Artistic albums that provide a deep insight into the meaning of life and the human condition are great. Sometimes though you just want an album that's plain old fun to listen to. For those occasions, Washington's Boat have the answer.
Their new record, Setting the Paces, which comes out tomorrow, is a rollicking blast of fourteen tracks of charming catchy songs about pretty much nothing of importance.
The songs are based on a highly infectious guitar pop framework, draped heavily in melody. On "We Want It, We Want It" that comes in the form of an angular jerkiness. On "(Do the) Magic Centipede" it arrives in groovy surf pop form. "Prince of Tacoma" hits as hot power pop.
It all comes The hook-laden "Lately" may very well be the catchiest track of the year so far. The song sounds as though it could be the result of a secret 1995 recording session by Rivers Cuomo and Stephen Malkmus with They Might Be Giants behind the console.
Most important is the atmosphere the band bring to the music. Through their razor-sharp sense of humour and loose execution, on really gets the feeling that the band is enjoying making their music. That feeling can't help but bring a smile to your face as you listen.
High art Setting the Paces is not. That doesn't mean it isn't a damn good record though.
Best tracks: "Lately", "Prince of Tacoma"
Track listing for Setting the Paces:
- We've Been Friends Since 1989
- Lately
- Tough Talkin' The Tulips
- Interstate 5
- 100 Calorie Man
- We Want It, We Want It
- Name Tossers
- Jeff Fell Dream #48
- Prince of Tacoma
- God Save the Man Who Isn't All That Super
- (Do the) Magic Centipede
- Calcium Commuter
- Reverie
- You're Muscular
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