Deer Tick’s debut release, War Elephant, was a tremendous album that has yet to leave my rotation. After hearing some new tunes at SXSW, I’ve been waiting for Born On Flag Day. It’s always a good feeling when you’re looking forward to a release and it exceeds all of your expectations.
On War Elephant, John Joseph McCauley III went at it alone while Flag Day has a robust sound backed by a proper band. And when bands start growing up, you know what that means. It’s time to experiment with strings. “Smith Hill” introduces stringed arrangements and thankfully it works.
But what I like best is the following tune, “Song About A Man,” that sounds like it was recorded in his bedroom right after pen was put to paper. It’s raw and reflective, the production is limited and its as if McCauley was saying “I’m still the same guy.”
A couple of the other highlights include “Friday XIII” that has McCauley sharing vocals with a female lead. Much like the strings, a female vocalist was unexpected, but along with “Houston, TX,” it’s probably my favorite tune on the album.
Deer Tick has been getting gobs of press lately including an interview with Brian Williams, the “breaking band” feature in Rolling Stone and hand jobs from bloggers. It is probably just a matter of time before Deer Tick is crossing into the mainstream like M. Ward, Conor Oberst and others. It will be interesting to see how they handle the transition from alt-country rag-a-muffins to a more noted act with even greater expectations from a wider audience. This suburban dad hanging on to his youth will remain a steadfast fan.
Website | MySpace | Partisan Records
Previously posted:
Deer Tick – Art Isn’t Real (City of Sin)
Deer Tick – Still Crazy After All These Years (Paul Simon Cover)
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Whoa, wait a sec. This album exceeded your expectations?
Flag Day to me was disappointing, especially compared to War Elephant. Some tunes i can skip on this and i didn’t really dig that 50’s rock tune. Perhaps with time it will get better for me.
Song about a Man is good–seems like McCauley was channeling Springsteen & Dylan.
My friend digs Friday XIII as well but to me the female singer was weak and didn’t really fit the song.
Yeesh–i’m not sure why i’m being so hard on these guys. They rocked it at the Bottle last time. I can’t wait to see how they sound next Wednesday.
I need to get over the fact that Brian Williams is a fan…
I’m stoked that these guys are a part of the Ottawa Blue’s fest this year. If only I wasn’t working…
Great post!
great fucking album they made here
This album didn’t strike me like War Elephant either, but I think it was because I had no idea who Deer Tick was and it was like that scene in Tommy Boy when he gets smacked across the face with a 2×4. Once you have expectations, it’s difficult to measure up. Still, a great album and one of my favorites this year.
that may be why i like it so much, this was my introduction to them.
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