Customer Reviews

You're a Woman, I'm a Machine

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Here's a quick look at You're a Woman, I'm a Machine by the numbers:

Power ballads: None

Whining: None

Lyrics about feelings: None

Acoustic guitars: None

Guitars, period: None

Socially redeeming value: none

Pretentiousness: None

Percentage of this album's running time that makes me bang my head, tap my foot, or even make me attempt something bearing a passing resemblance to dancing: 100

With a breakdown like that, it's easy to see why Death From Above 1979 were able to lend a brief injection of vitality to the too-often dull and self-important world of rock. There may not be any guitars on this album, but the atomic riffs and screeching feedback of Jesse F. Keeler's bass and the relentlessly frenetic drum patterns of Sebastian Granger intertwine to create some of the most infectious, memorable, and downright enjoyable music released so far this decade, regardless of genre. Sure, every song sounds basically the same, with some faster and thrashier and some slower and more pummeling, but at 11 tracks covering about thiry minutes You're a Woman, I'm a Machine isn't around long enough to wear out its welcome. From opening to closing, Death From Above's debut full-length (and apparently their valedictory as well) is populated exclusively with sweaty, swaggering, libidinous tunes, topped by suggestive lyrics delivered in styles ranging from falsetto crooning to fearsome, confrontational shouts.

One could, if one were so inclined, go ahead and analyze the individual songs on this album, but that would miss the point. This is not an album to be analyzed; it's an album to be felt, enjoyed, experienced, and remembered; an album whose songs will bounce around in your head for days after hearing it and bring a grin to your face; an album that even had my wife banging her head upon hearing it. It's a reminder to the sorry likes of Nickelback and Staind that rock music can, even should, be fun, not an excuse for mopey whining about feelings and relationships. And even beyond all that, it's just a good time, something that's too rarely had for everybody. You could do a lot worse than to put away your complaint rock and give this album a spin.

I was turned on to this group from reading a review in Playboy of all places. They said it was one of the best albums of 2004. So I decided to spend the money and see what they where talking about.

Well, it was not at all hype. After listening to the album I was very surprised. The first time I listened to it, I found my self tapping my toe to every song. It is very much garage rock music with an edgy feel. The songs are fast tempo and have great rifts throughout the album. You can tell these guys put some thought into there music and a lot of energy. If I had to compare Death From Above 1979 to another band, I would compare it to early Janes Addiction. But, truely they have their own thing going on.

They are not a spin-off of the Hive's or Jet or the Strokes or White Stripes. Death From Above have their own sound and no one in the music biz is playing anything likes these guys are. I won't say DFA 1979 are inovators but they have a very fresh and refreshing rock sound. If your tired of the rock they play on the radio, try this one on for size. I would highly recommend this album. Go out and buy it, you won't be disappointed.

Yeah, I know the term "two-man wrecking crew" has been done to death, but damn, these guys deserve that designation. Armed with more distortion, fuzz and noise than you can shake a stick at, Death from Above 1979 tear through 11 songs without subtlety or pause. Their sound is akin to a less obnoxious version of The Blood Brothers, or as my friend John put it, "an edgier Cake." The problem with the album is that the songs all sound sort of similar, but when you take into consideration that they're all very good it isn't that big a deal. If you like to rock out in your car I highly recommend this disc.

- Rob Reeves
Synthesis.net

For record, the "just bass and drums" duet thing isn't new. I'll bet these dudes have some GodheadSilo and Ruins records in their collections... probably along with some Thrones, Lightning Bolt, and maybe even Pink & Brown. But Death From Above 1979 does it extremely well, with competance, unique style, and beats that makes you want to shake yo' booty 'til sun up.

I heavily recommend "Sperm Whale" by Thrones and "Burning Stone" by Ruins to anyone who likes this.

This band is absolutely amazing live, and all killer no filler on record. Catch them any way you can, you won't be disappointed.

What a surprise. A bassist and drummer duo are making some of the best rock I've heard in a while. I read about this release a while ago but when I read in Revolver of all places that it was pop-oriented, danceable, and contained synths, I wrote it off as more of the Bravery new wave 80's revival crap that I'm so sick of. But, as a bassist myself, I wanted to support a band trying to make it on the efforts of a heavily distorted bass alone, so I decided to pick it up when I saw it for cheap at a local store. The beginning of the first track blew me away - it sounded like Slayer or early Kyuss - and I was mesmerized. The album is never as heavy as the intro to the first song, but it's plenty crushing and very groovy. Many of the songs have a solid, danceable beat - but boy are they heavy. The bassist's riffs are outstanding, and the synths are spare and tasteful, not cheesy. It's so rare to find a great album that is accessible, heavy, original, and doesn't have "hardcore" vocals at all times - and Death from Above 1979's debut satisfies those criteria. Personally, I don't know if they can make a whole career out of it with no guitar and just the two of them - but I would love to see them try.

You're A Woman, I'm A Machine is the greatest album ever. And I don't say that about every album I listen to, I truly mean it. This is my all-time favorite and Death From Above is my all-time favorite band. There will never ever be another band that will compare to the Canadian drum/bass duo that was Death From Above 1979. Although I'm extremely upset that they only made one albm together, I think it's awesome that they are the only band to never write a bad song. Including the EP released after the band split up and various b-sides, the band has released a total of 21 songs (not including remixes, because most of those suck) at exactly one hour, and each and every one of them is fantastic. It's amazing what two people can do with just a drum set and a bass guitar. It's sad that bassist Jesse F. Keeler has gone on to form MSTRKRFT, a crappy electronica band in which no bass is used whatsoever. On the other hand, singer/drummer Sebastien Grainger just released his first solo album under Saddle Creek Records with his band The Mountains. Check it out.

I don't think I need to tell you how much this album kicks ass. It's an awesome combination of old school punk, electronic, garage rock, and pure noise. The music these 2 guys make is incredible, and there is a lot of variety in just 33 minutes, whether it's dancy noise-punk like Romantic Rights, pure thrash such as Pull Out and the title track, and dance-funk such as Sexy Results. There's a lot of awesome riffs, and the energy is top-notch. Buy now if you can!

I stumbled upon this duo by accident and I must say, after buying this album, it is something I have been listening to a lot when in a good mood. Or even in a bad mood.

It's an album that can just make you smile because obviously these two musicians had fun making this album. It shows with every crazy, wild, and energetic track.

I especially like how there is a small break in the craziness twice in the album with track 6 and 12 being far more calm then the rest of the offering. Even then, still energetic.

It's just fun. And I have to say, I like it just for that reason.

I picked this cd up after hearing their single on the radio, Romantic Rights. But that song is nothing compared to the rest of the album. I dont care what kind of genre it is, this is good tunes, and fast paced...I read a review saying the 2 member duo is getting old...hah! moron. BUY THIS CD!