Had Interpol been honest with themselves before making their second album, they would've accepted the fact that improving on the debut would be out of the question. Their prime objective, then, would be to make a different record -- not a better one. Suck it up, prepare for the inevitable "sophomore slump" darts, and get on with it. Having fielded comparison after comparison since the release of Turn on the Bright Lights, you'd think the band would've also thought to be more cautious the second time around. They weren't. Believe it or not, Antics opens with a song that resembles a defunct band more closely -- in structure, sound, and sentiment -- than anything on the debut. From the processional church organ to the sighing guitar, from the echo on the spare piano notes to the sound of the drums, from the stained-glass window to the wailing wall, "Next Exit" is a poor facsimile of Gentlemen-era Afghan Whigs (there we go again). Though the remainder of the album sounds like Interpol, and not your favorite unsung band, it's far from a favorable start -- and as Antics plays out, the album begins to form the shape of a Singles Going Unsteady, with five possible A-sides and as many apparent B-sides arranged to stream like something you'd listen to from beginning to end. The sequence runs thusly: B-side, A-side, A-side, B-side, A-side, B-side, B-side, A-side, A-side, B-side. Some of the five A-sides cast Interpol in brighter light -- a relatively upbeat one, not merely an up-tempo one. Though up-tempo songs weren't absent from Turn on the Bright Lights, they were delivered in pensive, steady waves of gloom. The up-tempo songs here aren't nearly as downcast -- even "C'mere," in which Paul Banks sings, "The trouble is that you're in love with someone else," turns out to be more charming than self-pitying. Another development is the presence of some taut dance rhythms -- touring has made them a better, more flexible band, especially within the interplay between bassist Carlos Dengler and drummer Sam Fogarino. To the band's credit, the weaker songs aren't necessarily eating space for no reason -- their B-material here is more affecting than the average indie band's A-material. The problem is that, during those lesser moments, the band shows signs of attempting to cannibalize Turn on the Bright Lights' magnetic sulking, and their hearts don't seem to be as in it. The truth, as alluded to above, is that they will never make a record as special as the debut. However, following it with one that is merely very good is no crime.
Okay, don't get me wrong. I love Ben Gibbard to absolute death. However, I am a little uneasy at the fact that just because he is who he is, he is automatically number 1. I mean, once again, I love him to death and I would kill to meet him, however, let's think about this rationally, shall we? He's hardly ever on, doesn't post many blogs, and doesn't comment. At least, he doesn't do these ...
More >
C'mere fue la primera cancion de interpol que escucheademas amo a paul banks ^^
More >
my body clock is so messed up, i realised it today. this morning i made a point of getting out of bed for 10am, after deciding i need to get into at least some kind of routine. so i woke at ten, but by 11pm i was tired, so fell asleep watching pedro amodovar's 'bad education'. that meant that i woke up at 2am, cos i generally dont need much sleep. now its 2.32 and im blogging. what is wrong wit...
More >
Yes, you read correctly, I have decided to make a post for mog's very own, Anna. I have nothing really better to write about currently, and I thought how Anna always has amazing posts! Her love for Interpol and Franz Ferdinand are obvious and her musical library is extensive and extraordinary. Thanks, Anna for always understanding just how I felt, especially when I felt like the sole loser i...
More >
...how brilliant the lyrics of this song are. Especially the second verse:I submit my incentive is romanceI watch the pole dance of the starsWe rejoice because the hurting is so painlessFrom the distance of passing carsBut I am married to your charms and graceI just go crazy like the good old daysYou make me want to pick up a guitarAnd celebrate the myriad of ways that I love youThat is all, re...
More >
What is this? Many bands have thought that it is a good idea to switch album labels!!! Death Cab did it and now Interpol??? They are dropping the beloved album label of Matador to go to Capitol? I mean, i know that this means that hopefully more people will become aware of this fantastic band, but seriously. The thing that really ticks me off is the fact that some people buy albums based off
More >
So "Interpol":http://www.interpol.org have offered their services in helping to find the Suffolk Strangler, not sure how indie rock will stop serial killers, but it's a nice gesture...
More >
Wow, I'd love to hear some new stuff from these guys..Anyone able to help a girl out?
More >
Oh the fairer sex and their witch magick, how they break our hearts like crystal and leave leave leave. Or is it the other way around. Its all a blur. Ai , there is one song in my cabinet I play alone but wish oh so desperatley someone else would hear. And by hear I mean , when she listens to this song ,her ice would melt away as it cuts deep into the heart and core thusly inspiring her to for...
More >
I love Interpol. To me, Turn On the Bright Lights is one of the best records in the last 10 years. Don't know how I feel about them apparently "signing to Capitol":http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/page/news/2006/8/14/Interpol_Sign_to_Capitol#37925 - hope it doesn't matter in the end. Here is some viddys:Obstacle 1C'mere
More >
For about a month now these two songs have made it onto every playlist I've put together because I can't seem to go a day without listening to them. And, they usually end up - quite accidentally - back to back. A little while ago, when I was really paying attention, this struck me as funny - I don't know why I didn't pick up on it the first time I heard them back to back...but it's like a cal...
More >
So "Interpol":http://www.interpol.org have offered their services in helping to find the Suffolk Strangler, not sure how indie rock will stop serial killers, but it's a nice gesture...
More >
...how brilliant the lyrics of this song are. Especially the second verse:I submit my incentive is romanceI watch the pole dance of the starsWe rejoice because the hurting is so painlessFrom the distance of passing carsBut I am married to your charms and graceI just go crazy like the good old daysYou make me want to pick up a guitarAnd celebrate the myriad of ways that I love youThat is all, re...
More >
Oh the fairer sex and their witch magick, how they break our hearts like crystal and leave leave leave. Or is it the other way around. Its all a blur. Ai , there is one song in my cabinet I play alone but wish oh so desperatley someone else would hear. And by hear I mean , when she listens to this song ,her ice would melt away as it cuts deep into the heart and core thusly inspiring her to for...
More >
my body clock is so messed up, i realised it today. this morning i made a point of getting out of bed for 10am, after deciding i need to get into at least some kind of routine. so i woke at ten, but by 11pm i was tired, so fell asleep watching pedro amodovar's 'bad education'. that meant that i woke up at 2am, cos i generally dont need much sleep. now its 2.32 and im blogging. what is wrong wit...
More >
I love Interpol. To me, Turn On the Bright Lights is one of the best records in the last 10 years. Don't know how I feel about them apparently "signing to Capitol":http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/page/news/2006/8/14/Interpol_Sign_to_Capitol#37925 - hope it doesn't matter in the end. Here is some viddys:Obstacle 1C'mere
More >
It is strange to be nearly June and still be cold and rainy here. A good day to stay inside and listen to some Interpol.
More >
Okay, don't get me wrong. I love Ben Gibbard to absolute death. However, I am a little uneasy at the fact that just because he is who he is, he is automatically number 1. I mean, once again, I love him to death and I would kill to meet him, however, let's think about this rationally, shall we? He's hardly ever on, doesn't post many blogs, and doesn't comment. At least, he doesn't do these ...
More >
Yes, you read correctly, I have decided to make a post for mog's very own, Anna. I have nothing really better to write about currently, and I thought how Anna always has amazing posts! Her love for Interpol and Franz Ferdinand are obvious and her musical library is extensive and extraordinary. Thanks, Anna for always understanding just how I felt, especially when I felt like the sole loser i...
More >
What is this? Many bands have thought that it is a good idea to switch album labels!!! Death Cab did it and now Interpol??? They are dropping the beloved album label of Matador to go to Capitol? I mean, i know that this means that hopefully more people will become aware of this fantastic band, but seriously. The thing that really ticks me off is the fact that some people buy albums based off
More >
This isn´t a new song, but one of my favorites. Is related with my past, an old story of my life, no question. I listen it last year twice on Interpol's visits to Mexico City.It is also related with one of my best friends, and his galfriend, which i introduced him couple of years ago; she sang this song during last summer...it should be me...i wonder if i would find someone that can sing me thi..
More >
This is the result of the build up from "slow hands" in the post below.
More >
ANTICS: Matador, 2004Song: Slow Hands. Considered the synthesis shot of the entire album. The build up/hook combo preludes so nicely into the next track "not even jail".
More >
Wow, I'd love to hear some new stuff from these guys..Anyone able to help a girl out?
More >
| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Next Exit |
|
|
| 2 Evil |
|
|
| 3 Narc |
|
|
| 4 Take You on a Cruise |
|
|
| 5 Slow Hands |
|
|
| 6 Not Even Jail |
|
|
| 7 Public Pervert |
|
|
| 8 C'mere |
|
|
| 9 Length of Love |
|
|
| 10 A Time to Be So Small |
|
|
Click to purchase…
© 2006-2009 Mog Inc. All Rights Reserved
 "Antics")
