In Bloom
No cult has done more to erase the blight of Waco from the minds of Texans than that of The Polyphonic Spree, with their rainbow robes and heavenly harmonies. This month, the Polyphonic ones came back to us with an EP, entitled Wait (something we bloggers are rarely capable of), released September 5th and featuring three covers, two originals, and the production genius of Jon Brion.
It's also gonna help back-catalogue sales of Tim DeLaughter's past project, Tripping Daisy, as he went ahead and covered himself with "Sonic Bloom." And though that's like decorating your apartment with self-portraits, the conceit is acceptable 'cause the song is a gem. There isn't too much to distinguish the tracks (except for the expected grandiose, Spree embellishments), but take a listen for yourself:
The Polyphonic Spree – "Sonic Bloom" (MP3)
Tripping Daisy – "Sonic Bloom" (MP3)
Either way, the song rocks. And don't worry, they're also covering bands they've never played in. Like Nirvana. We expected 'em to run with "Lithium"'s lyrics, plead ignorance to Cobain's biting sarcasm, and make another Polyphonic anthem. Instead, we get a surprisingly reverent rendition. Check it out at The DIY Rockstar.
While we were talking Tim DeLaughter and Tripping Daisy today around Stereogum HQ, Scott professed his love for this '90s modern rock radio flashback and made me post it.
Tripping Daisy – "Piranha" (MP3)
And just for kicks: Name the other blog-friendly band containing an ex-member of Tripping Daisy. Hint: They're from Texas, too! (Not Midlake.)
Posted at 11:00 AM in MP3
Secret Machines.
RIP Tripping Daisy. That Jesus Hits Like the Atom Bomb record is top 5 90s stuff indeed.
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the PS link doesn't work :(
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diyrockstar link also does not work.
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i'm seeing them this thursday night, and i'm not sure how all are going to fit on the small stage....
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Its a shame that Tripping Daisy got saddled w/the one-hit wonder tag for "I Got A Girl" because Jesus Hits Like and Atom Bomb hits...like...an atom bomb, I suppose.
Got it for $1 a couple of years ago at a sidewalk sale. Damn good value.
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I miss Tripping Daisy. I am an ELASTIC FIRECRACKER (you have to write in caps) is nostalgic 90s alterna-rock in all its glory.
Couple this with my new found obsession (The Alternative on VH1 Classics) and I'm in a alternative daze. More Toadies--less Sufjan.
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Damn. Hearing that song sung by a 15 person choir with piano accompaniment seems strange, but only emphasizes how pretty that melody is. Further proof that Cobain was as great a pop songwriter as he was a poet. Much better than the version done by the dude with the hair and the eyeliner on "Rockstar: Supernova." Not him, the other one...
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I just rediscovered TD's Sonic Bloom this weekend after throwing on an old compilation from the late 90's.
Very rad cover.
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