"Something like a phenomena/You're something like a phenomena," sings Karen O (not LL Cool J) over a sassy, blues beat on "Phenomena," the Yeah Yeah Yeahs song currently rocking its way through my headphones. Following their recent success with mainstream alternative rock radio ("Maps," "Y Control"), you may have expected the trio to drop a more pop-friendly, polished record - but that's not what they did ... entirely. Show Your Bones starts off rather strong - the rollicking "Gold Lion" - with possibly the year's best chorus - followed by the dark and subtly experimental "Way Out." The group took a different approach with the recording of the album, as O tells Pitchfork, "We wrote this album on ProTools and that opened up infinite tracks - nonlinear songwriting, you know, to the max." With ...Bones, Yeah Yeah Yeahs have expanded their sound a bit, smoothed over the rougher edges, with O sounding as confident as ever. Yet, something seems missing. "Cheated Hearts" is a near-perfect ballad that sounds straight out of the early eighties; what it lacks is the slightest bit of edgy imperfection. Even "Maps" and "Y Control" distinguished themselves with little hints of distortion, something which is absent from this record. As the second half dives into slower material, it all becomes a little too seamless. The songs are great, but collectively they don't create a great record. Album: 3.5 (out of 5)
Songs: 4
If you're feeling nostalgic for some classic YYY's, download "Art Star" from their self-titled 2002 EP.
5 comments:
I liked Fever to Tell quite a lot, but am really not all that well versed with Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I've been hearing mixed receptions on Show Your Bones though. A lot of times the infighting gets more press than their music.
Good review Will. I haven't heard all that much from the new record, but the DJs on the alternative stations are calling it THE pop/alternative must have of the year. I seldom take what the radio guys say to heart, so I'll reserve judgement until I hear the rest. If it's anything like their previous material, I'll enjoy it.
Barbara, are you reading too much NME again? All the British press cares about is gossip, they are as bad as I am.
Great review Will, I am looking forward to this as you know.
Jacquie, I am always reading too much NME. I get all my news from NME and you!
can't wait to get this one. Love this band
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