I discovered Menomena from Jenny Tatone in a post she wrote last week. These guys are just INCREDIBLE! They are from Portland, OR(my hometown) where so much cool rock is being made these days from the like of bands like The Gossip, The Decemberists, The Dandy Warhols, Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks(of Pavement fame), Everclear & now Menomena.
This is their 2nd cd release & it is just an amazing patchwork of sounds that I don't think I've heard quite in this configuration before. Their music really defies description but I'm gonna try. They are a blend of many influences, specifically I hear some XTC mixed with Morphine, with it's incorporation of lyrics, bass & saxophone. And then there's some distinct Peter Gabriel influence in some of the vocalisations, piano work, orchestra, complex drumming & percussion. There is also some definite The Flaming Lips in there too with the grand orchestral gestures & electronic flourishes. Simply put this is just a stunningly amazing blend that incorporates much that has gone before them but is wrapped up in such a unique way that only Menomena could muster.
Am I gushing too much here? Have I convinced you to listen to this album yet? If not then I'm not expounding enough. If you're ready to listen then I'm gonna fawn over them a little more although I'm not sure I can come up with anymore glowing adjectives to adequately describe them. 'Friend and Foe' is really the perfect Orchestral Pop Rock album. You truly need to hear them! After hearing the first song on the cd 'Muscle n' Flo' I was totally blown away by that WOW factor. You know, when you hear something you instantly like and mentally go WOW this is a great song. Well, it just gets better as the cd moves along. And I'm pretty sure they have used every imaginable musical instrument in creating this cd, or at least it sounds like it.
Ok, now here is the link to the website where you can hear the cd in it's entirety for free(which makes it even sweeter sounding):
http://barsukmusic.blaireau.net/menomena/
So now you have no excuses to check these guys out! Also their first cd is pretty damn good for a debut release. On the site for 'Friend and Foe' their are links for the bands officiatl website, myspace.com page & a few others. So enjoy the wonder that is Menomena!
My Trusted MOGs
They sound great, and have made my list of cd's to get.
My Trusted MOGs
Rawk, you are so cool, thanks for being a regular commentor on my posts. Rawk rules! Glad you like Menomena. I can't fathom anyone not liking them, they are so incredibly talented, but I'm sure there are a few people out there that won't care for them.
My Trusted MOGs
Your welcome Augusts, and thanks again for the heads up. I love finding out about new music like this, and MOG has helped my addiction.
My Trusted MOGs
I don't think it's hit me as hard as you, but I like it. I've given it maybe two or three listens. I can tell it'll grow on me, I just have a hard time talking myself up to listen to it.
My Trusted MOGs
Well being older & having listened to alot of music over the years, I can truly appreciate the musicianship that goes into crafting an album. I also had an extensive background as a musician & singer, even though I don't do either these days. I used to play piano, cello & some violin & been in many a choir ensemble.
Few cds really hit me like this one has so it's rare. Ok Go's cd 'Oh No' I instantly liked but not like Menomena's. I've just realized there are definitely some operatic influences in it as well as some Modest Mouse. It's funny how music changes in ones brain when listened to & you can p/u different nuances & influences as time goes on.
My Trusted MOGs
Okay, I've come around. Loving this album!
Especially these tracks:
Muscle n' Flo Air Aid Rotten Hell Boyscout'n
My Trusted MOGs
So glad! Isn't it great? Anyone who gives this a chance will fall in love with it. I knew it'd grow on you. Thanks for letting me know, it's always cool to turn other people onto great music. Enjoy!