For those of you who can’t get enough bass, DFA-1979 is the band for you.
You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine is (besides being a great title for an
album) a solid offering that seems geared for those who enjoy alternative
sports. Its blood-pumping tempos and assorted grooves and rhythms make
this the perfect soundtrack for snowboarders, skaters and surfers alike
(yes, yes – and of course, those of you who like to play your alternative
sports from the couch…sigh…you can listen to it too.)
The lyrics are surprisingly intelligent, but unobtrusive, allowing the songs
to remain light and fun despite the presence of a message or a well-plotted
theme. The riffs are well-defined and interesting (for a change) and the
band relies heavily on its ability to create and sustain many odd patches of
patterned bass licks.
Songs that stand out are: “Romantic Rights,” “Black History Month” and “Little
Girl,” the latter possessing what is probably the most addictive riff on the
album. “Romantic Rights” still holds the title for best intro…what a
weird series of sounds…
There’s a bit of a throwback to new wave going on here, but it is well
stylized with modern overtones and thus is able to avoid sounding too retro.
Oh, and to the parents out there, (who love making excuses about why they
don’t listen to music anymore…boo-hoo) if you’ve got a teenage kid and you
find this weird-looking pink disc in their collection showing two people
drawn with elephant noses, steal it when they aren’t looking and give it a
listen. You might be surprised to find out that your musical taste is still
cool…and if not, well at least you tried (and maybe I won’t have to hear
about how much you “miss listening to music” anymore).
Bottom line: Good album, promising band.
Want to hear it for yourself? Listen to tracks from You’re a Woman, I’m a Machine for free at Napster.