Paige

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 19:24:38 -0600

I imagine that it's pretty difficult in this day and age to create any sort of album within a moderately recognizable genre and be truly novel. The difficulty Peter and the Wolf seems to have, as far as I can tell, is a boldly identifiable set of influences worn proudly on a gingham sleeve, compounded with a desire to break out of all that with an innovative sound. Unfortunately, that kind of thing is nearly impossible, regardless of how often he tours or what sort of accolades he receives (or doesn't receive) on the internet. It's not necessarily an insult to the artist to intimate that he's derivative. Who isn't? 90% of musicians operate in "relative obscurity" - that doesn't mean that everyone is going to like what they have to offer, nor does it mean that their offerings are any more or less relevant than, say, the shit my toddler records on his Casio. What I read was a quite fair review of an album that, while blossoming with songwriting skills and creativity, is perhaps more derivative than original, and I believe Monte made it perfectly clear that he doesn't necessarily consider that a fatal flaw. Oh, since when is name-dropping The Smiths some attempt at cred? My mom listens to them, when she's sad about losing at Bingo, and I would certainly hope that anyone browsing this website and full of opinions about the latest Peter and the Wolf album isn't shocked to hear that there was a Morrissey project prior to his solo work. The Smiths reference bothered you but "Jandekian demons" didn't phase you a bit, huh? There's no accounting for taste. Incidentally, I applaud this review and have screen-capped it so I can print it out and put it in my wallet. Not so incidentally, I want to have Monte's children.

Diego

Thu, 02 Nov 2006 18:00:22 -0600

Being that i happen to think this is one of my favorite albums as of late, and that it truly deserves all the attention and praise its been getting, I really have to disagree with you saying the album sounds more like a tribute album than an original work. I don't think any of the references you made to Red's songs sounding like Lennon, Waits, or Sufjan Stephens hold any bearing at all(especially for those songs). And honestly, what are you going for with saying (in reference to Black SaltWater ) " This song begs the question of purpose. Cred?" .... this guy has been touring his ass of in relative obscurity for the past 3 years and you question his sincerity in what he's putting on the album.. thats just fucking ridiculous. and then how you manage to name drop the Smiths is beyond me .. (if you change the vocals, add bouncy drums and chiming guitar to any song its going to sound like the Smiths.).. who's the one here putting up random shit just for cred?

Austinist: Austinist CD Review: Peter and the Wolf Lightness

Paige

Diego