I'm always amazed when I hear a really good indie album. While it shouldn't and doesn't matter which label distributes a record, I find myself contemplating the things being pushed from the mainstream out to the edges.
"There's so many people making really interesting albums," former Toad The Wet Sprocket frontman Glen Phillips told me on the B-Sides Concept Album, and he's absolutely right. He continued the thought by saying "Indie music has never been better."
He didn't say the major labels are producing crap. He didn't have to. They are, and that which is understood need not be explained. Not everything coming from the majors is bad, but the ratio isn't something to be proud of. Indie music is flourishing, and it's in part because elements that once seemed vital are now something of a novelty.
Songwriting is what sets The Bittersweets apart from mainstream pop music. You don't hear these kinds of songs on pop radio, but you used to. As the hip hop sound becomes more and more a dominant force in the pop world, bands that used to work in that world have pushed into other genres. Darius Rucker of Hootie and The Blowfish fame actually has a major hit on country radio.
"Pop is so beat-oriented," Rucker said. "Country is where you can still get that song that makes you remember that old girlfriend or whatever. Country still has a story to it."
So does the music of The Bittersweets. These aren't folk narratives, but these songs are the residual effects of life experiences. These are the stories of a disappointed optimist. GNSF isn't a collection of lamentations nor is it all sunshine and roses. These songs are about people we know, inhabiting the same world most of us live in. It's a world where things don't often go according to plan. The weary wander the streets where hearts are broken and tears are cried, yet somewhere in the midst of despair is a faint glimmer of hope. It's in that contradiction — that struggle to stay above water when everything feels like its pulling downward – that the magic happens.
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
a hybrid of Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis and Sixpence None The Richer's Leigh Nash
hoooboy, that is exactly right.
nice review josh. this one's on my list on the strength of the title track alone.
2 - Josh Hathaway
Thanks, Mark. I can't recommend this album enough. I love Hannah's vocals on this record.
To tide you over, be sure to download "Wreck." I know you hate MP3, but it will give you something to listen to until you can get a copy of the album. If you're anything like me, hearing the imperfect MP3 only puts me in more of a hurry to buy the album.
You also need to check out The Life You Always Wanted.
3 - Mat Brewster
Thanks for the download. That's a catchy little tune. Almost a little too Nashville for me, but still quite nice.
4 - Snyder
The only problem is the stolen name, maybe they were mostly known in Europe but these things filter through here and it wasn't that long ago to say the name is up for grabs:
Not that Arne isn't guilty a bit himself, but a couple of obscure singles from '65 /'66 is a little easier to miss than stuff from the internet age.
This seems to be a worsening trend, with Liverpool diving in the deepest: the Rascals & the Wombats? The lawyers are the only ones who win this crap.
5 - Josh Hathaway
Well if that's the only problem that's no problem at all. A Bittersweets by any other name would still sound as sweet. There are lots of side issues that, from time to time, can be interesting discussion but when all that is pushed aside it's the music that matters and Goodnight, San Francisco really delivers.
Sir Brewster, I'm astounded that you find this might be too Nashville for your liking. Best you listen 10-12 more times and correct your thinking.
6 - Josh Hathaway
I've been listening to this again this afternoon. I have to make sure this makes my Best of '08 list. There are some really great songs on this record.
7 - tink
Another great thing about indies is that the labels aren't so paranoid about their acts that they only let you hear snippets of tunes before making a purchase.
So I was pleased to find The Bittersweets had a home on MySpace. The band's pop-up standaloneplayer gives you a healthy dose of songs (including the song "Wreck" for those not into the mp3 download thang) to listen to and sink your teeth into.
Happier than finding them there is the fact that you've turned me onto some great new music.
THANKS!!
8 - Lisa Damian
"Glitterati" -- What a fantastic descrition. Did you coin the term, or procure it from someone else? Either way, I love it!
One of the best music reviews I've read in a while, by the way.
9 - Josh Hathaway
Thanks, Lisa, Tink. Lisa, I wish I could take credit for glitterati but it's not a term of my own making. I don't know where I first heard it, but it certainly seems appropriate.
Tink, I'm so glad you took the time to check out a few songs from the album. This has been one of the happiest finds of the year for me, too. It's definitely one to own.
Thanks to you both.
10 - Mary K. Williams
Not that there's anything wrong with a good jolt of 'rhythm music', but lately I'm hearing some gorgeous (most likely indie) stuff on film soundtracks. It makes me want a lot more.
Nice write up Josh
11 - Josh Hathaway
Sir Mary, if you want to hear gorgeous indie stuff this is for you! You need this album.