However, I should remind you that I am a realist. While this record is exceedingly good (really, go buy it, you'll thank me), some of the tracks, particularily "Dinner Bells", could do with a bit more editing. I like my droney music with cheerful electronic nose layered on top as much as the next girl, but I could do without seven minutes and thirty-four seconds of it. I'm not too thrilled with "This Heart's on Fire" either, especially as an album closer. Repetitive and with strained, MTV-esque lyrics and vocals, it's just not up to the quality of the other songs: this album deserves to end with a glorious bang, not a dull thud.
Honestly, in the world of modern music, the moments where true poeticism and wonderful music meet are few and far between. Albums like Apologies to the Queen Mary can be viewed as a direct challenge against other musicians. Hopefully, the soul, depth, and sheer ferocity of Wolf Parade's debut album will be used as an intimidation factor to raise the bar for all new releases.
This review is also posted on The Modern Pea Pod.
Article comments
1 - Dan
Hot diggety! I really like this review.
2 - Matt
MPP--I agree with much of this after about 3 listens to ther album. The massive critical blowjob that Wolf Parade has received from the indie crowd so far is only partially justified. Dinner bells is way too long.
3 - Paul
Great review Megan - and very nicely written. I couldn't agree with you more about 'This Heart's on Fire', but I disagree slightly about 'Dinner Bells' - I think the length and drawn out nature of the track add to its overall cadence and impact. I've read countless reviews of this record and I can't believe that none of them has mentioned 'I'll Believe in Anything', which, to me, is one of the standout tracks of the last couple of years (up there with 'Wake Up').
4 - nick
i dont think dinner bells is too long. its obviously a heart felt song, so i feel it deserves to be that long. sure its not a song to rock out to in the car..but when your drunk and its the end of the night it does wonders. plus theyre pushing the envelope again, and i think they achieved their goal. listen to the live version of this hearts on fire and youll love it, trust me. i am disappointed with the studio version but the live version is amazing. download it or i think its on one of their earlier ep's.
5 - ashley
I am absolutely 100% given over to Wolf Parade fandomania! I've seen them three times so far and amazed at the raw energy their live performance entails. I agree that 'dinner bells' isn't as power on the album, but it is much edgier live and I was able to appreicate it on the grander scale. I also agree that "this hearts on fire' is a poor closer, but strongly disagree that it's not a good song. The more I listen to it, the more i love it.
The production on the album is amazing in comparison to the EP's - kudos to Issac Brock for an AMAZING job on it. The mix is terrific. This is a band I wish I could go see every single weekend... GO BUY THE RECORD!!!!
Here are some pics from their recent gig @ Lucky in Victoria, BC through the following tags:
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/ashcash1983/15.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v614/ashcash1983/15.jpg
6 - Kristin
My second favorite album of the year. I saw them twice, once opening for the Arcade Fire, once headlining in a small venue, which suits them very well. My favorite on the album: I'll Believe in Anything.
7 - Zach
What's your first favorite?
8 - matt
great band. great live show. great ep's. bad studio recording. really bad producer (isaac brock). the next record will be much better. wait and see. hype though premature will be met.