Friday, June 29, 2012

Unsolicited Track of the Week: Today's Schmutz is Tomorrow's Hepster Artifact Edition

From the just released indie album gem Speed Queen Mystery Date, please enjoy Minneapolis power popster Dave Birk and the monstrously hooky and utterly addicting "All Things Retro."

I should add that I'm particularly jazzed by this song because it confirms an insight that I've probably posted about here earlier. To wit -- that Devo were right when they posited the theory that things are devolving, i.e. winding down.

And the evidence that I have always marshaled to support this theory has always come down to this:

1. Sixties kids rediscovered The Marx Brothers.

2. Seventies kids rediscovered The Three Stooges.

3. Eighties kids rediscovered...The Brady Bunch.

Obviously, the fact that a Gen Y popster has come around to my way of thinking (as you'll note from the song's chorus) is...gratifying.

I should add that you can procure the album at both Amazon and iTunes. Dave informs me that you can also find it at Bandcamp and Kool Kat Music, but I have no idea what those are.

13 comments:

Blue Ash Fan said...

Isn't that the chorus from FoW's "It Must Be Summer?" And, hell, even the verses employ the same motif. Or am I imagining things?

steve simels said...

I think it shares some of the same characteristics, yes.
:-)

Dave Birk said...

I am a huge fan of Fountains of Wayne and shared the stage with them last time thy were in Minneapolis (albeit by random selection). And, once recorded, I realized how closely this song resembles It Must Be Summer. However, my intentions are pure and it is merely a blend of happy coincidence and how all things come back around. So, if imitation is the best form of flattery, I hope FOW glow with pride and all their fans sing along with a big smile. -- Dave Birk

Gummo said...

Great song, perfect blend of the power & the pop. Really like Dave's voice, too.

*two thumbs up*

buzzbabyjesus said...

I hadn't read the comments before listening. A few seconds in I wondered, "Why does everything have to sound like Fountains Of Wayne?"
I noticed a clever turn of phrase or two, but by 1:39 I'd had enough.

Gummo said...

Sue me, I liked it better than most Fountains of Wayne, who are often too precious by half.

Blue Ash Fan said...

Gummo, my lawyers will be contacting your lawyers.

Dave Birk said...

I can relate as that is a feeling I often have with songs on the radio. I hope you will give my other songs a spin as I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the variety. Try Hey, Jody for something more like Gin Blossoms or It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This for country. Maybe It's OK for a more acoustic ballad. 30 seconds with each and I hope you'll find a couple treasures :-).

GLLinMO said...

A nice piece of power pop. Even more interesting that my dad spent 20+ years working for the Speed Queen corp.

Unknown said...

Thanks for posting that, Steve. And thanks for the melody in the verse of your song, Dave. One Musical coincidence coming up...

buzzbabyjesus said...

I apologize for being the crankiest commentator, but Dave has done the equivalent of writing a competent novel in Latin.

Dominic Cordisco said...

No matter what, gotta love that cover.

steve simels said...

I concur with Dave on "Hey Jody" btw.

Delightful song and the Gin Blossoms influence is a plus in my book.