Giving a record a title like Re-Arrange Us might imply some kind of shift in sound or approach but on Mates of State album of that title, there is nothing of the sort taking place. In fact, the album continues along the path the band has plotted out over their last couple releases with more piano and less organ, a glossy, slick feel that's radio ready and super-hooky tunes that are both sing-along friendly and emotionally powerful. "Get Better" sets the tone of the album right away with a sunshine-y melody, smooth production and sentiments like, "Forget all your politics for awhile/Let the color schemes arrive." It's a near perfect summer jam, almost too perfect as the rest of the album never quite recaptures the glorious feeling the song provides. Some come close though. "Help Help," with its '80s synths and fuzzed organ; "My Only Offer," with a majestic piano part and beautiful vocals from Kori Gardner; and the positively exuberant "Jigsaw" are the kind of songs indie rock bands would kill for. Gardner and Jason Hammel are becoming adept at creating big, shiny records with a real-life heart beating beneath. Indeed behind the pretty melodies and sing-along choruses are some tough sentiments with talk of losing fights and cold sweat on "You Are Free," long lost love on "Blue and Gold Print," and desperate battles on "The Re-Arranger." It's a fully realized album that will appeal to indie fans that like some sugar with their sadness, some sour with their sweetness. Most of all it will go down like honey for Mates of State fans who have been following the band's progression from an edgy lo-fi duo to the indie rock hit making machine they have so gracefully become.
I've been a quiet fan of Mates of State since my days at university. Anecdotally speaking I discovered their music around the same time I started listening to Yo La Tengo, not that it matters. Anyway, for the past few years Mates of State have been sitting quietly off center on my radar screen. I've listened to each of their albums a couple of times through, I've been pleased with their soun...
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Mates Of State: Rearrange Us *rating* 5.3*This two person review is by Sage T. and Ethan E.*EE: So we've got the new Mates of State here eh? Why does it seem like just yesterday their new album came out....and then the last one before it. Not that they've grown tiresome...i guess I just can't believe it's already Mates of State time.ST: Yup...they release albums like clockwork, and not a r...
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I've been a quiet fan of Mates of State since my days at university. Anecdotally speaking I discovered their music around the same time I started listening to Yo La Tengo, not that it matters. Anyway, for the past few years Mates of State have been sitting quietly off center on my radar screen. I've listened to each of their albums a couple of times through, I've been pleased with their soun...
More >
I've been a quiet fan of Mates of State since my days at university. Anecdotally speaking I discovered their music around the same time I started listening to Yo La Tengo, not that it matters. Anyway, for the past few years Mates of State have been sitting quietly off center on my radar screen. I've listened to each of their albums a couple of times through, I've been pleased with their soun...
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Wow...maybe the new mysterious MOG benefactors(The Evil Record Companies) didn't like my last few posts...as they have been banished into the nether regions of cyberspace...I will post this new one anyway, hopefully if sticks around long enough for some of you to hear it...because this new Mates Of State record is SO good! Here is the tile-inspired track...enjoy!
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Mates Of State: Rearrange Us *rating* 5.3*This two person review is by Sage T. and Ethan E.*EE: So we've got the new Mates of State here eh? Why does it seem like just yesterday their new album came out....and then the last one before it. Not that they've grown tiresome...i guess I just can't believe it's already Mates of State time.ST: Yup...they release albums like clockwork, and not a r...
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Here's another song from this cool new album from Mates of State.Perfect for a Sunday AM on a long weekend.
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Mates and States, the real life couple of Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel, will release the follow-up to 2005's well-recieved album Bring It Back this spring. For the new one, Re-Arrange Us out May 20th via Barsuk, Gardner and Hammel layered keys, drums, and alternately dueling vocals. Some tracks that make the album include "Now," "Jigsaw" and "Get Better." Much of the album was written while Ga...
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The critters are out & romping::::A fitting time for Mates of StateThe husband-wife duo are back with their new album Re-Arrange Us. Birthed in Lawrence, Kansas, the keyboard/drum band of Kori Gardner & Jason Hammel are now soaking up the California sun. & they've been busy showing our furry friends some love: & now their new anthromorphic music video.... "Get Better"
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The is the only way I can get a song in a post.
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This is the only way I can get a song in a post.
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I can't seem to get music in a post any other way.
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"Help Help" by Mates of State from Re-Arrange Us.There's just something so cool about couples who make music together...
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The experimental live studio video feed from Yahoo! Live may have caused some problems last week, but we're going to give it one more try because we're just that reckless. Hopefully this old war-horse of a computer will be able to handle the broadcast, recording, and video. Give it a gander during showtime (Friday 9 a.m.-5p.m. Pacific), let me know what you think:http://live.yahoo.com/bagelrad...
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Mates of State "My Only Offer" from Retread Sessions on Vimeo. I have never posted on this band, eventhough they have a few songs on my playlist. This is a very nice setting wouldn't you agree?
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Mates Of State (Kori Gardner and Jason Hammel) are hitting The Loft tomorrow on their tour with rap duo, Brother Reade, behind their fifth full length album, "Re-Arrange Us," released on Barsuk. The tour will mark Mates' first extensive road trip since NPR's "This American Life" tour last February, ...
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| Title | Lyrics | Buy |
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| 1 Get Better |
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| 2 Now |
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| 3 My Only Offer |
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| 4 The Re-Arranger |
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| 5 Jigsaw |
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| 6 Blue and Gold Print |
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| 7 Help Help |
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| 8 You Are Free |
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| 9 Great Dane |
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| 10 Lullaby Haze |
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Click to purchase…
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 "Re-Arrange Us")
