Sunday, February 5, 2012

Filling The Void

Dr. Dog
Be The Void
Anti-Records
Five Scoops of Bosco


Reviewed by Allen Bacon, The Daily Bosco

After listening, enjoying and writing about music for over forty years now...I have developed this simple test...a formula if you will.

If I listen to a new album and I instantly enjoy it, meaning it is highly accessible...I give it the top rating. (For this publication, it's Five Scoops of Bosco).

This is precisely what happened when I heard the latest by Philadelphia Band Dr. Dog, Be The Void. The album is due out on Tuesday.

This album marks a bit of a departure from their last release, Shame, Shame in that Dr. Dog gets away from a Symphonic sound in favor of a more stripped-down and raw rock and roll slant...something you would hear in their live show.

The updated version might also be attributed to new additions to the group since the last recording, namely drummer Eric Slick and guitarist/electronic drummer Dimitri Manos.

My favorite song off this new album is the one that is getting a lot of play on Indy Radio, "That Old Black Hole". Upbeat and catchy, the first thing I thought of is the old Simon and Garfunkel classic "Me and Julio (Down by the Playground)" in the song's phrasing and vocals with singers Toby Leaman and Scott McMicken channeling Paul and Art to great effect.

The lead-off number "Lonesome" is a catchy bluesy number highlighted by McMicken's wonderful slide guitar with What does it take to be lonesome...Nothing at all

Next, the whole band gets involved in a fast-paced jam "These Days" which belies the message of the song I'm So Bored...

In "How Long Must I Wait," the band pays homage to Calypso music with guitars that reminds one of the sound of a steel drum, while the chorus is enough to make anybody want to do the limbo mon. The entire song screams energy.

Next up, two great songs which I will nominate for the Songs you will most likely throw on if you are unfortunately involved in a breakup with the hard driving "Big Girl" and "Over Here, and Over There".

The most interesting track is "Warrior Man," Tucked into the end of the album this is a glam rocker with psychedelic overtones captured in Moog Synthesizer , fuzz/wah-wah guitars, and mind-bending sounds. Think of the classic "Hurdy Gurdy Man" from Donovan and you have an idea of where this song is at.

I'm going to go out on a limb here. With an album comprised of twelve very accesible and wonderful songs executed by a veteran group (Dog is now ten years old)...this music is going to get a lot of play in the upcoming year.

Link and listen to Dr. Dog's latest album in Bosco Radio: Music Sundays. Powered by Team Coco. Archived and accessed anytime

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