I have loved Soul Coughing since I first heard them in 1995. M. Doughty's lyrical delivery blew my mind. His lyrics are awesome, although a little nonsensical at times. I've never really been that into lyrics as words anyway, I always saw them more as another melody in the song.
Anyway...
Over the last couple of years I have found myself less and less interested in what Mike Doughty was doing. This has caused some distress because Soul Coughing/Mike Doughty were far and away my favorite band/performer. It seemed like something was missing from the music lately and I couldn't figure out what. It wasn't even just Doughty's solo stuff becuase when he first started touring solo it was great.
It hit me today. Doughty's new stuff is to polished. Soul Coughing was always a little rough and a little dark. When Doughty first was touring by himself it was just him and a 3/4 guitar. A little rough. Haughty Melodic is to put together and a little to happy for me. I'm going to go ahead and blame Dan Wilson for this one. Go ahead shoot me, I think he took out the earthy qualities that are inherent in most of Doughty's music. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad that Doughty is feeling happier in his life and I wish him nothing but the best, but I liked his music more when he was sad and lo. I still think Mike Doughty is a immensely talented person and I will continue to buy his records until I die. I just hope that he gets his edge back.
My Trusted MOGs
I have to agree with you on that one. I think what might ruin the new studio albums is the fact that his awesome stage persona does not come across at all, turning him into just another singer/songwriter. Part of me gets more than a little frustrated hearing parts of older songs getting reused in his new tracks and getting toned down (e.g. he never should have used anything from "Don't Go Wreck the Car" in any other way) from the original, quite possibly by a producer worried about "mass appeal". Ugh. What gives me hope is that his live stuff is still as incredible and freewheeling as always. Plus, since I haven't been witness to a live Doughty moment in years, the fact that I can go here to listen to the man play live (for free!) is another little slice o' rock heaven.
My Trusted MOGs
That's why I like Skittish/Rockitty-Roll the most. Very raw, very sad. Some of the best solo acoustic stuff ever.
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If you can get your hands on a copy of Smofe & Smang I would highly recomend it. I think it captures Doughty at his best. Good crowd interaction, and awesome songs. I've heard that this album goes for rediculous amounts of money on eBay, but also that it will be re-released at some time.
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I just can't stand how Bustin' Up A Starbucks was ridiculously overplayed on the radio. I liked the song the first 50 times I heard it, but now it just drives me crazy. I've never really listened to his other stuff, though, and only remember that one Soul Coughing song (Circles, was it?) from back in the day. I'll have to check 'em out.
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< misses Soul Coughing :(
My Trusted MOGs
i'll tell you what's missing from doughty's music: the kickass soul coughing rhythm section. the stand-up bass and the drums in that band laid down some of the most amazing grooves i've heard in a long time.
it's a shame that most people remember the song 'circles' from what i think it their weakest record. definitely a band i miss.
and yeah, i could really care less about doughty's solo stuff. i probably should give it another chance.