Cars Can Be Blue

It’s a muggy June evening, and we girls of Drop Magazine are cross-legged on the side walk talking to Georgia-based band Cars Can Be Blue. The streets of Brattleboro, Vermont are fluttering with tourists and locals alike. The background noise on this recording is, at best, fairly noisy, but what can we say? The interview is interrupted by cell phone calls, old friends, new fans, and one friendly dog, but that’s okay, too; Cars Can Be Blue churns out music flooded with personality, spontaneity, and humor, and we quite like that the setting and atmosphere of this particular interview seems to reflect that. We learned about how Nate’s mother reacted to the phrase “deep dicking”, how Becky made the leap from musicals to composing songs like 'Dirty Song' (perhaps you can guess what that one is about), and how a girl whose first guitar was spray-painted and stringless and a boy who was not allowed to have a drum set ended up in a band together playing guitar and drums, respectively. We suggest you take a listen; close your eyes, and you can basically see the dusk-dusted streets of good ole’ Bratt, noisy music oozing from the Tinderbox, Nate and Becky sitting out front, ignoring each other like pros.

Thanks to Cars Can Be Blue for this interview.

Cars Can Be Blue (myspace)
Cars Can Be Blue Interview

7 Dollar Taxi

These youths from Switzerland, are very appealing in the sense that they look like kids that would walk down the halls of your school. Their personality appeal is a contributer to why they have had as much success as they have had. Talent and personality are two of the most important things in my mind. If you have the right amount of reliability and talent then it's a winning combination. That's what they've got here. They're not just another commercial band thrown together to make cash, they seem to genuinely enjoy the music they make, and each others company, which makes them more enjoyable for the rest of us.

While gathering ideas for this review, I had several of my friends listen to 7 Dollar Taxi. The only complaint from them was the fact that they would be going about their normal business, and then the chorus from 'Do The Robot' would spring into mind. Filled with "You Know" and "I Know" galore, it is a hook that is sure to stay with you. Their songs have an interesting balance of pop appeal, and a rock-esque tempo. 'Red Lips' is a tune that is enjoyable for everyone, lyrics that will keep your attention, and instrumentation that doesn't over shadow anything, but supports the track as a whole. The balance in this band shows just how well they work together. Nothing is dragged down or covered up, all parts have a clear voice and there is no struggle. They are strong and assertive tunes, and never sluggish, always light on their feet. 'Jurassic Heads' is a good example, it's sound is what you will hear on a best of album many years from now. If 7 Dollar Taxi keeps on the track they are headed, their sound will have people talking about them for years to come

Do The Robot (Megatron Remix) - 7 Dollar Taxi

7 Dollar Taxi (myspace)

Paul Hodgson

Surprisingly catchy songs, the kind that you know if you go to see Paul Hodgson at a venue he has played regularly, you will see people singing along. Best described as upbeat music with great hooks, Paul Hodgson radiates through his music. It seems like you can get a very clear idea of who he is as a person. And what's better then music with a personality. His songs are filled with catchy and relatable lyrics. 'Its too easy' is a steady tune that trucks along and makes you sing along with it and put a great deal of emotion/effort into whatever comes out. 'From Tyne to Thames' catches you from the first moment it begins. The chorus filled with short guitar strums and picks makes you dance as if no one is watching. This tune will make its way in and out of your head on a regular basis. ' Call Out Charge' creates a whole new genre, cross over between rhythm n' blues with various other influences. It has a very different energy then his other songs, but nonetheless the energy is still there. While listening to this song, you can't help but see yourself at some festival, filled with young people dancing the night away. Paul Hodgson, for such a young age, seems to write songs well beyond his years. They aren't simply catchy tunes, they have character and content. This may be why his stylings are so memorable, you feel as if you have had a conversation with him after listening. You can see him playing for many people and giving a great performance, and giving one in your own living-room with the same energy. After hearing his tracks you will be the first to offer your home to him if and when he goes on tour. I know I would.

Paul Hodgson (myspace)

Count Fisher

Count Fisher may just become your go-to artist for a soundtrack to summer. ‘I’ve Got a Heart’ has an addictive piano line, and you can’t help but crack a smile as they whine “ba-bop, I wanna tell you baby”. ‘Where Are You Now’ is more relaxed and has a pleasant acoustic vibe, perfect a for summertime playlist. The clunky pianos which are key on ‘I’ve got a Heart’ take a backseat to the guitars here, but the track does not feel like it’s lost anything. 'A Little Romance' is a very catchy tune, that will have you hooked from the first line. "I want to know the make of your underpants", ‘Just Go’ is the best of everything Count Fisher has to offer: simple but interesting sing-a-long pop. The sound affects (“o’s” and “ah’s”) are also good fun. Who doesn’t love music that puts you in a good mood? Count Fisher’s songs will do that for you.

Make sure to visit their myspace for downloads.

Count Fisher (myspace)

Catalan Corruption

Often, when one finds power in guitars and vocals of a teenage band, the driving force is angst. Catalan Corruption is not a victim to this trap that young bands tend to fall into. Their driving force seems instead to be ambition to craft well constructed, good music. It is safe to say that they succeed. Each song has multiple guitar parts and a rather complex construction, something you wouldn’t expect to hear coming from teens. The song writing suggests that these 13 and 14 year-olds are a bit beyond their years in that department as well, lyrics about childhood pets no where to be found. Nathan Grace’s vocals resemble a slightly squeakier Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys. The big sound of the Arctic Monkeys can be found on nearly every one of Catalan Corruption’s tracks as well, and luckily, the noise never gets clumsy.

‘The Other Stage’ grabs you from the moment it starts, and the chorus suggests a Bloc Party influence (who, if you check out the myspace, actually is listed as an influence, and in caps lock, no less).The track has the same sort of graceful panic that Bloc Party is known for, with an electricity that reels you in like a fishing rod. ‘A New Way’ has a lighter vibe but is still well constructed.

As far as a favorite goes, ‘Your Loss’ is a top contender. From the beginning it all sounds vaguely, and delightfully, dark and evil. The slightly threatening underlying chug of the track, like something may blow up at any second, has a surprisingly sexy vibe, and “Am I demented or disturbed?” is surely a stand out lyric from the whole bunch of tracks. In the second half of the song, the boys briefly break it down and present a bit of funk influence, a nice surprise that points again to the group’s maturity level. You’d think they’ve had a lifetime of experience to come up with this stuff.

The band’s age is an important thing to consider, not so you can go easy on them, but so you can realize how truly talented these guys are. Smile; there is hope for the music of the next generation.

Catalan Corruption (myspace)

Cassie and The Cassettes

Cassie and The Cassettes are a band that will brighten every crack and corner of your day. They bring sunshine to your heart and a smile to your face. Everything about them is bright and enjoyable, from vocals to instrumentation. 'I Don't Like You' is an upbeat tune sure to make you a fan from the start. I have a hard time describing just how much I enjoy this band. Cassie Layton has a voice that's light and delicate, but never seems to waver. The musicianship of this group is outstanding. There are so many sub par bands out there comprised of kids who merely pick up an instrument because it is "the thing to do". Not these kids, you can tell that they must greatly enjoy what they do, their music is punchy and unhurried. Their passion for the music they make radiates through to the listener. Cassie and the Cassettes are a contender for the ages, that in a few years you'll be saying " I knew them when they first started out"

Cassie and The Cassettes (myspace)

Burmese Days

Burmese Days is a personal favorite of this reviewer. In all honesty if I could listen to one band for the rest of my days, there would be a few contenders but Burmese Days would be the favorite to bet on. They are the archetype of British new wave, minimalist music. When delving into their pool of work for the first time, I was besotted. I can honestly say that I was absolutely smitten with this band. Their musings can only be described through their own lyrics. 'Every story has a sting and yours is impending.' Their sting will certainly have a long lasting effect on anyone that comes across them. Songs like 'Early Hours' and 'Giving Up On The Girl' will have you wanting more and more. This is the type of band that no one could truly dislike, even if it isn't your style, you will enjoy listening along.

Having heard Burmese Days' newest release 'Heaven Sent' I can say this is Burmese Days at their finest moment, and I didn't think they could get much better. This new wave-esque song is so delightfully poppy that nothing compares. The tune is so amazingly catchy, that once you hear it you will be addicted. This band is well worth the listen.

Burmese Days (myspace)