Moldy Peaches - Moldy Peaches (The)

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Clever, moving, satirical, silly -  many things rolled into one .
Disadvantages:	Might not be to everyone's taste due to offensive language .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

What makes the Moldy Peaches so good is a winning partnership between the two vocalists (Adam Green and Kimya Dawson) who use their lyrics to charm you, make you laugh, make you cry, make you feel nostalgic and many other emotions rolled into one. Their stripped down melodies teamed with clever lyrics creates songs you listen to over and over again. With unique style and attitude, no wonder they were featured on the Juno soundtrack! A run down of each track follows:

1) Lucky Number Nine- A great opening track, catching and the lyrics give a first-time listener a good idea of what the band is about. The scene and not fitting in. Trying to challenge what people would consider good music. Then again, it is easy to see it as a song about nothing in particular!

2) Jorge Regula. A beautiful track and a personal favourite. The simple melody brings about a feeling of familiarity and the repetition of the lyrics by Kimya adds a lovely touch. Whilst you could delve into the deeper meaning of the lyrics, it's possible to just see it as a simple love song between too lovers. Catchy too, try not to find yourself "do do do"ing along!

3) What Went Wrong- An introduction to the Moldy Peaches' more eccentric side and could be a place in which they loose appeal for some people. Still, a funny track and captures a sense of what it may be like to see them live i.e. chaotic.

4) Nothing Came Out- Another slower song which makes full use of Kimya's unique and touching voice. The melacholy guitar and self-depricating lyrics makes this a heartbreaker. "All I wanna do is ride bikes with you, stay up late and watch cartoons..."

5) Downloading Porn With Davo- Another one of the band's more upbeat song but still funny non-the-less. Wonderfully offensive and catchy.

6) These Burgers- A song about individuality, something which describes the band well. About people trying to be different and yet ending up the same as everyone else. Another charming track.

7) Steak For Chicken- Possibly my favourite track. Incredible timing and clever overlaying lyrics which creates an impressive piece of work. Not to mention very, very funny too.

8) On Top- An ironic take on rap, irony being a common feature of the band's lyrics. Still amusing and catchy though, good fun.

9) Greyhound Bus- Another song which uses Adam and Kimya's voices to achieve a double layered effect. It shows two ways of thinking, Kimya showing the materical side and Adam the deeper side of life.

10) Anyone Else But You- Recently made popular through it's use in the film Juno, it's not hard to see why so many people have fallen in love with this song. Again using a simple melody and Adam and Kimya's voices in unison, it makes you smile and cry at the same time. Sweet in the Moldy Peaches' own unique way, it's almost impossible not to find this song adorable.

11) Little Bunny Foo Foo- One of the first songs I heard by the Moldy Peaches, this is another wonderfully eccentric song which presents the band's take on the children's book 'Little Rabbit Foo Foo'. I may be swayed by the fact it was one of my favourite books as a child, I think this song is great and my only regret is they didn't make it longer!

12) Ballad of Helen Keller and Rip Van Winkle- A slower song which sounds surprisingly well produced. A little more serious than some of their other songs, the lyrics are open to interpretation.

13) Who's Got The Crack?- This song is a simply good fun. Good to sing along to, nonsensical but funny lyrics- it sums up one half of the Moldy Peaches' work. I think it's promoting some good ole reckless fun.

14) Lucky Charms- Another more serious song providing another two levels of meaning. I think the songs about someone who's gone and this is a source of sadness, whilst the memories that remain still make the singer happy. Still I may be wrong and interpreting the lyrics is half the fun!

15) D.2. Boyfriend- This song makes me laugh, I especially like the Duran Duran aspect. Promoting a message which seems to echo in all of the bands unique style which is being yourself- "Be proud of yourself. You'll be cool. Super cool!"

16) I Forgot- This is perhaps not one of the best songs on the album, but still a good song but not as catchy as others.

17) Lazy Confessions- Another favourite of mine, with one of the catchiest melodies on the album. Comprising their usual sense of fun, this song concerns living for today and being carefree but with the usual undertones of something deeper.

18) NYC's Like A Graveyard- Possibly relating to personal experience, a song of frustration at trying to make it big in a big city. The angsty guitar and raw emotion help convey the message.

19) A mellow closing song, it encompasses the Moldy Peaches' more chilled out side in contrast to the more loud tracks. Yet another excellent use of their trademark duet-style vocals.

I love this album, and even though it may not be to everyone's taste if offensive language is an issue, I'd urge anyone to give it a listen as the lyrics are spot on!