The Basics’ Stand Out/Fit In is here!
So, I duck into the Sydney CBD to pick up the new album released today by our favourite good times tunesmiths, The Basics. And as a pleasant surprise the packaging really, really looks cool! Maybe my expectations were lowered after the presentation of the last two Gotye albums which I found slightly disappointingly short on substance (good thing the the recordings themselves are, of course, excellent)
Tada:
It contains liner notes, all lyrics, all presented in a manner which looks like business, but never loses the twinkle in its eye.
Here’s the whole kit and caboodle:
Now, shoo! To the record store, you! Go grab yourself a copy!
As for the music, I can already say the tunes are fantastic, having seen plenty of it live. Now to give the album my customary 3-5 initial spins to let it settle in. First impressions are that there’s plenty of new discoveries to be made: the arrangements of the tunes differ (sometimes subtly, sometimes to a great amount) from their live presentation. But I’m not even going to think about writing a review at this early stage of my familiarity with it. But overall, great fun. Go get it.
Love the addition of the “go buy” section and the photos. Incidentally where did you buy it from and were there others sitting there, as I’m going to buy 2 tomorrow but don’t want to be stood up (ha).
Comment by symscovington — May 6, 2007 @ 10:06 pm
I bought them from Red Eye Records in the city (shop 1), and I was under the impression that they had more copies on hand.
JB Hi-Fi had them on order, but they weren’t in stock on the Saturday. I assume they will be tomorrow (Monday) – and they’ll probably be cheaper (which is the only reason why I checked there before heading on to Red Eye)
Comment by joe — May 6, 2007 @ 10:52 pm
Yeah there were 9 copies at HMV Pitt St this morning. Eight now. I would have thought JB would be the least lax with this given they are supposed to be on the pulse or something.
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts. At the moment I’m loving Bitten By The Same Bug, Sound Off, That Girl, Better and Rattle My Chain. Better and Lookin have really grown on me. I’d love to stack up a giant pile of speakers on top of the AMP centre and blast out Same Bug across Circular Quay.
Comment by symscovington — May 7, 2007 @ 2:28 pm
Oh and I put a short review of Friday night’s gig on mice pace. In case you missed my subtlety, The Booby Traps were horrible…
Comment by symscovington — May 7, 2007 @ 2:33 pm
Better has been my biggest surprise. Sounds completely different to what I was expecting, but in a good way – now I keep wanting to hear it with a self-indulgent 2 minute guitar solo. I suppose I’m showing my background by saying that.
(Love, Love) Speak to Me is another highlight that I wasn’t expecting. I want to hear this live, but I guess they’ll need an acoustic guitar in the mix. (raises hand cheekily)
Same Bug is definitely up there, as is Sound Off.
And who can result resist Just Hold On?
These are still my initial impressions, I’ve only played it three times so far, so I still need to let it settle in… but I’m enjoying it…
Comment by joe — May 7, 2007 @ 2:37 pm
Yeah the album version of Better with the wailing guitar siren is excellent and maketh great single material.
If they added an acoustic then Kris could bring out his other awesome songs like Walk Beside White (which he wrote about 1999) and which I have on cassette back in Melbourne.
Comment by symscovington — May 7, 2007 @ 5:36 pm
They have it at the JB in town. In Melbourne that is. I’m going to buy one just on the strength of your approbation (and the fact that I like Gotye). It better be good! *waves a clench fist at you*
Comment by Dymphna — May 8, 2007 @ 9:10 pm
I picked my copy up at JB in Sydney CBD (TGV JB), had to ask for it as it was no where to be found. They had one/some ‘out the back’ as it turns out, so was a happy chappy when the clerk returned with a copy. My advice = if you can’t see it, ask, as they can be lax in unpacking new stock. Love the album! Cheers
Comment by Manzie — June 8, 2007 @ 2:21 pm
I have seen The Basics live at The HiFi Bar (played with them there last year) and The Empress in Melbourne when they had their lng residency there for a gold coin odnataion – we all kneew it couldnt be long til it cost a LOT more to hear them. I heard their demos early on and love every song. I love their new twists on the melodic rock genre and it is the band I would love to have on my desert island with me. I also love how they have two great key vocalists, Wally with his clear soaring vocals and Kris has a very passionate and intense voice. They are not afraid to mix covers into the set, knowing their own songs can stand up to the test. I think they are fearless and determined to do their own thing their own way and the punters appreciate that.. Build it and they will come.
Comment by Jessica Paige — November 15, 2007 @ 10:27 pm