Herman Düne
Strange Moosic
Fortuna Pop
2011
Rating: 6.5 Swedish meatballs in gravy out of 10
We're all pretty much in agreement that Herman Düne is just the modern version of Jonathan Richman right? Not that the current version of Jonathan Richman isn't also the modern version of Jonathan Richman, obviously. But I'll be damned if Düne doesn't give me that same warm feeling, the jangly shambolic folk pop, the talk singing, all of that.
This new record "Strange Moosic" differs from their older output in that they got some fancy professional producer in the studio with them for the first time, but I'll be honest it sounds pretty much like any other Herman Düne record to me. Maybe the recording is better, who knows. Thing is, this sort of music doesn't need polish or shine - the imperfections are part of what makes it so great, so endearing. To that producers credit, my lack of being able to tell he did anything is a good thing. The dude apparently understood the vibe of this group and kept that intact.
Bearsuit
Cat Spectacular!
Fortuna Pop
2005
Rating: 6.5 furry outfits out of 10
Bearsuit are an upbeat-twee-pop group that instantly sounds British – I was drawn in from the get-go. They sound a lot like the Milky Wimpshake school of pop music, mixed with the frantic energy of something along the lines of Bis. Incredibly catchy, all this really needs is to be heard by the right folks and there’s no telling how big Bearsuit could get. There is nearly an albums worth of downloads on their website, so check it out. And speaking of bearsuits, everyone should see “Project Grizzly” – it has nothing to do with this band but it’s super funny. Just sayin’, that’s all.
Sodastream
A Minor Revival
Fortuna Pop
2003
Rating: 7 ACL tears out of 10
You can call Sodastream the Australian version of Belle &
Sebastian, cause that’s pretty much exactly what they sound like (I also hear a bit of Stone Roses in there, but Stone Roses
purists – I know a few – would probably kick me in the balls for saying that). Sometimes when bands come out and
sound exactly like someone else it bugs me, and other times it doesn’t. I’ve never been able to figure out why that
is, but I assume it has something to do with how well they’re doing the ripping off. Sodastream, to be quite honest,
does a great job, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I listen to this nearly as much as I do B&S. Well, maybe not
quite that much…but still a well played release by these Aussie chamber-popsmiths.
