To: Adam
Love: Dave
Date Sent: 9/10/2020
Edward Sharpe & The Magentic Zeros – Up From Below
Release Date: July 7th, 2009
I have probably been listening to this album, on and off, for about 3 months. It has stuck with me. A lot of fun songs. I am unsure how I came across the band and I haven’t devoted much time to other albums in their discography, but you better believe ya boy will be diving in. They have a very cool, uniquely warm sound that makes me want to drink coffee and wine over a sweet game of Yahtzee.
There are a few songs that don’t necessarily “land” with me, but overall, this album hits. You will undoubtedly (indubitably?) know the song Home, as I believe it has been used in some car commercials. The first 4 songs on the album are very good, with 40 Day Dream proving, upon each replay, to be an excellent choice to open up the listening experience. I love that the band seems to be having a lot of fun in the studio, with the lyrics of “GIMME GIMME” from the song Carries On. At first the song seems to be a nice slow song acting as a respite from the upbeat sounds of the opening few songs, but as the Magnetic Zeros have taught me, no song is safe from injecting a little extra joy. Kisses from Babylon can go fuck itself. Desert Song and Brother are tight. My favorite song is probably Janglin’, but 40 Day Dream is a close second.
70% of the album could probably be added to a playlist that could be played on game night or as background music whilst cooking dinner. It is because of this, that I believe Up From Below is a perfect album for a certain mood. The sound screams end of summer/early fall to me, so that means that I will now be listening to this album for another two months.
Adam’s Reaction:
Yet again I have taken a fortnight x3 to respond to this thread. For the love of everything holy, stop sending me albums that I don’t know where I stand on their greatness. As you mentioned, tons of fun songs, but I honestly think that is why I haven’t grooved as much to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros/Colony House. There are just so many songs that blend together and suddenly it’s 11pm and I don’t know where my day went or how that dead fat guy ended up in my room again.
Long ramble made longer, I really cannot pick a favorite off this album. Of course Home is the fan favorite, almost the equivalent to Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men. Now, I know what you’re thinking– “Adam, where the hell are your pants?” But more seriously, you’ve always taken a poignant stance on the aforementioned band, but I sense a lot of similarities between the two groups. The offsetting vocals between male & female, the storytelling/positive vibes, and the potentiality of being very much forgotten by at least one Lipay brother. I too have revisited this album over the past few months now, but my intentions aren’t out of interest, but rather the obligation to eventually break through and respect this band’s talent. As you projected, I go with Desert Song as a personal favorite (I Come in Please, a close second), but can we just discuss the lead singer’s voice? It seems so unfitting for this music style/album, but dammit it works. I compare him to the lead singer of another band once shared within this chain: Steven Morissey of The Smiths. Good, not great, but also foreign-sounding. What I am trying to say is, these bands have a grasp on the industry and their audiences and perhaps could garner more respect & subsequent listens as time endures.
The Favorites
Adam: Desert Song
Dave: Janglin’