Today's Music That Is Pretty Great is If It Was You, by Tegan and Sara. This album, I think, was one that I just picked up at the library at random. And it worked out! Lucky me. I'm a little surprised that I haven't written about this album yet, as it's been with me for a few years but hasn't ever really fallen out of my favor.
Anyway, this is kind of a folk-pop album, mostly dominated by two guitars and the voices of Tegan and Sara. Sonically, this album isn't all that complicated; the voices are solid and have just enough of an edge to them to keep the music from being too sweet. While this album doesn't exactly change the way I think about music, it does change in style and tone enough to keep things interesting. The ballads are touching, the driving songs push the tempo pretty well.
The thing I like most about this album, though, is its sincerity. These are generally love songs, but they're not "Oh love is so great and so hard" bubblegum songs that the American Idol songwriting team is probably hard at work on right now. These are songs full of longing and stuck-out tongues, and they never seem forced or manufactured. The only song I don't care for is "City Girl", which is kind of bland in comparison to the rest of the album, and it meanders for too long without making any kind of a point. "Monday Monday Monday" was stuck in my head for a good week after I heard this album, and it remains one of my favorites. "Living Room" is a good tune, "You Went Away" has wonderful energy. The entire album is listenable, though.
This album is basically like a well-prepared made from scratch meal against a sea of processed, manufactured foods. It might look or even smell the same, but it's two completely different approaches to a concept; one works, and one can be sold to the masses. A few bites of either, though, and you'll know what you have.
In Other News:
Some things are falling apart but I remain hopeful. Also, I didn't have to throw out much food due to my power loss, but if someone wants to bring me some milk, that would be super.
The Author
Well, not really.
About Me
- Bones of an Idol
- Professionally, I work in information technology for a school. I do a little of everything: support, training, database, website, purchasing, strategy. My job appeals to my love of challenges, solving problems, and helping people.
Outside of work, I enjoy exercise (I used to practice capoeira, but largely run and lift weights now), writing short fiction, and playing the guitar. I am a largely self-taught guitarist and generally do not rock very hard.
I am currently enrolled in the MBA program at Drake University. Focusing on my coursework has curtailed my 'hobbies' somewhat, but I plan to graduate in Fall of 2013.
I am partial to travel, cats, black licorice and peanut butter.