As Best As We Can

SNMNMNM | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 1, 2005)
• Original Release Date: February 1, 2005
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Unschooled Records
• ASIN: B00078VYIC
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #568,601 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

About the Artist

What happens when you take three classically trained musicians, another similarly talented smart-ass and add near-lethal doses of libertine lyrical liberalism? Aside from the makings of a killer party, you’d have the primary ingredients of SNMNMNM. The Chapel Hill, NC by way of Rochester with a stop in Los Angeles foursome combines a sophisticated songwriting style which balances heavy doses of self-deprecating wit against walls of deceptively simple tonal bliss.

SNMNMNM’s standard set up is Seamus Kenney on vocals/ accordion/ trombone, Matthew Kenney on electric guitar/ vocals/ trumpet, Mark Daumen on amplified tuba/ vocals, and Matthew Vooris on drums/ vocals. Having a group of extremely talented multi-instrumentalists is nice – but having one that craft and perform memorable songs is what separates SNMNMNM from the myriad of pop poser pretenders. Although everyone’s mother will insist that they sound "Just like the Beatles!" the more astute listener will detect stylistic nods to Ben Folds, the musical virtuosity of Radiohead, and a good dose of Brian Wilson style harmonies (no digital tweaks required!) all anchored by subwoofer shattering amplified tuba bass lines.

Although "As Best As We Can" is an amazing album – you haven’t truly experienced SNMNMNM unless they’ve caught them live. Many people come just to hear the tuba solo. For those that haven’t yet had the pleasure, you’re in luck! The band will be embarking on an extensive US Tour starting February 2005 in support of the release of "As Best As We Can"

Product Description

"As Best As We Can" represents a unique position in the bands sonic history. A deft blending of material including sparkling new treatments of some of their best loved live songs and brand new material are woven into a musical cloth that is soft, comfortable and just familiar enough to feel good about. Stand out tracks include "The Ski Team" with jangling guitar pressed into service sweet vocal harmonies, "My Defense" another great road song with pounding piano, "If" a seemingly straight ahead rock song with hilarious lyrics, and "Another Song Ray Hates" whose muted trumpet and mellow guitar meld into a near perfect pop classic. Treat your ears to 11 songs that you won’t be able to get out of your head – your brain will thank you.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, January 24, 2006

By 

Angsty Hair "Jeremy" (Lubbock TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: As Best As We Can (Audio CD)

Energy, talent and a tuba. I think those three words best describe the nerd-rockers of Snmnmnm.

Pass this down to all your friends! Amazon has a great description of the album, better than whatever I could babble on about...but I will babble, nonetheless.

Not many digital tricks, pure indie goodness, crunchy guitar riffs, Beach Boys style harmonizing (as Amazon has aforesaid) this is just a very overlooked album. Give it to your local College Radio station! They'll eat it up!

The only thing that gets stuck in my craw is the lack-luster "Another Song Ray Hates" I think I understand the premise, but it's just soooooo bland.

Otherwise, great album, awesome band, cool tuba. (ELECTRIC tuba. I saw that guy live, he had an amazing 5-minute solo in "Spanish Cucumber, jeeze he's got one set of lungs.)