The Caribbean - History’s First Know It All (Endearing, 2003)

The Caribbean
History’s First Know It All
Endearing
2003

Rating: 5 pina coladas out of 10

I haven’t gotten anything to review lately that I really disliked, but I’ve gotten lots and lots of music that falls into the mediocre category. This album by The Caribbean, sad to say, is yet another to add to that pile. While it’s a fine enough listen, I’ve usually forgotten about it before the album even ends. Formed from the remains of DC stalwarts The Townies and Smart Went Crazy, The Caribbean are at least true to their name in a sense – their music does have a certain "sitting on the beach while the tide comes in" sound to it (but please don’t make me explain why that is – it’s just one of those things that comes to mind when I listen to the album). They have a bit of a loungy sound, with a little drony-electronic feel thrown in there as well. The vocals remind me of the more recent Mercury Rev albums, and the music even resembles them on occasion too. The best things I can say about this record is that there are some catchy piano lines here and there, and some neat production tricks (especially if you listen through headphones). Other than that, nothing that really stands out, but nothing offensive either. It’s a decent enough CD, but nothing to write home about (on the other hand, the Smart Went Crazy album ‘Con Art’ is a damn fine record and you should do yourself a favor and check it out, and since the two bands share members, this seems a good a place as any to mention it).