Customer Reviews

Offend Maggie

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Some Indie acts languish just below the line thanks to any number of clichés: bad luck, bad timing, bad manager - the list goes on. But some bands hover below the radar because, quite frankly, theirs is an acquired taste that precious few will ever discover to become part of a daily, nutritious, musical breakfast. For those who do not, it is indeed their loss.

Enter Deerhoof. While theirs would not be characterized as traditional fare like pancakes, it is no less comforting. Imagine tamago kake gohan with a side of corned beef hash and topped with Hollandaise from scratch. Sounds a bit avant garde? Such has been Deerhoof's approach to music since its inception; most notably in choosing bassist/lead vocalist Satomi Matsuzaki, who, at the time she joined the band, had no musical experience upon arriving in the U.S. via Japan to study film. Contrasted by drummer Greg Saunier, who sports a Master's Degree in composition, Deerhoof are an exotic spread indeed.

Recruiting such a novice to front the band has necessitated a collective approach to song writing, explains guitarist Edward Rodriguez, "We all have such different likes, dislikes and backgrounds, but we all trust each other and respect each others' input, so by the time the songs are recorded, they've gone through countless stages. When we reach a point where everyone is happy, we feel like we've arrived at something special."

Their newest offering, Offend Maggie, must have enjoyed emphatic approval from each of its members. Like a chef transforming contrasting, raw ingredients into a balanced, complex entrée, Deerhoof have crafted each song from raw elements into beautifully layered compositions. Satomi's delicate Japanese lilt is contrasted by Rodriguez's and John Dietrich's assertive guitars and Saunier's melodic, thundering drums. But don't expect a concept album on Offend Maggie, explains Rodriguez, "...not really so much a concept album but a concept to create the album. It's not really like a story from beginning to end," he continues, "but a reflection of how we're feeling right now, how we're seeing things right now."

Some might say Deerhoof are feeling slightly scattered, as are most of us these days. But it is Deerhoof's ability to articulate their present state of mind in each song with such clarity that makes them simultaneously calming and disarming, much like a great meal. Each song has its own flavor; some elemental, some playful, with others complex and robust. Combined, Offend Maggie's humble ingredients and street food charm transcend to gourmet heights, culminating in a rich concoction sure to sate even the most jaded musical palate.

On their latest record, Deerhoof are a band heading in the right direction, hitting a sweet spot between their characteristic experimentation and a more enjoyable, accessible kind of pop songwriting. Since 2005's The Runner's Four, the band has been moving more and more towards this kind of sound, blending unpredictable shifts with great hooks. On the opener, "The Tears of Music and Love," you can hear the band's typical style in the riff's dropped final measure, creating an unexpected jump to the beginning of the next measure. It's a great tool for the start of the record, creating interest and some unpredictability that keeps the listener engaged. "Chandelier Searchlight" and "Buck and Judy" are fun, pretty tracks that have a very J-pop oriented sound. The title track is very cool, pairing a shuffling drum beat with lilting vocals and quick guitar work.

As someone who is not a Deerhoof fan, this is a record that I would actually purchase. Where their previous work has been either too random or too pretentious for me to really get into, this album hits its stride quickly, mixing fun with a modest amount of pretentious experimentation the band is known for.

This is a great album and the best Deerhoof to date. It packages up all the best of their Yes-inspired weirdness. It's easier to listen to end-to-end than their earlier albums, but it doesn't sacrifice anything from their earlier sound. If you want to start with a Deerhoof album, this is a great choice.

Deerhoof is back with more of their highly syncopated dancy art damaged post punk music and it makes me happy. This albums fills like a filled out and more developed then their past couple albums but the music does not feel tired at all. The music is still fun and experimental pop rock--sweet yet challenging music. The songs are all start stop with normal mid tempo songs. A couple of the songs have a slightly noisy no wave influence, but for the most part the songs stay close to the poppy approach to punk influenced music. Most songs have many intricate rhythms and shifts through out. The Tears and Music of Love (trk1), Buck and Judy (trk 3), Offend Maggie (trk 5) are my favorite tracks.

I was looking around online at some different music sites trying to find some new music to get into. I saw this band and saw they had some favorable reviews and that they had toured with Radiohead before, so I decided to give this CD a shot. I have to say, its probably one of my favorite CD's of the last few years. Its extremely original, some what poppy, yet it retains an indy feel. The vocals are some of the most odd, interesting, and catchy ive ever heard. The guitarist is very original as well, he has great tone in songs like Snoopy waves. As a drummer i am very critical of other bands drummers, and i have to say that i love this guy. He seems to find the perfect beat/sound for every song. He is technical while still keeping the simplicity needed for the songs. Id say 90% of the tracks on this CD are great. You may need a few listen throughs to truley appreciate it, but i doubt you will be able to get it out of your head once it gets in.

'offend maggie' is a truly involving collection of songs. definitely, one of the best cd's of 2008.
btw, if you have a stereo system that you want to challenge relating to highs and lows, this cd will do the job. excellently produced, i haven't heard a better sounding cd this year.