[PTt] musik review - emmet swimming, "Arlington to Boston"
Corey Welton
Nothing like seeing a local band make it big, let me tell ya....
Especially when you've just recently become a big fan.
I had heard of emmet for a couple of years, as they made their way
through the Northern Virginia music scene, but I'd never heard them
play. This changed, when they played at the Fairfax Fair [Fairfax, VA],
with For Squirrels and They Might Be Giants. To tell you the truth,
emmet was downright GREAT. I did the typical new-fan thing -- sign up on
the mailing list, etc. Ok. So I'm a sellout. Funny.. that's one of
their songs. Sellout.
Anyway, a few days ago, I got a postcard announcing the release of their
new album, and a free show to celebrate. I didn't make it to the show,
but I bought the album, and am extremely pleased with it. "Arlington to
Boston" (Epic Records) is the story of their tours, I'm guessing. This
album is CD-ROM enhanced, and the first tune, "Arlington", is a
brilliant start. I recognize some of the No. Va. imagery so clearly
(they all have a motto / be rich, dress poor / and it's the suburb of the
week), and anyone who has lived in this area for any amount of time
would agree. From there, the album flows smoothly, and hits perfectly
with the seventh track, "8:45" (quarter to nine), an anthem of sorts, one
song I can CLEARLY remember from when I saw them in concert. As
previously mentioned, "Sellout" is included, and is a humourous tune
about the music industry. The album ends with (what else?) "Boston",
a good end to a great effort.
With the radio becoming crowded with "alternative" bands that hit
instant-stardom, but are never to be heard from again, it's good to see this
mellow-but-rocking band hit the big time. If your musical interests
range anywhere between R.E.M. to Counting Crows, or Seven Mary Three to
Barenaked Ladies, it's a great buy, and a great band....
...if you can catch them on tour up and down the east coast, DO IT.
Visit emmet
swimming's homepage.
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