So there was this punk band called The Scuds. (Geddit?) They then got wrapped up in the alt.country thing in the early 90s and became The Scud Mountain Boys. (Geddit?) The Scud Mountain Boys release one verrrry mellow acoustic album way back in 1995 highlighted by Joe Pernice's smooth voice.
After a couple on one off name changes to Chappaquiddick Skyline and Big Tobacco the newly named Pernice Brothers (took a while to come up with a decent name, eh?) released Overcome by Happiness in 2000. The band had discovered pop music. The smooth voice and mellow pace were the same, but now backed by electric guitars, keyboards, and more vocals layered on and layered on.
The post title comes from a friend's quote at the show last night after a particularly blistering guitar break. Joe Pernice is still the smooth mellow front man - but the band cranks out the songs behind him. Anyone who like some lush power pop should check this out.
My Trusted MOGs
I love lush power pop but when I sample the Pernice Brothers only some of it seems to be in that genre. I've heard some stuff I really loved but, more often, stuff I didn't know. So maybe their identity crisis is now doing battle inside my head.
My Trusted MOGs
I am seeing the Pernice Bros. next week. I can't wait. By the way, the new LP is very, very good. It includes a new version of the exquisite "Grudge Fuck".
My Trusted MOGs
The show I attended on Wednesday night was excellent. Their punk roots showed through, too, with his cousin Joe Harvard and Jonathan Richman taking the stage for the best rendition of "Pablo Picasso" I've ever heard.