Thee Speaking Canaries -

Five Songs, 7/20/2021

Posted on July 20, 2021 | Joshua Buergel

Vampire Weekend, “Unbelievers”

Vampire Weekend’s third album was a return to form to my ears. Contra was a little bit too scattered, and sounded a little bit tired, and just didn’t quite hang together. But Modern Vampires of the City had some of that ineffable charm back, with this song serving as a good example. This could easily have gone on the debut album, and that’s a high complement.

Flying Saucer Attack, “Rainstorm Blues”

Hmmm. I wonder what I’ve said about Flying Saucer Attack in the past? I’m sure I had opinions. I am also not going to look. I shouldn’t have to do all the work here! I tag these things, go look it up yourself!

Five Songs, 10/26/2020

Posted on October 26, 2020 | Joshua Buergel

Mudhoney, “Endless Yesterday”

Mudhoney is never really going to sound mature, not with Mark Arm sounding like he does. But as they went along (this is from their seventh album), they picked up a lot of moves that make them sound so much more put together. I mean, this is pretty damn melodic for a Mudhoney tune! There’s noise here that doesn’t come from a guitar!

The Pietasters, “Freak Show”

Hey, speaking of mature, the lyrics to this are really a model for how to handle sensitive subjects carefully.