Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Hey Ocean! "IS"


A couple of years ago while obsessing about The Cat Empire, I saw that the Feline Monarchs had toured Canada with this Vancouver-based band.  Filed that little tidbit of info away in my cobweb-covered brain without writing it down.  Amazed that it weaseled its way back into my conscious mind (must be the gingko biloba) a couple of months ago when I saw this album on the Canadian charts.  Any association with Cat Empire is worth a listen, and Hey Ocean! did not disappoint.  In fact, it's one of the smartest releases of 2012. 

My genre designation for "IS":  Intellipop.  Catchy pop songs but more complex and layered, utilizing more than your normal instrumentation.  Hell, the album's opening riff is a thumb piano! 



Doesn't hurt that the focal point of the band is a buxom, bleached-blond (Canadian-style) bombshell with a pretty voice and musical ability.  I've learned that she is also a voice talent for some cartoon shows north of the border.  The other two male members of the band also sing well and obviously write some cool music.   They have major label backing with this album (just look at the additional musicians on the above video) and some amazing videos to show for it.  First-rate studio and producer, too, though I don't know who it is.  How the hell they are still relegated to opener status on concert bills or only ask $3 for a ticket to see them on their own is way beyond my understanding.  This band deserves Barenaked Ladies-like success.  That's some high praise, indeed. 

You heard a version of the record's first track.  About three tunes deep, I dictated a note feeling a happy vibe, but not the shiny-happy of the Asteroids Galaxy Tour.  Later, I felt the pop genius of Ladyhawke, but without the hard edge.  One of the true positives of this album is that the songs in their basic form are incredible.  Here is proof...





It's an absolute crime that this is not physically available in the United States.  Well, there are two domestic sites listed on Amazon that will send you one for approx. $9 plus shipping, or you can click here for the band's website and buy it digitally.  The version I bought had the Big Blue Wave EP attached and the cover of Phil Spector's "Be My Baby" is worth every penny.

Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite albums of the year. 

No comments:

Post a Comment