Workday Pop Daydreams: Song of the Day
During my grueling Tuesday workday, already eyeing humpday with a little hope and a little dread, I was interrupted a couple times by my co-worker, Jeremiah (Desoto Reds) to identify a band that was on KALX (90.7 fm). I am called upon this task occasionally, usually with tepid results, but today I identified Joy Zipper with no hesitation. In fact, Jeremiah had informed me that Joy Zipper had been on multiple times during our labor hours. So naturally...
Song(s) of the Day: Joy Zipper "Baby You Should Know" and "Ron" from American Whip (Dangerbird)
"Baby You Should Know" starts off like any other self-respecting power-pop track would. Fuzzed out guitars chug along as wistful Breeders-esque ooh-oohs float with the ease of a kite. Tabitha Tindale, one half of the Hubby-Wife duo, owns a voice not unlike Kim Deal's. All the puzzle pieces are in place but the picture is of a barren landscape. Through the immaculate execution of their arrangement, it appears the Zip flaked on lyrics and a whole hearted melody. The hooks are in place and not a thing is biting. It's a perfect single for someone who has the attention span of a gnat, and any closer listen will expose it's hollowness in its poppiness.
"Ron" on the other hand is a melody that is complex enough to have some real staying power. I may be splitting hairs here but it seems much more aware of itself. "Baby You Should Know" is an airhead pop song, too dumb to notice its weaknesses, yet too pretty to completely ignore. "Ron", plucky in its minor chords, is the girl who is striking with or without her clunky glasses. Again, the lyrics are laughable but Vincent Cafiso has written a melody that Brian Wilson would admire. And with a My Bloody Valentine atmosphere seeping in the densely packed it's noisy distorted beauty (Kevin Shields mixed a handful of tracks), "Ron" is smart enough to mask its faults in all the right places.
I fear I'm poking at the small bruises Joy Zipper are trying to hide. It is not my purpose to be the over-critical parent, reminding you that your hair is a travesty and pointing out that you look like you've gained weight. I like Joy Zipper tons. "33x" is a dream, and Tindale's voice is at its best when it's at its most ethereal robotism. Which might lead you to wonder, "why didn't he just review that song?" I'm tired, okay? These are the first two cover art pictures I found. You know some people have to work during the day.
Joy Zipper's sophomore release, 2004's American Whip has finally been released in the states. They are currently on tour with Phoenix and Dogs Die in Hot Cars and will be playing Great American Music Hall 4/21/05.
Joy Zipper: http://www.joyzipper.tv
Song(s) of the Day: Joy Zipper "Baby You Should Know" and "Ron" from American Whip (Dangerbird)
"Baby You Should Know" starts off like any other self-respecting power-pop track would. Fuzzed out guitars chug along as wistful Breeders-esque ooh-oohs float with the ease of a kite. Tabitha Tindale, one half of the Hubby-Wife duo, owns a voice not unlike Kim Deal's. All the puzzle pieces are in place but the picture is of a barren landscape. Through the immaculate execution of their arrangement, it appears the Zip flaked on lyrics and a whole hearted melody. The hooks are in place and not a thing is biting. It's a perfect single for someone who has the attention span of a gnat, and any closer listen will expose it's hollowness in its poppiness.
"Ron" on the other hand is a melody that is complex enough to have some real staying power. I may be splitting hairs here but it seems much more aware of itself. "Baby You Should Know" is an airhead pop song, too dumb to notice its weaknesses, yet too pretty to completely ignore. "Ron", plucky in its minor chords, is the girl who is striking with or without her clunky glasses. Again, the lyrics are laughable but Vincent Cafiso has written a melody that Brian Wilson would admire. And with a My Bloody Valentine atmosphere seeping in the densely packed it's noisy distorted beauty (Kevin Shields mixed a handful of tracks), "Ron" is smart enough to mask its faults in all the right places.
I fear I'm poking at the small bruises Joy Zipper are trying to hide. It is not my purpose to be the over-critical parent, reminding you that your hair is a travesty and pointing out that you look like you've gained weight. I like Joy Zipper tons. "33x" is a dream, and Tindale's voice is at its best when it's at its most ethereal robotism. Which might lead you to wonder, "why didn't he just review that song?" I'm tired, okay? These are the first two cover art pictures I found. You know some people have to work during the day.
Joy Zipper's sophomore release, 2004's American Whip has finally been released in the states. They are currently on tour with Phoenix and Dogs Die in Hot Cars and will be playing Great American Music Hall 4/21/05.
Joy Zipper: http://www.joyzipper.tv
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