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January 25, 2007

Review The View

The latest buzzy sensations from the UK are The View, and we'll be the first to admit that we're plenty late with 'em (we've had just about enough of the bratty, post-Libertines ska-punk-rock-what-have-you). Listened a bit awhile back, didn't think enough of it to get on board. Missed their NYC debuts (consensus: they're young!), but NYT was there, writing:

As more than a few Internet-accessing fans have already discovered, the album is scruffy and quite likable ... Part of the View's appeal is songs that sound familiar and exotic at the same time ... Like the Arctic Monkeys, the View is a young, scrappy band enjoying swift success, but that's where the comparison ends. The band played twice at Mercury Lounge, on Tuesday and Wednesday, and neither show was as likable as the album.
Don't know about the comparison ending right there; listen to "Superstar Tradesman," one of the album's better tracks; not too tough to imagine the A'Monks turning out that tune, with a little more spike and a lot more Turner tongue-in-cheek. And, anybody know if Arctic Monkeys are banned from the Travelodge chain of hotels? 'Cause that would be another thing in common. Anyway, if you aren't one of those "internet-accessing fans" and still haven't heard Hats Off To The Buskers, stream it at MySpace ("Face For The Radio" and "Wasted Little DJ's" if you're time-pressed). Tell us whatcha think.

Posted at 9:15 AM
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15 Comments

its horrible. you know it, i know it. why do you feel obligated to post about a band you obviously don't like?

Posted by: nick at 01/25/07 9:35 AM | Reply
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good video for superstar tradesman by indica here: http://videos.antville.org/stories/1523698/

Posted by: progosk at 01/25/07 9:43 AM | Reply
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While superstar tradesman is a catchy tune, the rest of their album is absolutely awful.

Posted by: Charbarred at 01/25/07 10:28 AM | Reply
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They've gotten so much better since Star Jones left.

Posted by: J-Money at 01/25/07 10:34 AM | Reply
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isn't this just another reincarnation of a million other here-today-gone-tomorrow bands?

Posted by: Barbara Wawa at 01/25/07 10:38 AM | Reply
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There's a giant poster of them outside HMV on Argyll Street.

I cry a lot lately.

Posted by: lism. at 01/25/07 10:59 AM | Reply
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Has anyone else noticed that 'Same Jeans' = 'Brimful of Asha'?

Also... I'm not sure what point is being made by the opening line 'I've had the same jeans on for three days...' Andrew WK has had his on for about 7 years.

Posted by: Britunes at 01/25/07 11:11 AM | Reply
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i saw the view at mercury lounge and it looked just like this:

http://flickr.com/photos/undergrounder/sets/72157594458883463/

Posted by: jedediah at 01/25/07 11:46 AM | Reply
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i quite like them!

Posted by: matt at 01/25/07 3:26 PM | Reply
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they are fantastic. if you don't like them then you are boring and don't have any fun or joy in your life. FACT!

Posted by: the idiot at 01/25/07 5:00 PM | Reply
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I enjoy most of their album. Equal amount of hits as there are misses.

Posted by: crc at 01/25/07 5:34 PM | Reply
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saw them both nights at mercury lounge and just got the cd yesterday from amazon uk. am admittedly a huge libs fan so that may bias me but i find them refreshing ~

Posted by: lb at 01/25/07 8:27 PM | Reply
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they look a bit young, eh?

Posted by: brooklyn at 01/25/07 11:44 PM | Reply
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Having listened to the album a few times, I have to say I enjoy them as much as the 'Monkeys, Kooks, Fratellis, et al. The Libs influence is definitely there, which is refreshing, but not as urgent or impactful as when heard coming from Carl and Pete. Definitely not life changing music, but exactly the kind I'd like to chug along to in a bar. Nothing wrong with that and I'll give these lads a chance.

Posted by: D at 01/26/07 8:04 AM | Reply
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The stuff I've heard to date isn't bad. They have a lot of energy and an attitude - usually good precursors to success in R & R. The next album should be a good indication.

Posted by: Dudeasincool at 01/26/07 1:15 PM | Reply
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