What will space age stoners be listening to in the not too distant future? Hopefully something a little more intelligent than The Dandy Warhols. Yes, the mirror kissing hipsters are back from a hiatus thats given them lots of time to come up with quite a few nifty drug puns and work them into catchy drone rocking electronica infused riffs. Don't believe me? Just listen to the nausea-inducing 'Valerie-Yum' with its lovable and ridiculous chorus. If that doesn't do it for ya, Mr. Taylor-Taylor (yes, the man with two last names, bite your tongue) has been working his regurgitational muscles as far as he can without infringing on anyone's copyrights just for you and I. Give a listen to 'Wasp in The Lotus' for a genuine return to the ballsy shoegaze that peppered their beginnings. Chorus driven rockers like 'Mis' Amigos' and 'Talk Radio' are feverish enough to inspire anyone to move joyously and 'Love Song' offers a genuinely surprising guest appearance with the chop-elder Mark Knopfler offering his unique hand, even if panning out with modest end result.
There are still some numbers that flaunt so much arrogance it owes Taylor-Taylor a punch in the face. The funk-driven 'Welcome To The Third World' comes to mind, but most inexplicable to me is the 14 minute 'Musee D'Nougat' which consists of nothing more than light synth against a barely audible commentary on candy bars. The synth has a calming effect that could be appreciated under the right circumstances but it's far too drastic and strange a misstep for an album of such driven songs. On the flip side, I must make mention of the epically compact 'The Legend of The Last of The Outlaw Truckers AKA The Ballad of Sheriff Shorty.' Here is where their creativity has been hiding. Lyrics belted with an inferno of whiskey (and methamphetamine) soaked attitude, it's a joyous blitz of sheer style so obscenely entertaining I would tote it as a genuine highlight of their career. It's almost self-defeating, I would love to see more inspired pieces like it but this is where the Dandies will always remain nothing more than novelty. I've never heard such an unfocused band before and it leaves a horrible capper on their potential. Dare I ask that they grow up and get serious about their musical career? Or would that put a damper on their party and kill it entirely?
I don't quite understand what it is that makes their self-loving drug anthems not just okay, but actually enjoyable. Call them a guilty pleasure, it's a question that boggles me more with each release and honestly, their charm has definitely begun to wear thin. But alas, that doesn't make their effort a failure. It's par for the course, meet the Dandies. It's the band you love to hate and yet, absolutely can't stand loving. When you've decided you want a band you're less conflicted by, check out The Lovetones. With similar musical ambitions and great drive, they're doing very well for themselves and should not be missed.
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