FILE UNDER: Dylan wannabes.
CORPORATE LINE: The Walkmen have been solidifying their position as one of the most important bands in the alternative music community with their previous releases, “Everyone Who Pretended To Like Me Is Gone” and “Bows And Arrows”. Extensive touring, media prominence, critical acclaim, national modern rock radio airplay, and TV performances have helped establish the band in the music community. “A Hundred Miles Off” is their most solid effort yet. “Dylan meets Joy Division” – Uncut. “The dramatic epic sweep, the urgent, chiming guitars, the upright snap of the drums – it’s all here” – Bust.
THE GOOD:
Nothing.
THE AVERAGE:
“Louisiana” – If you like a band to try and sound like Bob Dylan then you’ll feel right at home. The problem is that Hamilton Leithauser sings like Dylan but can’t write songs like him. However, the cool Caribbean style works in an unusual way.
THE BAD:
“Danny’s At The Wedding” – Leithauser’s Dylanesque style really wears thin particularly on a song that is below par. Even worse is “Good For You’s Good For Me.” Not only does Leithauser break-out his inner Dylan—he is nearly impossible to understand.
“This Job Is Killing Me” – Misguided and irritating. After three separate attempts at listening to the song it’s completely hopeless.
FRANKLY: For someone to say The Walkmen are good because they are doing Dylan, who is a legend, they are misguided. Originators are great—not imitators. To even pretend that this is a homage to Dylan is ridiculous. Musically the album has its moments. The music outshines the vocals. Anyone that owns a Bob Dylan album or enjoys Dylan won’t enjoy this album. The Walkmen are more than A Hundred Miles Off with this release. The Walkmen are going in the wrong direction if they’re still trying to find the band’s sound.
+ Rae Gun
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