There are many nights when a dance party emerges in my kitchen after chicken nuggets and peas. My two year old twins and my 4.5 year old have been known to get down to the Joos, The White Stripes and very recently we had a stunning performance to Crooked Rain.
One disc that always seemed to find its way into mix was Bishop Allen’s The Broken String. Listening to that album just always seems to put a smile on my face. The indie pop displayed on The Broken String was so refreshing that I just never grew tired of it like so many of their contemporaries. Well Bishop Allen’s latest release Grrr… is all that and a bag a chips. Songwriters Justin Rice & Christian Rudder have once again crafted a delightful collection of 13 tunes full of clever lyrics, unique arrangements and top notch production. Chances are taken throughout the disc and Bishop Allen steps up to meet the challenge at every turn.
Tough to pick a favorite on Grrr… as it seems to change on every listen. At first it was “Oklahoma,” an upbeat ditty that makes me want to bounce around the house. Next up is “The Ancient Commonsense of Things” that combines the best lyrics on the disc as well some stunning xylophone work . Currently “The Lion & The Teacup” is the leader in the clubhouse. It has the same Latin flavor that “Castanets” had on The Broken String.
Some people go head over heels for bands that are genre-bending and defining new types of music. But give me a band that consistently writes near-perfect pop tunes any day of the week. Bishop Allen are writing some of the best tunes out there today. Songs that stay with you. Songs that become a part of you.
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Bishop Allen – The Ancient Commonsense of Things
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