emptywishes's Full Review: Totally Crushed Out by That Dog
Pop. One single word that sends chills down the back of the necks of millions. The word that conjures images of numerous assembled boybands and 15-year-old hoochies. Yet, pop doesn't have to be this way. It can be cute, fun... even bubble-gum sweet without inducing violent fits of projectile vomiting. Picking up any That Dog album is an instant reminder of how pop can and should be.
I was introduced to That Dog on Weezer's summer of 1995 tour, much to my disliking. At the time my musical tastes were far more mainstream, radio-play oriented, and this band was just not fitting that mold. In fact, other than being impressed by their usage of a violin, I never gave them a second thought.
Five years later, while discussing musical tastes with a friend, he mentioned his fondness for this band. I made fun of him. A lot. Later, he played the album, and I was forced to eat my words. I liked this band now. They were cute. They were fun. And they were TALENTED. And so I bought their album, "Totally Crushed Out!"
The album kicks off with a shrill violin solo, which kicks off into a rockin' tune entitled "Ms. Wrong." The solid drum beats and vocal harmonizing of the female voices make for an impressive start. The lyrics tell the story of finding a boy that is perfect in every way... just not your perfect match.
If I could draw a map of a boy that I would like
Your resume would shine through like a bright green light.
If I didn't feel so wrong
If I didn't feel so wrong
If I didn't feel so wrong you'd be my Mr. Right.
"Back of My Mind" is a bit lyrically confusing, but a magnificent piece of ear candy. The drums in this tune are amazing... strong, solid, and a bit crazy, yet always together. The tune builds for it's entirety, starting as a mostly vocal feature, then building to more and more guitar, and building with the drums carrying the weight of the entire band.
"He's Kissing Christian" was the closest That Dog ever came to a big hit. Instrumentally, the tune is incredibly simple, with the bass carrying the melody for the majority of the song. The story is that of desiring a boy who is completely out of reach... not because of status, but rather his attraction to other boys. The chorus can only be described as adorable...
Come out, come out, wherever you are.
Come out, come out, wherever you are.
Come out, come out, come out
Come out, come out
Wherever you are.
For an extremely "girl punk" feel, check out "Lip Gloss." With fast guitars, almost talking-vocals, and a rather cymbal-heavy drumbeat, it's got the sound perfected. The tune also consists of samples of a talking baby doll... interesting, but a bit frightening. The lyrics are still very middle-school'd out:
Tie me down with dental floss.
Tie me up with love and say you miss me.
'Cause I keep putting on lip gloss.
And you won't kiss me.
The album is wrapped up with "Rockstar," the story of a teenage groupie. The tune is highly simplified musically (although there is a xylophone solo)... there's no drums at all. The words are just too funny though...
I know I don't know you but I'm in love.
The bad reviews kill me 'cause I know what you're made of.
I have ten copies of you on the cover.
When I went to see you, got a ride from my mother.
The album layout is also incredibly creative. The songs are set up like titles of a teenage novel, with the back page featuring a list of the bands crushes for the past year (a list of first names). The back cover of the cd also has a short story, using the titles of each song in order of appearance, in bold letters to make locating them more simple.
If you like your music pop-fortified, yet rokken (like dokken... well not literally, but you know how the saying goes), this album is for you. If you like today's definition of "pop"... well pick this up anyway. You should start expanding your musical horizons, and there's no time like the present, dammit!
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