Tilly and the Wall Keeps the Beat
And delivers an impossibly energized third album
Tilly and the Wall
O
Released on Jun 17, 2008
In every possible way, Tilly and the Wall put the "alternative" in... well, the alternative music genre. Chances are, you've heard about their unique percussion instrument - band member Jamie Pressnall tap-dances instead of picking up drumsticks. They don't consider themselves "too cool" to name their band after a children's book and most of these Omaha natives played with Conor Oberst before he became the Bright Eyes boy that he is today. Put all of those together, and you've got one completely distinctive quintet.
While I don't want to risk sounding like a kindergartener, I can't help it - this album sounds like the epitome of sunshine. It might be the tap-dancing percussion, sing-a-long style, or just the fact that summer is around the corner, but O (also known as the album title that cannot be spoken) is guaranteed to make your day a little bit brighter.
Unfortunately, the album starts out dreadfully. I know, you didn't see that one coming, right? Neither did I, but don't get discouraged - better songs will follow. While the lyrics are endearing, and the vocals are lovely, "Tall Tall Grass" is the only songs on the disc that does not warrant multiple listens. If I'm up to giving it a second chance, it may grow on me, but given the catchiness of the rest of the album, I can't help but be disappointed by its start.
If an album has a terrible start, you better hope that the ending track is impressive. Thankfully, this is the case. "Too Excited" couldn't be more amazing to my ears. It had me dancing around like an idiot for multiple listens, and frankly, that's a main criterion for judging this album. It'll trick you at the start, because Pressnall sounds like she's practicing for a recital, but have patience. It builds into one of the most satisfying songs on the album. Trust me; you will get too excited after listening to this song.
"Pot Kettle Black" is the kind of song that I wish my high school had played at our horrible pep rallies. The badass stomping at the beginning makes you want to cheer for the home team, even if it's just your crappy softball league from work. With minimal instrumentation for the first minute that gives way to a ridiculously catchy chorus, this will be one song that won't leave your head for days.
"I Found You" is a satisfying track, if only because it sounds like an epic Western duel is about to go down around the 1:00 mark - listen for it, and try not to imagine yourself having a (water) pistol face-off.
When Tilly and the Wall want to take it down a notch, they should stick to the sound of "Falling Without Knowing". This is the right way to do a downbeat song - take note, "Tall Tall Grass". The dreamy electronic vibe is enough of a departure from their hyper sound to signal a real change in mood - however, it doesn't lose your interest at all.
High Point
Any album that has you trying to remember what you learned in that tap-dance class you took when you were three is worth owning.
Low Point
Can't get over how much I dislike "Tall Tall Grass".
Posted by Alyssa Vincent on Jun 23, 2008 @ 12:00 am