CD Review: Kasabian - Kasabian
Published March 09, 2005
After about the half-dozenth unsolicited gush/recommendation to check out Kasabian's self-titled debut CD, I felt I had no choice. I even saved the debut listen for a day spent in the car so I could devote some serious listening time to the album. In fact, I was so sure this record was going to be a slam dunk that I didn't bring any other music with me.
I expected some kind of Radiohead-ish except harder rocking, UK band, with thoughtful lyrics or some kind of quirk. As I crossed the George Washington Bridge, heading west, I slid the CD into the player and eagerly anticipated the first notes. The last thing I expected was to get this bland, unimpressive collection of guitar-synth mélange.
I kept hoping, praying, waiting for it to get better, that it would grow on me with the next listen. But after one and a half listens, I began to feel like that guy who drove from Iowa to Chicago listening to nothing but "Dancing Queen" by ABBA. I finally resorted to switching between news radio and KROCK right about the time I hit Morristown, NJ, and when stopping for gas, I emptied out both the center console and the glove box in the car in the hope that there was something else I could listen to. (I found a live Emmylou Harris CD. It was a gift of the gods.)
To be honest, I was willing to chalk up my complete and utter distaste to age or a lack of context. After all, none of the influences Kasabian carefully photocopies are new for me. But then again, I loved Oasis (the band most compared to Kasabian) and absolutely adore Jet (funny that the two of them are touring, but then again, not), but can't freaking stand the likes of Franz Ferdinand (band #2 they are most compared to) and the Bravery.
I saw the latter group play at the SPIN Magazine Christmas party and after two songs, commented to someone that I didn't like them back in 1985. (They looked at me somewhat puzzled and asked, "I didn't think they'd been around that long?") But I've chatted with some friends across the pond in the UK, whose vitriol against Kasabian is even harsher than mine.
- CD Review: Kasabian - Kasabian
- Published: March 09, 2005
- Type:
- Section: Music
- Writer: Caryn Rose
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Comments on this articleComments
Whatever, this record is just fine.
I don't know what everybody is expecting from any new act to appear. I make my living selling books and music and, thus, sample plenty of music. Kasabian, without any pre-judgement, are neither groundbreaking or at least innovative, but certainly entertaining. Emmylou Harris, e.g., bores me to death. So why not listen to a band that might not be the sensation, but still offers some good connections to times long gone by. Being from Europe, all I can say is that it's not ABBA or Britney Spears; it ain't no Dancing Queen- and that's good. I like their spirit and can't wait to see them live.
This band played Lollapalooza, but I don't think I cared enough to see them.
The Bravery are huge, stupid poseurs who are ripping off 80s songs and have a douchebag singer who's doing the world's worst Morrissey impersonation, but they do have two good, catchy songs -- "An Honest Mistake" and "Unconditional," their two radio hits this year. They're not as good a band as their enemies The Killers, but they're not a horrible band.
Kasabian strikes me as much less Duran Duran/New Order/80s influenced than the other bands you name, but again, I don't really know or care much about them.
That is all.
Emmylou Harris? Give me a break! I had heard of Kasabian only because I rely on the brit music scene for talent (given that my country is bent on that no talent cock Eminem). I have not heard their "album", but did recently see them live opening for Oasis. I thought their sound was beyond Madchester. It was Stone Roses taken to the next level. Personally, after hearing them live, I think they are better than the other band opening for Oasis, Jet. Everybody is always looking for something totally new. Well get over it. Keith Richards had it right. If you want to know what Joy Division mixed with Stone Roses and Oasis would sound like, listen to Kasabian. Otherwise, listen to usual radio garbage like 3 doors down, etc., etc.
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Caryn,
Another good one. Never heard of them - and apparently I'm happier that way :-)
Launched this on the world too - @ Advance.net for the (family-friendly) cream of the BC Web log.
Here's the link. Sorry here.
- Thanks. Temple