|
|
|
|
10:
|
timeless/perfect
|
|
|
9 to 9.9:
|
significant past 10 years
|
|
|
8 to 8.9:
|
significant past 5 years
|
|
|
7 to 7.9:
|
memorable
|
|
|
6 to 6.9:
|
standard playlife
|
|
|
5 to 5.9:
|
good for now
|
|
|
4 to 4.9:
|
will get a few playthroughs
|
|
|
3 to 3.9:
|
won't intentionally listen to this
|
|
|
2 to 2.9:
|
strongly avoid it
|
|
|
1 to 1.9:
|
no reason to ever listen to this
|
|
|
0.1 to 0.9:
|
rage-inducing
|
|
|
0:
|
no merit whatsoever.
|
|
|
|
|
 Lassie Foundation, The
"Face Your Fun" (CD)
released in 2004
Label: Northern
In the same way that a Circulatory System or an Of Montreal cops a feel of ‘60s pop and psychedelic music and manage to match and often surpass anything done back then in the regard of this present day and age, Lassie Foundation masterfully have created an album heavily influenced by the greatest alternative pop sounds of the ‘80s. In the past, Lassie Foundation have conjured up what has been called noise pop - some combination of My Bloody Valentine (noise) and Beach Boys (pop). With Face Your Fun there is little left of the noise and what Lassie Foundation are left with is pop and the resulting plethora of amazing songs.
Everything on this record is solidly structured and born out of quality production. The songs are so pack full of stellar moments and elements that not a moment is wasted on the album. The music is propelled ahead with no instrument claiming a governing role and the songs claim their mastery in visceral movements. Wayne Everett's voice is fantastic. He sings strongly and only occasionally, slightly bringing out his falsetto at the most precious moments (see “What the Beat is For”). Previous works displayed the falsetto and range more prominently, but here he is comfortable exploring the words and their inflections than hitting those Brian Wilson high notes.
One listen to Face Your Fun and you will automatically think Flock of Seagulls or Echo and the Bunnymen. But these and other bands don’t own this decade’s tricks of the trade. The dreamy guitar, dreamy keyboard, articulate crooning and muted guitar progression are not the ‘80s gift to Lassie Foundation but Lassie Foundation’s gift to you. In “Saturday Night” Everett sings “If this was 1984 then leave your keyboard at the door.” Lassie Foundation embrace their influences and then quickly moves past to build their own brand of rock music.
This album is unequivocally joyful. It ostensibly bleeds a love of music and life. Really, the references mentioned in the review may place this album’s relative standing but it does little to explain how wonderful this music is. Face Your Fun is an original compilation of songs that is beyond some dated influence or superfluous gimmick. This is a palpable devotion making and playing the best music possible. It’s time to Face Your Fun.
-30-
Review written on 2005/02/08 by Ryan Phillips
|
|
v.3.00.34 © 2002 - 2010 by -30- and stargraphX.com