The Polyphonic Spree

Posted by: Mike Hanson on 18 June 2004

I just found a reference to http://questfortherest.com. It's one of those cute net-quest games, advertising a new album from The Polyphonic Spree.

I had never heard of these guys, but as I was listening, I knew that I recognized the lead singer. Although it sounds a lot like The Flaming Lips, I knew that it wasn't Wayne Coyne. After doing a bit of research, I discovered that the vocalist was Tim DeLaughter, formerly of Tripping Daisy, which is one of my favourite groups. I was quite disappointed when they disbanded, and I'm extremely tickled that their spirit has been reincarnated (possibly even better) in this new project.

You can also check out their website: http://www.thepolyphonicspree.com/main.html

The other interesting thing is that they're always described as emotionally uplifting and life affirming, yet there's also a wonderful undercurrent of melancholy. And isn't that what lifes all about?

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Posted on: 13 November 2004 by dsteady

Mike,

This is a late posting, and by now they've probably taken over the world, but I know what you mean about The Polyphonic Spree. There's something powerful behind what they're doing right now -- maybe it the geo-politics of the day. Ughh.

Tim DeLaughter seems to be on a mission. And the sonics are pretty good too. Hard to explain the robes though -- I brought the CD home and my wife thought I had joined a cult.

dan'l

Posted on: 14 November 2004 by Mike Hanson

I still haven't decided whether they're serious about their uplifting message, or whether it's all being done tongue in cheek. The lyrics are rife with moronic self-affirming platitudes, such that it's hard not to question their earnestness. Fortunately, I don't usually pay attention to lyrics, so it doesn't bug me too much, and the underlying music has a wonderfully melancholic fragility that appeals.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-

Posted on: 14 November 2004 by dsteady

Mike,

I definitely think they're serious about it. I am often bothered by "the moronic self-affirming platitudes" (nice phrase) that are so ubiquitous now in the Sates at least -- I'm hoping that you in Canada have preserved some form of firewall against them, I fear all is lost here -- but that doesn't bother me about this group. I think they mean it, really mean it, and for that they have my respect. I have only listened to it twice, and if it weren't tinged with that melancholy that you mention then I might be more suspuscious; but it is melancholic, despite its relentless self-affirmation, which for me is a signal of its truthfulness.

cheers,
dan'l

Posted on: 15 November 2004 by Mike Hanson

quote:
Originally posted by dsteady:
I think they mean it, really mean it, and for that they have my respect. I have only listened to it twice, and if it weren't tinged with that melancholy that you mention then I might be more suspuscious; but it is melancholic, despite its relentless self-affirmation, which for me is a signal of its truthfulness.

Yes, they're doing a good job of trying to sound strong, while hinting that the status quo ain't so great. Even so, I have to laugh every time I hear them sing, "You gotta be good. You gotta be strong. You gotta be 2000 places at once". It's presented in such a mantra-like fashion, however, that one is almost distracted from the abject silliness of it.

quote:
I am often bothered by "the moronic self-affirming platitudes" (nice phrase) that are so ubiquitous now in the Sates at least -- I'm hoping that you in Canada have preserved some form of firewall against them, I fear all is lost here

It's all wrapped up with the Politically Correct debacle: everyone is equal; everything is good; blah, blah, blah… Sadly, we've been stricken with it longer here in Canada, where being polite our national pastime.

-=> Mike Hanson <=-