Stereogum Reluctantly Hearts Out Hud
Stereogum saw Out Hud open for the Faint (I think) a few years ago. We hated the show. No one was dancing (except the aggressive hippies). The banter was even more annoying than the songs. When I discovered their tongue twisting titles ("L Train Is A Swell Train And I Don't Want To Hear You Indies Complain," "Dad, There's A Little Phrase Called Too Much Information," etc...) I couldn't bring myself to take Out Hud any more seriously than I did the Liars.
Sure I was judging them for superficial reasons, but can you blame me? This album cover looks like it's literally made out of shit.
See? Fuglier than Lizzie Grubman's soul.
Anyway I'm happy to report a change of heart about the band. Let Us Never Speak Of It Again is a new favorite subway companion -- delirious dance-pop, smart and innovative, that belies the group's signature silliness. Sexy sing-song vocals are an especially welcome shift in focus. When they mingle with panting and ringing on "It's For You," for example, you hear "Genius Of Love" Basement Jaxx stizz. Recommended if you like other IDM faves Ratatat, LCD and !!!, with whom Out Hud shares members. (By the way, !!! is releasing a single in a few weeks with covers of Magnetic Fields and Nate Dogg. Yes, Nate Dogg.)
They've even given up the verbose titles, save for one track on the new album. It's called "Dear Mr. Bush, There Are Over 100 Words For Shit And Only 1 For Music. Fuck You, Out Hud" and even I admit that's funny.
Check out this trippy instrumental. Out Hud - "2005 A Face Odyssey" (MP3)
A bit towards the end reminds me A LOT of Genesis' "Mama." I put 30secs from 'em back to back so you know what I'm talking 'bout Willis: "Mama-dyssey" (MP3)
So go treat yourself to some Out Hud. And if you're a closet Genesis fan like me, you must check out this rare Peter Gabriel MP3 archive. I downloaded about 70 songs from there yesterday. Beats waiting ten years between albums.
Posted at 12:46 PM
Ya, I've been pleasantly surprised by this album, too.
Score = 0
Out Hud is rad. Reppin' SacTown a bit, too, I hear.
Score = 0
"literally made out of shit" literally made LOL for at least a solid 30 seconds.
Score = 0
it's too bad nothing on the album is anywhere close to L Train, which might be the greatest dancy post rock song ever.
Score = 0
so strange which bands you decide to feature on here. no rhyme or reason. to me this sounds like bad electro. huh. go figure
Score = 0
I didn't pick the most accessible track to post. I swear the other stuff is poppier. Track down "It's For You" before you write 'em off.
Score = 0
That has to be intentional--which is great, because "Mama" is my favorite song ever. Closet Genesis fans (all eras, give or take an album) unite! Good Gabriel link, too. I'm glad more people will hear that amazing version of "Blood of Eden." Out Hud should look into hiring Gabriel's art director.
Score = 0
Can't get the Out Hud tune to play. Any suggestions?
Score = 0
I really dig on the Genesis/Outhud split mp3. I've always wanted to do a bizzare mash-up (live, not with all this digital ish) of "Penetration in the Centerfold" by Devo and "Watcher of the Skies" by Genesis! what'chu think about that? Oh yeah... it would go into "Impressions" by Coltrane! Yeah!
Score = 0
just got this album, it's brill but some tracks do make me cringe. an indie party album, though, at times it reminds me a bit of fannypack which is always a good thing
Score = 0
that Gabriel link is awesome. Can't thank you enough!
Score = 0
Since when are those bands you mentoined IDM? Since never.
Score = 0
yes i love this song! also that other song It's Fr You sounds exactly like Genius Of Love by the tom tom club GO OUT HUD!!
Score = 0
rocking it this very second, so good. my current fave is "old nude" they're coming to salt lake later this month and i can't fucking wait. last time i saw them (summer 03) people were dancing their asses off, so i'm not sure what was up with the show you were at..
Score = 0
hahahaha @ "idm"
Score = 0