Two years ago, in the summer of 2009, I took the long drive down to Pensacola Beach Florida, and brought with me what would be my summer audio background for the week, the debut release by Chicago youngsters, The Smith Westerns. I think the combination of discovering a new musical achievement coupled with a serene beach environment went to my head, and this summer soundtrack soon turned into my fall, and even winter season tunes. Their Marc Bolan-esque guitar-riffery was refreshing, albiet a little dumbed down, but charming nonetheless. And to add insult to injury, these band members were still in high school at the time, rendering my high school day's music writing pale in comparison. But I think I just needed to own a guitar as edgy as my pathetic teenage mustache to complete my mysterious ensemble.
The Smith Westerns will be performing tonight, and alas, although I am free for the evening, I think I'll pass. It's sad in a way, and call me what you will, but I just can't bring myself to see them live. As good as their debut album was, it just doesn't outweigh how bad their new one, Dye It Blonde , is. Okay, it's not all that bad, and their are certainly way worse albums being released nowadays, but for me, some of their magic is gone. They cleaned up their production, and perhaps that's where they lost some of their charm...at least for me. I guess it wasn't just the music, but also the image of basement production value done by group of kids who are still a little unsure of themselves, but still have a good time while doing it. Dye It Blone is still getting rave reviews throughout the blogosphere, and I may be alone in my opinion, so don't take it from me by any means. I prefer to just play the "lousy kids and your music" card than to actually try to appreciate something for what it really is.
This video was my first exposure to the Smith Westerns, and may still be my favorite song of theirs. The guitars are so oversaturated in overdrive fuzz that it's almost unlistenable. But just writing that put a smile on my face.
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