About a year ago Ryan Gosseling did it, actually about four years ago El Perro Del Mar did it, really many of us have done it.. So what's with all these bands paying homage to vintage music birthed from a time before internet, cell phones, & maybe even color TV's? It doesn't matter. As long as the trend continues/never dies. We all grew up around oldies music, it's what our parents usually played in the car (for most of us I would assume), it only made sense that eventually one of us would begin paying homage to that music. Rather than be a direct rip off of Dick Dale or Patsy Cline though Dirty Beaches brings a cinematic flair and Lo-Fi aesthetic that is sure to get all the Indie kids uh-movin'.. "Badlands" may not be the debut release of DB (check out how many they have so far), but it will certainly be the one that puts them on the map.
"Badlands" starts off with a less than popular start, but after you listen to the rest of the album you will understand it's place. Once track two begins you immediately notice the Surf Rock/Rockabilly-esque tones come through. Side note: Generally when I would hear/see those words together I would be a bit skittish about looking further into the project, not the case here. Dirty Beaches have a way with making those sounds come off as dreamy, catchy (catchier), and entertaining for a modern sound listener. Song's like "A Hundred Highways" sound like something straight out of a 60's Surfer documentary. "True Blue" reminds me of the prom scene in Back To The Future when they slow dance. And "Lord Knows Best", wow. Such an amazing song. Perfectly tuned piano looped behind croonfull vocals (somewhat reminiscent of Richard Hawley), a sustained guitar/possibly keyboard sound, and this amazing choir keyboard sound that creeps in (heart that sound). It could be the best song you'll hear all year long. So anyways.. OK, the homage thing has been done, but the way Dirty Beaches does it is quite unique as well as 101% made for these ears.
So far my favorite release of 2011. "Badlands" is a pitch perfect Lo-Fi throwback to an era of music that has always held a special place in my heart. Look for this one high up on 11's year-end list. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED-thoroughly addicting stuff here...
Standout Tracks: ALL. ESPECIALLY! True Blue & Lord Knows Best
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