirling closer "The House Wins". While some of Oh
No's filler has a little too much pomp and circumstance for its own good
there's enough meat to satisfy those craving a fresh take on pop music.
- Jeff Shelton
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