September 14, 2006

Stream New Pernice Brothers

Check out more beautiful new chamber pop at pernicebrothers.com. Joe gives some background on his blog:

We have tossed three more songs off the new album out there for you to listen to. I suppose, to be consistent, I ought to write a little something (true or not) about each. What I’d really like to do is finish this coffee in peace before junior wakes up, but I’m a glutton for mayhem, so here goes.

1. In the tune Automaton, Peyton plays a guitar lead that is ridiculously be-hooked. I dare you. Don’t sing his lead. (I know. That’s a loaded imperative. It’s like someone saying, “Whatever you do, don’t think of a naked lady right now.”

2. B.S. Johnson is simply an homage to the late great writer of the same name. It’s safe to say that he was not/is not widely read here in America, but he should be. My brother is a pretty bright guy. He’s read a couple books, and upon seeing the title, thought I’d created fictional character, a Walter Mitty type, named Bullshit Johnson. I told him I had, but that’s for the next record.

Jonathan Coe (a master in his own right), upon hearing the song, emailed to let me know I’d managed to sum up BSJ’s life in two minutes, twenty-two seconds, and that it took him 500 pages to do so in his spectacular bio of B.S. called Like a Fiery Elephant. I’m a big fan of JC’s, and it was as if Elvis (Costello) had written. I told my UK publicist I am indebted to him for getting the record to Mr. Coe. And that if he gets one to Elvis Costello, I’ll swim the Atlantic and wash his (my publicists, not EC’s) feet.

3. Conscience Clean (I went to Spain) is one of maybe three songs of mine I actually find myself listening to…for enjoyment. I’m not exactly sure why. It touches a nerve in me a way 99% of my tunes do not. Before a record comes out, I’ll listen to it lot, as a critic. I listen to other people’s records for enjoyment.

And for those of you confused by the Boston accent, the lyrics go like this:

So I threw a “dart” at Europe/
She hit Michigan.

That’s about it. So check out the songs if you’d like. And whatever you do, do not think of a naked lady now.

Live A Little is out 10/3.

Posted at 10:52 AM