Please Read!

I wouldn't necessarily call these posts reviews! I wouldn't call myself a music expert either, though I'd like to think I'm somewhat knowledgeable. I'd say this is more like a personal journal of my travels through my vast music library in an attempt to keep myself amused. It's really just writings about my reactions to the music than a judgement of the quality. Since I'm doing these daily, I'll usually listen through maybe once or twice, write out a short little blurb and move on!

Please send any comments, album suggestions and criticism to meandmyrecords@gmail.com. Thanks!

that dog. - Retreat from the Sun (1997)

  • :Josh
  • : at 9:13 PM
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    • Well that dog. is making a comeback, or at least a reunion, so I decided to give this album a go. I try to listen to lots of new music but sometimes I'll talk about albums that I am familiar with already, and in this case one that I haven't heard in ages. The first thing I notice whenever I listen to that dog. is the almost monotone vocals, with the some instances where it almost seems like lead singer, Anna Waronker is talking rather than singing, but what may be seen as imperfection is what gives that dog. the perfect tone and a unique sound. The other distinct feature of this band, especially in this album, are the melodic backing vocals which contrast the lead and really create great layers in the sound and that alone is enough to bring this album to the favor of my ears. 

    The album, just like their other music combines punky guitar with some poppy twists here and there to make a perfect combination for their 90’s alt sound. I would say that they capture the sound of their era as good as any, and what a good era it was (in my eyes [or ears?] at least). The lyrics really make me relate with Waronker and just like a  good movie, this collection of songs seem to tie together and really makes me root for her with hopes that there will be a happy ending to her story. The hopeless optimism and the “so it goes” attitude of the lyrics are realistic and relatable for the average person aimlessly wandering this planet in search of love. It’s an attitude that I think many only wish that they could adopt, a melancholy realism that’s always looking forward. The best tracks surprisingly come towards the end of the album where things really pick up and close out with the final anthem Until the Day I Die which sums up all of these little snippets throughout the album into one theme. You think that she’s giving up, but she’s not, she’s just realizing that some things are just meant to be, no matter how hard you try.

    Wow, I sure over-analyzed that one. It's just music!
    Verdict: MUST HAVE. I love this album and it just plays so smoothly that I can go through multiple listens without even realizing it. Waronker’s vocals are soothing and just allow you to escape and see things from her point of view.


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    :Josh : at 9:13 PM

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