Both Ways Open Jaws

The Do | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 15, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Six Degrees Records
• ASIN: B005HWUCGS
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #113,142 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

French/Finnish duo The Dø return with their second album, Both Ways Open Jaws

They've already had a Number 1 album in their native France with their stunning debut A Mouthful which Six Degrees Records released in North America in 2010.

Both Ways Open Jaws is self-produced by the duo, with multi-instrumentalist Dan Levy taking turns on sax, piano, harpsichord and trumpet (among numerous other instruments). The album unsettles: it's pop, it's indie, it's arty, but it's so much more. It reinvents itself at every turn. Technically accomplished and full of rich orchestration and electronic flourishes, the new record somehow still manages to keep a lightness of touch and an instant pop appeal, no doubt thanks to Olivia Merilahti's bewitching vocals and song-writing skills. She veers from the primal, invoking the spectres of Fever Ray and Bjork with the percussion led Slippery Slope, replete with tribal chanting, and `Too Insistent' with its tirelessly catchy propulsive melody, to the childlike; her sweet vocals offsetting the unsettling imagery on opener Dust It Off, and the nursery rhyme rhythm of Bohemian Dances a little reminiscent of Joanna Newsom and CocoRosie. Olivia says, "I'm constantly after the ideal song, I believe in a song's healing powers. "We're looking for the diversity and richness of sound, surprises in the details, orchestral colours," says Dan. "It certainly comes from our culture of classical music, our love of contemporary music, and of musicians like Charlie Mingus. The types of music that follow no map."

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars fun album January 11, 2013

By mikezdc

Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a fun album from an up and coming band. I saw them live when they did a stop in DC with about 30 other people and they were great. Definitely a group to watch out for.

4.0 out of 5 stars Slippery Slope by the Do - Interesting Tune! May 18, 2012

By Lee

Format:MP3 Music

I recently visited a cosmetic boutique vender in the mall with my wife. The experience was terrible - and the only good that came from the experience was that they had "Slippery Slope" by The Do blaring in their sound system. I immediately liked the percussion and I thought the song had an interesting hook, which resonated the message of the song. I found myself singing song for the reset of the day, even though I had only heard it once. I didn't purchase the whole album, just the single. The song has an 'odd' arrangement that compels the casual listener to pay attention. It reminds me of a psychotic merri-go-round experience - which just makes the song all the more original in my opinion. The artist does have a command of the English language, proper diction; however, I am not convinced English is first language for them. One of the lyric in Slippery Slope is, "Guide is Died. Guide is Died." I've given it much thought to what is meant by that verse / lyric of the song. I suppose it is probably something they have transliterated into English. I do not believe it just nonsensical in intent; but, really -- what do I know? I do know, that it's overall a pretty snazzy tone that ought to put some pep in your step, make your housework or workout easier; or perhaps make your drive home from work a little bit zippier. Overall, it's a good tune.

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this album March 22, 2012

By eguad

Format:Audio CD

Every song makes me happy. Her voice just grabs you, not like the technical divas of today, but skill with feeling. Slippery Slope & Bohemian Dancing are just winners.