The Walkmen
All right, folks. This is different!
If you, the listener, are expecting some straight up rock and roll, or even something close to jazz/blues such as some of the new young bands are incorporating into indie music, you will be surprised when you fire up “Lemon Hill” (Lemon Hill Marcata Records 2007).
This sound experience has one thing that fits with most of the other music you are used to – a fairly steady beat. Beyond that, it’s, well…..I don’t know. Check it out.
“Red River” a 2007 tune, is built on the same style of treble-heavy guitar as “Lemon Hill” but the vocal on “Red River” comes through as a Bob Dylan sound. Actually, the front man from The Walkmen probably sings a bit better than the legend, just enough. It’s just right, though.
These are relatively short songs, nothing like the 1960s extended versions of rock and nowhere near what some of the growl/screamo bands are attempting.
“Louisiana” (A Hundred Miles Off 2006 Record Collection) has a softer ballad feel and makes a case for The Walkmen being a listenable group. In the end, New York does spawn some fine musical art. This tune includes some horn and keyboard treatment that will please the aficionado. Try this as well. “All Hands and the Cook” from the same collection, is recommended for those who are truly looking for something that stretches the band’s limits and the listener’s limits.
The Walkmen will be at the Uptown Theater in Kansas City, at the Capitol Theater in Davenport, Iowa, then at The Vic in Chicago. The tour moves on to Cincinnati, Mt. Clemens, Michigan and then into Pennsylvania. I, for one, hope to check this band out.
Tags: The Walkmen, indie music, indie, music, independent music
Now this is what I am talking about. Something a bit different, something a bit new, and something that sounds absolutely awesome. I enjoy every song I have heard by The Walkman, with my personal favorite being “All Hands and the Clock”. These guys probably aren’t for everyone, but they are right up my alley, and they are musically brilliant.
First off, any band that calls itself “The Walkmen” gets my vote of confidence. I was in my late teens and early 20s when Sony was selling Walkman sets like hotcakes and the band’s name evokes that ’80s Nostalgia for the Reagan era, early Tom Clancy novels, John Hughes comedies starring Molly Ringwald, and lots of movies based on Stephen King books and stories.
Indeed, some of “The Walkmen’s” songs are short, but at least the style is more artistic and less angry-sounding than songs sung/screamed by lots of those “angry rocker” wannabe acts.
I have to agree with Fardreamer. The first thing that caught my eye was the name. That is one trendy name, the Walkmen. I also enjoy the artsy feel of the songs as well, especially Lemon Hill. It’s nice and peaceful, and less dramafied as most other songs are.
I just went back and listened to them again, and the more I listen, the more I like. I just wish they would come to my neck of the woods on tour. It would definitely be a show not to miss.