The Little Ones' debut EP, 2005's Sing Song, was the kind of bright, sunny indie pop that earned the band comparisons to the Shins -- the peppy and lighthearted sound of the disc was happier than the Shins and had a pleasing spark of originality. Three years on, the band made it through some wrangling and ended up on Chop Shop Records for its debut full-length album, Morning Tide. The label is important in this case because it is helmed by Alexandra Patsavas, the person responsible for providing the music for TV shows like The O.C. and Grey's Anatomy. The Little Ones fit perfectly in that world; the album is glossy, sophisticated, and very atmospheric -- just right for scenes of young lovers falling in and out of love dramatically. The shimmering guitars, big drums, and huge vocal harmonies also point toward the arena-friendly sound of Coldplay and the bands that have followed in their footsteps. A song like "Tangerine Visions," with its heart-tugging, expansive chorus, the Mellotron set to stun, and Edward Reyes' pretty, near falsetto vocal straining for the back of the auditorium, gives you an idea of their ambition. They want to play with the big boys and the album has the sound ready to compete; the songs are equal to the challenge as well. Album opener "Morning Tide" has the kind of hook that will stick and some nice production tricks; the ballad "Rise & Shine" is suitably melodic and sweet; "Like a Spoke on a Wheel" has a title alone worthy of a Coldplay-lite band. Will the massive success they seem to be aiming for happen for the Little Ones? Most likely not -- in fact, they seem more likely to end up like their producer Dave Newton's band, the Mighty Lemon Drops. That band desperately wanted to be Echo & the Bunnymen or U2, but never really caught on with the public. They had a nice career, though, and even made some decent albums (though it's their early work that holds up best), but ultimately were too generic. Morning Tide, though pleasant and by no means bad, is also far from original and too "of the moment" to make much of an impact beyond appearing in the occasional TV show or film soundtrack -- basically anywhere that pleasant, generic modern rock is needed.
California indie-poppers, The Little Ones, debuted their album Morning Tide on October 7th. The album is available in stores and online. Funky Cold Sabrina: LOVE IT. Makes me want to eat Skittles and frolic through a field of flowers. This cd made... Click above to continue
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The best presents for women come in small boxes. The best new find for music enthusiasts comes as The Little Ones . The five grinning guys from L.A.'s easiest to like group most recently displayed their diamond in a box capability with October 7th's release of Morning Tide . Wound with the pop of their own giddiness, The Little Ones fuse in experimentation akin to Vampire Weekend while ...
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Just like Blitzen Trapper, The Little Ones have just released the title track for their upcoming album, Morning Tide, due out on October 7th on Chop Shop Records. Why is the band pictured under a burritos sign, you might be thinking? Perhaps because The Little Ones are just like burritos. If you don't like them, you [...]~~
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Every one of The Little Ones' songs on Morning Tide seems laced with a smile so fake you want to punch it until it bleeds something real~~
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It is a chilly Friday in the Bay Area, and I am staying warm in front of the computer, listening to Bagel Radio. I've now heard two songs from the new Pretenders record - and I have to say, I really like what I hear. I recently downloaded a whole of gang of music off Emusic, however there are a number of albums I need that the service does not have. Perhaps a trip to the record store could...
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California indie-poppers, The Little Ones, debuted their album Morning Tide on October 7th. The album is available in stores and online. Funky Cold Sabrina: LOVE IT. Makes me want to eat Skittles and frolic through a field of flowers. This cd made... Click above to continue
More >
The best presents for women come in small boxes. The best new find for music enthusiasts comes as The Little Ones . The five grinning guys from L.A.'s easiest to like group most recently displayed their diamond in a box capability with October 7th's release of Morning Tide . Wound with the pop of their own giddiness, The Little Ones fuse in experimentation akin to Vampire Weekend while ...
More >
Just like Blitzen Trapper, The Little Ones have just released the title track for their upcoming album, Morning Tide, due out on October 7th on Chop Shop Records. Why is the band pictured under a burritos sign, you might be thinking? Perhaps because The Little Ones are just like burritos. If you don't like them, you [...]~~
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Do you ever watch a video and wonder, "Why exactly do I like this band?" We saw the Little Ones at SxSW 2006, where I also had a strange run-in with former MTV VJ John Norris. They play great pop tunes that are infectious, thanks in part to a plethora of hand claps. Hopefully the [...]
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Morning Tide from The Little Ones has truly been a great addition to our collection this year. We did post about them at the end of October , but we wanted something for ourselves as well as our readers. Fortunately enough, we readied a few questions for the LA lads and they were more than happy to answer. Hello Edward, Brian, Ian, Lee and David- it's great to finally get some words acro...
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Here's the brand new video for the title track, "Morning Tide" - with enough high fives, ear-to-ear smiles, and under-trampoline camera shots to have you feeling good for the rest of the week. "Morning Tide" | download The Little Ones | Myspace | Tour Dates | Buy
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MCMB has given away the Mp3, now we get the video as well -- with enough high fives, ear-to-ear smiles, and under-trampoline camera shots to have you feeling good for the rest of the week. Enjoy! The Little Ones Tour Dates: November 10 Seattle, WA - Chop Suey 11 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge 14... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit the MCMB website for full links, free music, great vide...
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 "Morning Tide")
