Happy Valentine's Day Record Review

anyone who would ever possibly read this blog, i.e. only jon and i since we are too lazy to ever post anything, would no doubt be familiar with the works of The Moldy Peaches. Kimya Dawson is/was 50% of that great band who is enjoying a bit of new popularity due to their showcasing in the hit movie Juno.

I am admittedly a sentimental sap when it comes to pop music. I like cute songs about cute things played in sunny major chord progressions on a bright sounding acoustic guitar. If you are like me then run don't walk and pick up this album. It is not as great as the moldy peaches stuff because the peaches stuff varied a little from song to song. For example, they used an electric guitar in some of their songs (see these burgers for a fine example). You will not find and electric guitar on this album.

'Remember That I Love You' is 12 times the same song. Breazy acoustic guitar and Kimya Dawson's sing-song-half-singing-half-speaking-delivery of very casual narrative type lyrics that are funny and touching are all that is to be found on this album. Occasionally the songs are highlighted with some bells and strings but only barely. This makes the album a little too 'even' but the quality of that evenness makes this album a good get. Also, virtually any of these songs could be used on any mix-tape/cd/usb for any girl, so it has some great utility there as well.

The only other problem I had with this album was that at times it gets a little serious. A far cry from the absolute silliness of the moldy peaches. At one point she sings 'fuck president bush and fuck this stupid war' and in the song 'I like giants' she sings about the body image problems faced by many women with lyrics like "I like giants, especially girl giants, 'cause all girls feel too big sometimes regardless of their size." Yawn. I am not disagreeing with her messages it is just an unsuccessful juxtaposition to the heart-breaking sweetness of the simple love songs like 'tire swing'.

Anyone would do well to pick-up this album and get lost in the clever sweetness of Dawson's songs. They are providing the perfect soundtrack to my bittersweet pining for love on a lonely Valentine's Day.