October 17th, 2011 1:00am
Who’s Behind The Wheel
I quite like this song – it has a sweet sentiment and a gorgeous lead guitar part – but I can't help but think it's basically the answer to the question "What if Peter Buck was the only really talented member of
Murmur-era R.E.M.?" The rhythm section isn't bad; just competent and not particularly imaginative. The vocals suit the mood and lyrics, but err too much on the side of wimpy, passive and faceless. I wish the singer committed just a bit more, communicated a bit more personality. This is a song about a guy who is finding the strength to be assertive enough to be clear in expressing his feelings for someone, so it should have a gentle, maybe somewhat shy quality, but I feel like I have no idea who this guy is when he sings. A good vocalist – regardless of their technical skill – reveals something about who they are in their voice. This is lovely and very relatable song, but if it weren't for the guitar style – which isn't all that distinct but is nevertheless the main feature of Real Estate – it's a bit too anonymous.
3 Responses.
10/18/11 5:37 am
Overachievers…
10/25/11 9:17 pm
i quite think this album is good and this song is awesome. agree that over the course of the album it sort of blends together. personally, i think it makes it sound cohesive.
11/2/11 12:57 pm
the anonymous-feeling-vocals problem is pretty pervasive in indie music today, its hard to walk the line between stephen malkmus/J mascis slacker and gaslight anthem/hold steady/watch-out-or-we’ll-be-branded-emo earnestness and own it. my personal opinion is that about 90% of all potentially good indie music lacks that hard-to-pin-down ability to connect. i’ll need to check out more of their stuff, their new album seems to have gotten a fair amount of buzz.