Artist: Dan Black
Album: UN
Year: 2009
I don't think it's a big surprise if I say that UK folks know how to write good pop music. Dan Black's UN is a decent starting place for this, and the album goes for broke when it comes to bombast. Opener "Symphonies" was built for radio play and works as such, but the rest of the album is where his influences shine. "U + Me =" is a drone track that features the fun instrumental flurries of the current British indie-pop scene mixed in with some Kyle Andrews-esque fun. In fact, this album made me think of Andrews a lot, but Black is versatile enough to balance his influences: the experimental funk of "Alone", the tongue-in-cheek sincerity of "Cocoon". "Yours" could have been penned by Dan Keyes; the album is a swirl of influences that differentiate enough to make an original and enjoyable product. You might hear some Vampire Weekend ("U + Me =") or some The Cure at one moment, and suddenly the electronic chirps are directly Radiohead in nature and Black pushes a funky croon that draws you in ("Wonder", "Alone"). More highlights: "Life Slash Dreams", and excellent closer "Let Go".
Hear it for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYxly14v5do&feature=related
MGMT's "Congratulations" ;D
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