Sometimes Music and Sometimes Thought

James Rabbit @ Arlene’s Grocery 3/28/2008
Lions Of Love –> “The Fucking Universe” and “Light Green Light” / George Gershwin / Red, Blue, Violet / Monsoon / Did You Tie Me Up Or Down? / Welcome Back / In Love With The Idea / Count On Me / Lions Of Love –> Options

James Rabbit “George Gershwin” (Live in session for Fair Game, 3/25/08) –

1. I wouldn’t have ever guessed this from listening to his albums with James Rabbit, but in live performance, Tyler Martin is actually quite a lot like Stephen Malkmus back when he was in Pavement. He’s constantly playing around — switching up his phrasing, altering his lyrics, and purposefully throwing musical curveballs at his band mates. He sounds totally alive in his music, and he seems far more interested in expression and inspiration than perfection. Just like Pavement, he and his band are capable of hitting upon a fantastic balance of craft and chaos.

2. Here’s another comparison that works: Tyler is a lot like Stuart Murdoch of Belle & Sebastian, at least in the sense that even though his band is largely a showcase for his talents, he insists upon prominently featuring the voices and musical contributions of his friends. (Spencer Owen’s tune “Did You Tie Me Up Or Down?” isn’t even a James Rabbit song, Tyler just wanted to include one of his friend’s compositions in the set.) Though Tyler’s voice is the most compelling, the interaction of the voices is key to the band’s appeal, particularly on the Coloratura songs that highlight the individual’s place in community, and the value of comradery. To continue this analogy, if Tyler is clearly the Murdoch of the band, Max Bennett-Parker is the Stevie Jackson, and Libby Hendon is the Sarah Martin.

3. Most obviously, Tyler Martin is like Bob Pollard circa the early 90s. He’s been writing and releasing songs into the void for years, and he’s more interested in creating his own reality than entering into an indie culture that must seem awfully dull and monochromatic compared to the lovely little bohemian subculture that they are a part of in Santa Cruz. I want them to tour, I want them to be well known, I want very badly for them to get the passionate cult audience they deserve, but at the same time, I kinda don’t blame them if they’d rather not step out of their own little world. It seems so nice where they are, you know?

(Click here to buy Coloratura, one of the best albums you are most likely sleeping on, via the James Rabbit site.)