Customer Reviews

Tiger My Friend

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

 

 

OK, that isn't entirely fair. The instrumentation is more complex than that might lead you to believe. The chimes and simple keyboard arrangements (often reminiscent of a music box) are accompanied by a host of other sounds, not least of which are the warm vocals. Very melodious, and with a definite 'little girl' sound, they fall somewhere between Pram and Mum. In fact, some of the sounds-of-childhood themes are reminiscent of Pram as well, but without the sinister undertones. And the sound isn't as slow or ethereal as Mum.

Psapp doesn't really break new ground here (although the addition of the cat's squeaks on the track 'About Fun' are worthy of special mention), but fans of the other groups mentioned should be pleased, and "Tiger, My Friend" is a very agreeable album with lots to like. But maybe you should consider it a three-star review if you haven't heard the other groups mentioned...

This group is way more than what some are calling 'toytronica'. What Nine Inch Nails did for industrial music, this group may just well do for experimental electronica. Part of it is pure songrwriting prowess; part of it is Galia Durant's smooth, sensually faux-naive vocals; and part of it is Carim Clasmann's production quality (Clasmann's production credits include experimental artists Einstürtzende Neubauten as well as transglobal chantreuses Natacha Atlas, and Susheela Raman). Fused, the result sounds like Stereolab and the Books got together to make music for the 22nd Century. Yet, somehow, they managed to score the theme song for ABC's Grey's Anatomy, despite their completely ahead-of-their-time sound. Yet, somehow, they manage to sound not made for the dancefloor, despite their heavy use of electronic bleeps and blurps that sometimes incorporate moments of glitch, sometimes reminiscent of Tweaker. Yet, somehow, this music sounds like it belongs in its own space, apart from any national or international origin. These songs are at once spastic and relaxed, hyper and tranquil. Yet, somehow... you should find a way to listen to this album. Meanwhile, check this group on their deep-water records site --> [...].

This is a delicate, inventive and appealing record all at once. Psapp, they of the unpronouncable band name, love their trinkets, shakers, rubber duckies and finger pianos almost as much as they love cats. The latter love becomes extremely apparent if you view their website, their myspace page, their music videos or the cover art of their second album "The Only Thing I Ever Wanted" (which is also a quality release, though I slightly prefer this one). The former affection is eminently apparent just from listening to this record.

"Tiger My Friend" is built upon soft, whimsical vocals, intricate but unassuming arrangements, light percussion, catchy melodies, and some blip electro which is way more accessible than your usual blip electro. The variety makes it a winner across a broad spectrum of music listeners. I've played Psapp tracks for indie fans and folkrock fans and electronica fans (and, of course, Grey's Anatomy fans) and they've been a hit everywhere. This is kinda the Princess Bride of albums. Nobody hates it, and for some people it quickly becomes just about their favorite thing out there. Psapp has carved out a very distinctive niche in the music scene--something that's not easy to do these days--and you should give this record a whirl.

Album highlights: Rear Moth, Calm Down, Velvet Pony, About Fun, and the title track.

Hello! This is one of those gems that when you add it to your collection, it will immediately find its way to one of your top 10 or 20 favorites. This couple has started something that is so amazing and magical, the last time I heard something this good, it was Andreas Vollenweider, or maybe Peter Maunu. See for yourself! Regards, William Slater (http://www.myspace.com/psapp)

This was my first Pandora find, that I had to buy. These two artists make me smile and make coming to work bearable. It's good, mood music, but also very good just to listen too. I love the subtle use of household 'instruments'. They keep it fresh and real. It's not overly produced. I love the vibe of the music.

My Pandora station from this band has spawned a whole new genre of music that I listen too. They are GRRRRRReat! (Tony the Tiger reference! Sorry, had to do it).

I got hooked on "Cosy in the rocket" watching GREY'S ANATOMY. From the very first time I heard the cut down version used for the show's titles, I was amazed by the sounds, the song's structure, the lyrics, Durant's voice... I had never heard anything like it. AND I never tired of the tune; I felt like hearing it for the first time with every new episode airing.
The really smart idea of removing the title sequence - and thus the song - made it only more enjoyable to hear at the end!

I started buying the show on DVD, and I think it's in season three that they first used the whole song as the music for the main menu of the DVDs. Being able at last to hear the song in its entirety, I finally decided to get myself one whole CD by the band, hoping that it would be up to the huge expectations created by "Cosy in the rocket".
So I listened to those painfully short and randomly chosen exerpts we are given to make up our minds... And, strangely enough, I felt that the spirit of "Cosy..." was most present on TIGER, MY FRIEND, even though I understand "Cosy..." was composed specifically for GREY'S, which started to air only two years later (I wish I knew more about the genesis of the song and how the producers came to choose it).

What I can say is that everything that makes Psapp's music charming, wonderfully strange, smart, unexpected etc. is all there, on this album. Every song is a little world of its own, tells you a story. I keep marvelling on Durant's and Clasmann's chemistry. I'm just so thankful to them for creating a musical universe that makes me feel dreamy, on an unknown planet and at home all at the same time.

If "Cosy in the rocket" did it for you, you can safely buy TIGER..., as it is of the same fabulous extraction!

I loved the theme song they did for Grey's Anatomy (Cozy in the Rocket) so I took a chance and picked this up. It's definitely experimental music but that shouldn't stop you from buying it. It's fantastic music to put on if you're entertaining or if you're doing something else that doesn't quite require all of your attention. The little odd bits of noise here and there throughout most of the tracks are actually comforting a way.
I had a brief opportunity to speak to one of the bandmembers - very pleasant and approachable.

Not since Kidz Bop's performance of "L.E.N. - Steal My Sunshine" ("Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone" has nothing on that song!) has a band transcended so many age groups. Psapp will put any child in a glazed trance with their hypnotizing beats and melodies. "Leaving In Coffins" could replace any music box or mobile. Adults will be intrigued by the duo's ability to intertwine so many different sounds and romantically sung lyrics into a warm piece of Electronica.

As the you progress through the album, you will be surprised as each song is as varied as the next while mantaining its cozy mood. "About Fun" utilizes a rubber duck as Galia Durant, the band's singer, uses her lulling voice to seduce whoever is listening. "Chapter" is one of the most subtle break-up songs in recent history with its minimalist sound. Grey's Anatomy recognizes the illusive lustfulness "Cosy in the Rocket" projects by using it as the show's main theme. The only song that does not work is "Velvet Pony" whose various elements, such as a locker opening, a bell, sly lyrics, do not manage to create a cohesive and capturing song.

Slide this album in while your cleaning the house and watch the minutes fly by. Press the play button before you go to bed and be lulled into a peaceful sleep. Put it in your car and bforget all about five o'clock traffic. Or just sit and marvel at Psapp's amazing multifaceted ability to make a beautiful album.

Grade : A (95)

Download : Psapp - About Fun, Psapp - Cosy in the Rocket, Psapp - Leaving in Coffins, Psapp - Tiger, My Friend, Psapp - Chapter

Skip It : Psapp - Velvet Pony