I finally (about 5 months late) bought my copy of the new Lawrence Arms album Oh! Calcutta! (released by Fat Wreck Chords) and I’m wondering why I waited so long. It’s their best record yet and one of the best of 2006.
While on past records, the two singers, Brendan Kelly and Chris McCaughan, have mostly traded off taking the lead for songs, on Oh! Calcutta! there are a lot more dual efforts (I hesitate to call it “harmonizing” since that sounds a little too pure for the down-and-dirty feel of the album). The result is a record that feels more complete and solid than their previous works. Instead of reeling from the all-out onslaught of a Kelly-song to the introspective, almost mopey McCaughan tunes, most of the songs integrate the two components and produce an end-result that smooths Kelly’s edges and adds some steel to McCaughan’s tunes.
It’s a little too in-tune to really qualify as punk, but neither is this is not a band following in the footsteps of Fall Out Boy. The Lawrence Arms retain their authentic feel, and if they sound more anthemic than usual, it’s only a positive.
Are You There Margaret? It’s Me God
This is my favorite track from the album, one of my favorite song titles of all-time (who didn’t read that book as a kid after all?), and probably the most high-energy chorus of the year.
One of the grittiest songs on the record, and a great example of the two of them singing together.
A little more exuberant than their other songs. This one is only available as an extra if you download from iTunes, and it’s definitely worth it.
As for their older stuff, a bunch of other Lawrence Arms songs are available on their website (click on the different albums to get an MP3 or two from each). And, here’s one of my favorites of their older songs, courtesy of Fat Wreck Chords:
Navigating the Windward Passage
Whew, all talking about Brendan Kelly has made me want to post about some of his earlier bands, so you’ll probably be getting some Slapstick and Broadways tomorrow.
In other news, for all those who enjoyed me Beatles from worst to first project, head over to Contrast Podcast this week and listen to a bunch of great Beatles covers. My personal favorites are Low’s “Nowhere Man,” Nina Simone’s “Here Comes the Sun,” Chris Eckman’s “Yellow Submarine,” Michèle Arnaud’s “Je Croyais,” and The Chameleons’ “Tomorrow Never Knows.” I highly recommend the Contrast Podcast in general, and this one in particular.
And, Good Hodgkins has compiled a list of bloggers who have posted on the “Best of 2006 (so far),” including yours truly, and put together a composite ranking. Many of my top 10 fare pretty well, but I’m shocked to discover that I was the only one of 22 to rank The Submarines. Where’s the love for the best album of the year?