I wanna make you laugh in a serious way
by Dan
Please note: MP3s are only kept online for a short time, and if this entry is from more than a couple of weeks ago, the music probably won't be available to download any more.


 

[Ed. - Dan Beirne is a great friend, a fine film-maker, and at least 20% of the talent behind Better than Shakespeare (that's Canada's darkest, funniest indie sketch troupe). He recorded an album last weekend, but I haven't heard it yet.]

The Diskettes - "Come On Over". This band is like the sunshine and bubblegum version of The Halo Benders, and this song, for me, sums up their emotional impact and undeniable charm. It's like... doing things on purpose. Every part of this song feels like it's there for a reason. The fun is lined up single file. It's frolicking with a completely straight face. It's doo-wop with a dark side. "she: I can't wait for your hair to turn all gray / he: I'm wasting myself and I'm wasting my life away". If I knew more superlatives, this would be longer; the happiest sad song I own. [buy ($5!)]

The Hi Lo Trons - "Mania". When I first heard the Hi Lo Trons I wasn't huge on them. I says to Jordan, "They sound too much like Devo." And he replied, "They are not trying to hide that, Dan." That was a good point. So it sounds like something else, so what? This is just a really fun dance tune. When the organ kicks in at around the 1:00 mark, you can't help but move just a little bit. [buy]

It seems like each guest blogger is some sort of genre-Planeteer, each with their own specialty and, upon combining powers, make up the Captain Planet that is Sean's taste in music. It just sucks cause I think my suit would be pink.

Posted by Dan at August 26, 2004 12:30 AM
Comments

yeah those Diskettes have a real vintage K Records sound.
i like their album package too.
thanks...........

Posted by bmr at August 26, 2004 12:54 PM

do i have to be green cos i posted irish music? even though, so i've been told, the "official" colour of ireland is navy blue. who knew?

Posted by Liz at August 26, 2004 2:40 PM

I like the Hi Lo Trons track; actually it doesn't remind me of Devo (probably just because I don't know much about Devo); what it reminds me of is The Knack, in its clipped vocal delivery.

Is the rest of the CD like this (upbeat, poppy)?

Posted by Tuwa at August 26, 2004 9:59 PM

yes, it is. you can download 3 more tracks on their website

Posted by Dan! at August 27, 2004 2:52 AM

And for a second there I took that splash page icon to be Cthululhu. Don't mind me, I'm just waking up.

Thanks for the link.

Posted by Tuwa at August 27, 2004 9:15 AM

the diskettes - cute, but i think that the beautiful south has the market on catchy, dark pop. thanks for the taste.

Posted by red at August 28, 2004 1:39 AM

The Asaurus version of the self-titled Diskettes record is both cheaper and has an extra track. I mean, I'm not pissing on Humblebee or anything, but you decide.

Posted by Chris Uncritical at August 30, 2004 4:19 PM

I realize this is extremely old news now, but I love "Come On Over" to death and I have listened to it three times today. Thanks for posting it!

Posted by J-Tron at August 31, 2004 2:34 PM

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This is a daily sampler of really good songs. All tracks are posted out of love. Please go out and buy the records.

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about the authors
Sean Michaels is the founder of Said the Gramophone. He is a writer, critic and author of the theremin novel Us Conductors. Follow him on Twitter or reach him by email here. Click here to browse his posts.

Emma Healey writes poems and essays in Toronto. She joined Said the Gramophone in 2015. This is her website and email her here.

Jeff Miller is a Montreal-based writer and zinemaker. He is the author of Ghost Pine: All Stories True and a bunch of other stories. He joined Said the Gramophone in 2015. Say hello on Twitter or email.

Mitz Takahashi is originally from Osaka, Japan who now lives and works as a furniture designer/maker in Montreal. English is not his first language so please forgive his glamour grammar mistakes. He is trying. He joined Said the Gramophone in 2015. Reach him by email here.

Site design and header typography by Neale McDavitt-Van Fleet. The header graphic is randomized: this one is by Neale McDavitt-Van Fleet.
PAST AUTHORS
Dan Beirne wrote regularly for Said the Gramophone from August 2004 to December 2014. He is an actor and writer living in Toronto. Any claim he makes about his life on here is probably untrue. Click here to browse his posts. Email him here.

Jordan Himelfarb wrote for Said the Gramophone from November 2004 to March 2012. He lives in Toronto. He is an opinion editor at the Toronto Star. Click here to browse his posts. Email him here.
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