Japanese Motors “Japanese Motors” Review
Singer Alex Knost’s slow, purposeful drawl follows an echoing introduction on “Single Fins & Safety Pins,” the lead track from Japanese Motors. Considering the generally laid back feel of the Orange Country quartet’s entire album, the track is a fitting opener – wading in a cool tide of sound with no real rush to go anywhere. As the album moves on, the sad realization of the situation is that the only reason that the Japanese Motors aren’t on Top of the Pops right now (other than because Top of the Pops no longer exists) is because 2008 is not 2001.
Or rather, the music that was popular in 2001, is no longer as popular in 2008. Japanese Motors would fit perfectly within a musical landscape teeming with albums such as White Blood Cells and Veni Vidi Vicious, but whether it be a changing fashion, or shifting tastes, the popularity of like-sounding records have gone the way of The Vines. “Better Trends” morphs a killer surf-line into an upbeat interlude, both signifying a sound that is seemingly harmless, but one that inevitably sucks you in without you even realizing it. The following track, “Spendin’ Days,” is a tragic listen because it’s a very good song that was released a few years too late. If any of the The bands had put this track out in their prime, it’d be a guaranteed hit – but as is the reality of the situation, it will probably end up lingering in relative obscurity.
Japanese Motors have released an album that is good, but something that doesn’t reflect the energy of the band’s live show (or so I hear). Even at “good” it remains an album that could have probably been viewed as “great” if the sound which is at the core of the album were still fashionable. A lot of bands who made comparable music around the dawn of the decade weren’t as solid as Japanese Motors, and a lot of those bands became wealthy from throwing together a popular sound when it was ripe. Japanese Motors may not get rich from the album, but that doesn’t mean it sounds any less solid than those which sold millions.
Japanese Motors gives the same sort of feeling that you might get if you were to see a Tickle-Me-Elmo doll now. Outside of the context surrounding its release, it was a good toy – one that still holds up because it was and is solid. But in no way should it have ever been as highly in demand as it was during its peak in popularity. You can still still find these dolls, and they’re still great toys, but they’ve since lost their shadow of hysteria. Likewise, the garage rock revival was a bit of a fraud, and its popularity elevated a number of bands who made good, well crafted, basic songs and blew them way out of proportion. Looking back, the bands that once had an inflated level of popularity are no less talented now than they were then – it’s just that they’re not as popular now. Japanese Motors is a very solid album, but even after a single listen it leaves the impression that given a different context, it could have been “great.” Despite the reality that garage rock is no longer the Tickle-Me-Elmo that it once was, that doesn’t mean that it holds any less value. That is especially true with Japanese Motors.
Chris, as someone who loved White Blood Cells AND Veni Vidi Vicious I will have to check these guys out. I think that old 2001 garage sound has given way to 80′s Electro bop in a big way, but there is a mini garage revival taking place even right now with bands like the Muslims, Vivian Girls, and The Cops. To me bands like this are keeping Rock n’ Roll alive despite the best efforts of the Coldplay’s of the world
Tonight (still counting this as the 8th) the Muslims actually played a show with Japanese Motors.
They’re a little lighter sounding (the second version of BNE that CB premiered the other day is rougher… and better in my opinion) on the record, but after listening to it a few times, it’s really clicking for me. Would definitely like to check ‘em out live – heard they play a helluva show.
Good thing that “fold your arms like you’re not having a good time and need to be impressed Elmo” is going to be out in time for this Christmas. What would I get my nephew otherwise? Good review Chris, made me laugh. I’ve since checked them out and like what I’ve heard.
“Likewise, the garage rock revival was a bit of a fraud, and its popularity elevated a number of bands who made good, well crafted, basic songs and blew them way out of proportion.”
Yes and No. It’s just as any genre or sub-genre is going to have bandwagon hoppers, the genre as a whole will not be well represented by all. If we’re talking about the White Stripes, The Hives, The Black Lips, or The Strokes, then all of them progressed from the lo-fi garage movement to something more refined. If we’re talking about bandwagon hitchers like the Von Bondies or The vines, who fell into obscurity after the movement fizzled than you’re quite right, the movement was a fraud.
I saw the Muslims, the Vivian girls, and The Cops listed above, also, the new album by the Heartless Bastards, The Black Keys, and Dax Riggs new sound is a bit bluesy and folk. And if you’re ever in the mood for a quick pick-me-up check out Bomp Records extensive collection of punk, proto, garage, and weird.
Why or Why did the Yeah Yeah Yeahs have to drift into electro territory and sound good doing it?
I digress; from what I’ve heard on Japanese Motors myspace page I like. Maybe I’m stuck in 2001 with them… I appreciated the Elmo allegory! Good Review ***
“I appreciated the Elmo allegory” – Be proud, you’re the first person in the history of the world to ever say those exact words in that exact order
Glad you dig the band, can’t remember which thread it’s on, but some people were really touting their live show—likely worth checking out if you have the chance.
Thanks for the kind words!