As usual when I get introduced to a new band I like to start at the beginning. I managed to get through the bulk of VGs three proper LPs yesterday in between annoying useless meetings.*
Copacetic has some good tunes but it just doesn't sound good. Sub Pop wasn't a big budget "major label" but they were still pros. Sonic Youth albums from this era sound good. This one sounds like some DIY demos they made in a garage.
Simpatico is really good, my fav of the 3. They got The Smiths old producer for that one and the difference in the sound is palpable. '"Drug Girls" and "Rubble" are a nice tandem.
Gilded Stars and Zealous Hearts is also quite good, mayhaps just a little same-y after listening to Simpatico first. The review / blurb I read on Qobuz complained that they "lost their edge" or something which I think is silly. Its just similar to the previous album, like most albums from most bands that last more than one album.
Overall some good quality 90s indie rock, which is of course the best vintage of indie rock. ;) Definitely can hear the lineage with some modern band like Alvvays and Momma.
Thanks for weighing in! Some great points here. A lot of people have noticed Copacetic's lack of fidelity/sound quality. To my ear, it sounds the way it "should," but I am very much in the minority.
Ima check out Copacetic on my big speakers when I get a chance, I'll bet that would sound better. It'l be more like hearing them live. On my headphones at work the brighter cleaner sound of the other two comes across better.
It definitely has a rougher (or demo-y) feel compared to the other two, but IMO that feels like how it was intended rather than suffering from bad mixing, if that makes sense?
On a sidenote: Nice to see another Qobuz user here!
Sure I get what you're saying --- its an aesthetic choice not to sound "over produced". Nirvana's Bleach kinda sounds that way too.
I like Qobuz because of the download store. I still try to purchase albums as much as I am able, especially for contemporary bands that really get screwed by the streaming model.
You peaked my curiosity with 90s girl band / indie feel. Can you recommend a good “gateway song” for a newbie?
For Velocity Girl? I'd go with:
'Sorry Again,' 'There's Only One Thing Left To Say,' or 'Crazy Town.'
“There’s only one thing left to say” reminded me of The Strokes’ Someday and then I just got lost in their glow
Thanks for the intro to this band! Enjoyed the column and will be listening to their music music today
Right on! I hope you found a couple of new favorites.
Fun Fact: Velocity has 2 dimensions, speed and direction.
I dont know much else about Velocity Girl. Seem worth checking out.
Lol. Science!
I'm not familiar with Velocity Girl. Listening now. Vocals sound a bit like Debbie Harry. Need to dive into this a bit more.
I hadn;t thought of that, but I can hear it. Let me know what you think!
As usual when I get introduced to a new band I like to start at the beginning. I managed to get through the bulk of VGs three proper LPs yesterday in between annoying useless meetings.*
Copacetic has some good tunes but it just doesn't sound good. Sub Pop wasn't a big budget "major label" but they were still pros. Sonic Youth albums from this era sound good. This one sounds like some DIY demos they made in a garage.
Simpatico is really good, my fav of the 3. They got The Smiths old producer for that one and the difference in the sound is palpable. '"Drug Girls" and "Rubble" are a nice tandem.
Gilded Stars and Zealous Hearts is also quite good, mayhaps just a little same-y after listening to Simpatico first. The review / blurb I read on Qobuz complained that they "lost their edge" or something which I think is silly. Its just similar to the previous album, like most albums from most bands that last more than one album.
Overall some good quality 90s indie rock, which is of course the best vintage of indie rock. ;) Definitely can hear the lineage with some modern band like Alvvays and Momma.
*are there any other kind ?
Thanks for weighing in! Some great points here. A lot of people have noticed Copacetic's lack of fidelity/sound quality. To my ear, it sounds the way it "should," but I am very much in the minority.
*There are no other kinds of meetings.
Ima check out Copacetic on my big speakers when I get a chance, I'll bet that would sound better. It'l be more like hearing them live. On my headphones at work the brighter cleaner sound of the other two comes across better.
It definitely has a rougher (or demo-y) feel compared to the other two, but IMO that feels like how it was intended rather than suffering from bad mixing, if that makes sense?
On a sidenote: Nice to see another Qobuz user here!
Sure I get what you're saying --- its an aesthetic choice not to sound "over produced". Nirvana's Bleach kinda sounds that way too.
I like Qobuz because of the download store. I still try to purchase albums as much as I am able, especially for contemporary bands that really get screwed by the streaming model.