No one can say that Yeasayer is simply trying to fit in (20 seconds of the video below will make this abundantly clear). If anything, this Brooklyn-based group channels creativity and originality into every ounce of sound they muster up, which is why it is so damn strange that Odd Blood reminds me of early '80s Jethro Tull. ¿Qué? you say. Allow me to explain: Odd Blood mixes quirky electronic sound with a range of other instrumental rhythm and is a cross between the synthesizer sounds of the 1980s and a folk-influenced, world-beat style. Interestingly enough, that very sentence could describe Tull's 1982 release Broadsword and the Beast, which is one of those lost gems you could probably pick up on vinyl at your local thrift store. I know this sounds strange, but listen to any song off of Broadsword and then listen to "Madder Red" or "Ambling Alp" off of Odd Blood and tell me I'm wrong. Maybe it is the vocal tonality that really makes the comparison work, but the music from some select tracks works as well. Regardless of your feelings toward Tull, this album is fun, upbeat and as expected from Yeasayer, a lotta bit trippy. Yeasayer even managed to weave in some dance beats like they did on All Hour Cymbals, which for people not as accepting of the slightly strange, should help make the music accessible. (Warning: Video NSFW).
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It's interesting that allmusic.com only gives The Broadsword and the Beast 1.5 stars. Perhaps it was just way ahead of its time and blew their little minds.
I'm listening to it now and that rating seems overly harsh.
Honestly, I have to give some credit to the Bentley family and their rampant obsession with JT. Absent their influence I probably would have never purchased that record for 30 cents at the Bargain Barn.
Oh lordy, I'm going to sarcastically thank you for reposting this video (Awmercy posted it on 12-4-09). I've been subjected again and will respond the very exact way I did last time:
"It troubles me that I kinda enjoyed this music video, ha."
9 Comments:
Guess I am going to have to check out some Jethro Tull.
80s Jethro sounds nothing like 70s Jethro.
Check out the Broadsword link.
I love how the lone drummer beats the living shit out of his floor tom.
It's interesting that allmusic.com only gives The Broadsword and the Beast 1.5 stars. Perhaps it was just way ahead of its time and blew their little minds.
I'm listening to it now and that rating seems overly harsh.
Waaaaaay harsh. Most misunderstood album of the 80s.
Thoughts on the Yeasayer comparison?
Great comparison. I'm still amazed you had the expert knowledge on 80s Jethro Tull to make it. Impressive.
Good knowledge.
Honestly, I have to give some credit to the Bentley family and their rampant obsession with JT. Absent their influence I probably would have never purchased that record for 30 cents at the Bargain Barn.
Oh lordy, I'm going to sarcastically thank you for reposting this video (Awmercy posted it on 12-4-09). I've been subjected again and will respond the very exact way I did last time:
"It troubles me that I kinda enjoyed this music video, ha."
Best part about this album: It got me back into 80s Jethro Tull.
So legend.
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