you've got eyes like Oklahoma
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Artist:
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Album:Grrr...
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Track:Oklahoma
Every so often you get an album and it is so much better than you had expected it to be. This happened to me this weekend when I picked up the new album by the Bishop Allen. I loved their first offerings, and was afraid that they would not be able to duplicate the magic once again for me. This seems to be happening a lot to me lately, I fall in love with a band, then they put out a crappy record and the magic is just not there anymore. I can remember when this happened with the band Looper, their first album came out and I could not stop playing it at all. The second one came out which was decent, but then the third came and I do not think I listened to it more than 5 times.
The Bishop Allen got me when I first heard the album Charm School. I was hooked, and then the band did something interesting and that was release 12 EP's, one each month of the following year. These made me want more and when The Broken String came out in 2007, it had to be one of my favorite albums to come out that year.
Now it is 2009 and I had read their new album was supposed to be coming out soon. I waited and finally the day came and I headed out to the Electric Fetus while on break to purchase it right away. I was actually afraid to put it into my cd player, I wanted so badly to enjoy this album yet I knew that in the past some of the bands I had started to like let me down by the third album. Well, the cd went in to the player in my car and it has not come out since. I know it is early to be talking about top 10 lists of 2009, but when I make that list in December of this year this album will be somewhere on it..........maybe even at the top.
Why the title choice you ask, well listen to the song.........I am sure you will like it!
and a live version to boot!
Comments (10)
I like this album as well, it's a solid collection of fun rock songs. Sometimes, that's all an album needs to be.
Didn't you post another song from this album just recently? This song reminds me of Belle & Sebastian quite a bit. Nice.
Are you down with The Bird & The Bee yet? If you like these guys you need to listen to TB&TB new album 'Rayguns Are Not Just The Future'.
Ja, is good!
You got me to buy their last album and I thought of you when I picked up this album as well. Funny how you can think about somebody when you don't even know what they really look or sound like, but never-the-less, I did and thanks!
This seems to be happening a lot to me lately, I fall in love with a band, then they put out a crappy record and the magic is just not there anymore.
Sounds like a bad relationship, or one with no substance. Though I know there is a so-called sophomore slump, yeah?
I'm glad this album wasn't a let down for you.
I tihnk I need to pick this album up.
They recently got a good writeup / review from thier Bowery Ballroom gig in NYC where the amp caught fire and exploded quite unexpectedly in flemes on stage! Here's the review from the blog: Quiet Color:
Quiet Color
BISHOP ALLEN @ BOWERY BALLROOM
by kevin diamond
“This is either an auspicious beginning or an inauspicious beginning” explained singer Justin Rice. Bishop Allen had just finished their first song, and the bass amp was engulfed in flames. “I’m gonna go with inauspicious.”
It was a memorable start to a show that was at times energetic and at other times lagged, yet ended with a bang. It was especially apropos for a band that sings about signs and signals, and who penned a tune called “Same Fire.” What it really showcased, however, was the unmistakable charm that these kids impart: The stoner bassist continually apologizing for blowing out the amp, something that was obviously out of his control; Justin Rice and Christian Rudder laughing at the situation and never taking themselves seriously; Darby Nowatka, the only female band member, with her shy demeanor and understated singing. It’s the bands greatest strength and best quality. No wonder their first album was called Charm School.
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Bishop Allen has the talent and chops of any indie pop outfit out there today, which makes it all more surprising that they’re often overlooked. For my money, they’ve got more tunes, more energy, and more, yes, charm than bands like Vampire Weekend, yet get only half as much acclaim. It’s a shame, but also a blessing. The Bowery was not sold out on Sunday night, which may be a bad thing for the venue, but which is a plus to any fan who enjoys a laid back atmosphere in which to watch their favorite band. I’ve seen plenty of shows at Bowery that overflowed with drunk NYU kids trying to score dates and talking over a band that I really enjoy, so I was happy for my space and the intimate performance.
The performance itself was full of energy, and though there were a few songs played that I would consider clunkers, the showmanship of the band usually trumped and kept the momentum moving. The greatest moment of the night was the last: Christian began plucking the strings of my personal favorite Bishop Allen song, Flight 180, as Justin invited the members of the two opening bands: Team B and Mt Helens Vietnam Band, to join them on stage playing various percussion and brass instruments, and closing out the show with a bang.
I have been seeing a lot of good reviews and heaps of traffic on the blogs for Biship Allen. See my earlier posts but by far this is my favorite video I have seen them in so far and a song that is easily overlooked but, to me, one of thier best off the new album?
Heart-warming music, methinks!
And I agree with uncle A, Bird and Bee for you :)
Grr.. is the "new" Bzzz.. methinks!
Love it... they should use it as a promotional tagline :)
Alright, alright already. I'll listen to them. (Belle & Sebastian, you say? Bird & Bee? Hmmm... she thinks. I like them, perhaps BA is worth a try).
I'm having a sneaking feeling this is going to be like my Lykke Li situation. Remember Jox making multiple love posts about Lykke? I kept reading them, thinking "Yeah, I should listen her stuff", and then never getting around to it. Finally, Finally, I made the concerted effort to stream several of her songs and remixes and POW! (The sound of my hand slapping my forehead). Why hadn't I listened to this earlier. I felt I almost owed an apology to Jox for not listening right way. Methinks I might be owing you a Bishop Allen apology. I'll report back.
nice band as Spring is approching in the cold north,thanks