MP3: The Dear Elaines - No use for words
Modern recording technology is so cheap and easy nowadays that there's absolutely no reason to adopt a lofi sound unless it is an intentional aesthetic choice. Which makes it so much more frustrating because I can tell that The Dear Elaines are fine musicians, but they obscure it behind layer of fuzz. I admire and respect everyone at BSBTA and their affiliates for staying true to their well-intentioned DIY values, but c'mon - this could be so much better. They profess an admiration for Guided By Voices, but understand that GbV's early dirty sound was the best they could do at the time. Get a couple SM57s and a copy of GarageBand and you're already miles ahead. "No use for words" is a great powerpop ballad and I think that The Dear Elaines' talent shines through the muck, but it will never get much play in my house because, simply put, it sounds like crap. Sorry guys.
The Dear Elaines - No use for words