Customer Reviews

Transaction De Novo

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This record, when compared with others in the collective Bedhead oeuvre, pales, if only slightly. There are magnificent moments, ones which contain some of their best work, and by far the best production value of any Bedhead records. Though, ultimately, when heard with the hubris displaying rock numbres (which could probably pretty offhandedly be described as "cute"), and listened to through the horrible title "Transaction de Novo," (one of many horribly-titled Bedhead records, by the way, none of which seem to make any particular sense. What is this title supposed to communicate to me, the listener? That Bedhead are just really tired of making music? That they're really bored? Well, that's just really boring) it's cheapified, if only-so-slightly.
The first song, "Exhume," which may be a subtle reference to the all-instrumental track "Inhume," goes forth at a muddy, crawling pace, which almost doesn't move at all. It's a song about transcending common-place philosophy and easy answers, in light of more profound and often-times harsh realities. "Half sunk in the mud, with one eye showing/ A cracked smile, and hair still growing/ Your hands miles apart, as if they'd never met/ You were the happiest I've seen you yet". The imagery provided matches the muddy bass line, and further solidifies Bedhead's reputation as "slo-core" heroes and near-profound songwriters.
"More than Ever" provides further insight into the Bedhead worldview, with descending guitar lines and grim future outlook. The song then segues, typically, into a crescendo-type ending. These are the two best moments on the record, a near-perfect beginning which could only lead way to fault.
"Parade" is a compressed rock piece about despair and alienation, exploding into yet another heroic Bedhead-type ending, while "Half-thought" is all intricate guitar and awesome melody.
"Extramundane," meanwhile, is as fast as a band named Bedhead could get, imaginably. Which is kind of funny to scruitinize: "I can't force myself to say something/ Anymore than I can think of a thing to do/ Anymore then you can pull yourself out of Nothing/ When there's nothing for some to do". Pretty darn profound, I'll say. The backdrop of which is angsty guitars and pace.
"Forgetting," the next song, one of many Bedhead tracks about remembering/ forgetting, etc. is as representative of The Velvet Underground as you're going to find here, complete with slide guitar and solo. Luckily, they're back on their proverbial feet with "Lepidoptera," an awesome song which I won't bother to describe. And then another unbeat track before the closer, "The Present," a wickedly morose song with repetitive guitar, melody, and also effects-- something not often heard in Bedhead songs. This is their eulogy, the last track before the "Lepidoptera" 10" they would release months later, after announcing they would disband, a hugely sad moment for manic-depressives everywhere.
It's the slight persistence of mediocrity on songs like "Forgetting" and "Psychosomatica" among others which prevent this from becomming their defining record, unfortunately. There's just a slight sense of being rushed, somehow. Luckily these missteps are redeemed with an overwhelming amount of beaty and simplicity characteristic of this band.
Truthfully, when I listen to these songs I know that no rock band will ever be able to convey the sense of sadness contained in these songs again. The sense of making every note count, and just really feeling it. So pick this up; pay attention. It might mean a lot to you.

I had heard of this band before, but never really knew anything about them until I picked up this LP a few weeks ago.. Since then I don't think it's been off the turntable more than two or three times. This is perfect music.

Bedhead has three guitar players, and after listening the album a few times, it seems that none of them is ever playing more than one note at a time, except in the few quasi-punk moments. Instead, each guitar is given a melody, and the three work together to create a simple but beautiful "post-rock" counterpoint, as a friend of mine so pretentiously described it.

Something I realized after about ten listenings is that the singer is actually kind of mediocre. But it does not matter at all; his voice is perfectly suited for the subdued style, and anything more virtuosic would be out of place. Sure, if you were to listen to the vocal track only, it probably wouldn't be too enjoyable, but that's a negligible point -- and I find it rather charming.

In general, the music here seems simple and like it would be easy to play. But the expertise lies in the songcrafting, not the musicianship (although they may in fact be very accomplished musicians -- i don't know, and don't really care). This is truly a classical approach -- to focus on simple individual ideas and weave them into an indcredible piece of music.

"More than Ever" and "The Present" stand out in particular, although there isn't a weak spot on the album.

these guys have it down. this album contains mellow, singsongy-parts, upbeat rockers, electronics mixed with organics beautifully, and to top it off, INCREDIBLE production by steve albini. my favorite song is "the present," which is a perfect parting song for a great band (they called it quits after this release). everything bedhead recorded is gold. if you like this, you'll like their entire catalog.

This is Behead's third album... but the 1st one I bought. Even comparing them to Galaxy 500 isn't truly fair as Bedhead begins where Galaxy begins. Textured, arranged, and composed brilliantly are the songs. In an era of "hammer you over the head" music, the quiet splendor and craftsmanship of this album is truly refreshing. And as a bonus, the more you play the music, the more you appreciate and love it.

... for instance, like from myself. I didn't find out about Bedhead until well after they broke up, but with this band it's absolutely better late than never.

I think it's a close call for best Bedhead release. "WhatFunLifeWas" and "Transaction De Novo" are both five star releases. "WhatFunLifeWas" has more great songs than "TDN" but doesn't have "Parade", easily Bedhead's greatest song in their history. That song alone gives "TDN" the edge for me.

"Parade" is so unbelievably melodic. It's unnerving because it's probably the simplest melody Bedhead ever conceived, but it's utterly captivating. Everything about the song, from the melodic chords and drumming to the vocals are exceptional. They build up the song to a soft relish only to end it loud and powerful. This song alone is worth the $15 of the album. "Psychosomatica" is another one of my favorite Behead songs. It's heavier and faster than most Bedhead songs, which makes for nice variation (one complaint that can come up a lot with Bedhead albums). "Extramundane" is another song similar to "Psychosomatica", it's heavy and fast. "Half-Thought" is easily top 10 Bedhead material. Other songs worth noting are "Lepidoptera" and "Forgetting".

Overall, this is a really good album of slow melodic indie rock. I highly recommend you buy "Transaction De Novo" and "WhatFunLifeWas". Both are well worth the investment.

Intense, mesmerizing 2001 release. If nothing else get "Exhume" and its companion "Exhume" from their 2005 release, The Dark Ages.

There is something grand, patient, elegant about their music. If you're in a bad mood but it's profound, with implications for the universe as a whole, then this might be the soundtrack for you.

This is the full-length conclusion of one of the truly defining ensembles of a genre. Perhaps extending the road that the Velvet Underground, Spacemen 3, and Galaxy 500 had laid, Bedhead perfected rock music that leaves you as content as a warm bed on a cold rainy Sunday morning. You are not going anywhere, and there is no place you would rather be.

Transaction De Novo provides a hint of aggression that I have not seen from them, but it still seems comforting despite of its dissonance. Bedhead's ability to demonstrate complexity with the simplicity of its variables achieves a work of art that generations should cherish. I'm just sorry I didn't appropriately embrace them until they were gone.

Living in Austin, I got to see Bedhead live a number of times. They were amazing, and while I hope many will pick up on them and cherish them into the future, I feel sorry for those who do. For they will never get to see them live, and will never get to wait with bated breath for their next release like the early fans did. All of bedhead's cd's have a permanent place in my CD wallet. Do yourself a favor and check them out. Their music may not grab you instantly, but days later, when you stick the CD in again, you will find yourself hooked. Good luck, future addicts.