July 28, 2005 | Posted by Blair at 10:35 PM

Stop, Stop, Stop, Rewind

pop mastery
"Rated R Movie" by Fine China

Fine China is a three-(or is it four-)piece from my home-state of Arizona - its members are Thom Walsh (Drums), Rob Withem (Vocals, Guitars, Keys (yes!!!)), Josh Dooley (Guitars) and Greg Markov (Bass) - they are a pop band, a pop rock band I mean, and they are so damn good at this, I almost don't know what do with their songs. They're full of melancholy moodyness, but then they go and put this rising melody, and then they harmoize the vocals on the choruses...

Is it formulaic or perfect?

I guess its something of both really - like the Stills. Remember them? Their album came out on Vice a couple years back. Its really, really good, and despite their being labeled a throwback band and jumping on some kind of bandwagon (though I don't really understand which wagon the band was jumping), they made some damn good pop music. I honestly think their album is a seriouly overlooked and totally underrated gem.

Anyway, I think this new Fine China album, called The Jaws Of Life, is very similar sonically, so that makes me super-happy. The ringing guitars, the right-up-front-in-the-mix bass (I love that), and the great balance between moody and sweet, it all adds up to true pop music. I'm not quite ready to stake the claim some of the press is giving them, comparing their pop talents to the Smiths, the Jam or New Order. Then again, I think there have been so few artists working in the realm of pop that Fine China inhabit, I'm definitely happy to listen to them, then put on a My Bloody Valentine or Smiths album, then another current-pop favorite Pela, then probably listen to Fine China again and not have it sound at all out of place. Hmm.

Strong words, I know, but the album, which comes out September 6th on Common Wall, is solid.

Oh and you can listen to the rest of the album as a stream on their site untill then.

Comments

This band released material on Tooth & Nail Records some years back. I think the christian label thing hurt their sales. Too bad, cause they are a great band!

http://speakinrhythms.blogspot.com/

Posted by: Carlos NYC at July 29, 2005 1:20 AM

Uhm, I ain't tryin' to be that asshole in the room, but you say that Fine China are a three piece from AZ, then proceed to name four seperate members. Like I said, I'm not trying to be that smug English major ('specially since I was a history major) in here, but figured I'd point that out.... Not that it matters that much, the song still rawks.

Posted by: Dan at July 29, 2005 1:52 AM

Dan, the point goes to you - yes, I do name four members, and this is because there are four named in the liner-notes. However, all the photos and the publicity for the band leave out Mr. Dooley... I don't know why this is. Anyone out there that knows the band know why this is?

Posted by: robot blair at July 29, 2005 2:17 AM

who cares? i-hai-hai-hailikeit!

Posted by: strappy at July 29, 2005 4:57 AM

"(though I don't really understand which wagon the band was jumping)"

you go blair. people need to wake up and smell the decaf. retro/no retro, inspired by, copied, ripped off, original. who cares? good is good is good people. grow up.

Posted by: squarey at July 29, 2005 10:02 AM

"Then again, I think there have been so few artists working in the realm of pop that Fine China inhabit"

Recently, off the top of my head: Tribeca, The Cloud Room, The Fatales, The French Kicks, Interpol, Bloc Party, The Strokes, The Head Set, Communique, Frausdots, Elefant, The Floor, and The Stills... which brings me to:

"(though I don't really understand which wagon the band was jumping)"

Interpol, Elefant, The French Kicks, etc. Criticism revolved around their timely arrival and huge promotional kick from Vice. And yeah, there is something to say about context -- sure good is good, but originality and concept have always had a place in art.

Posted by: Greg at July 29, 2005 11:19 AM

"but originality and concept have always had a place in art."

quite. an argument for the ages. what is original? &c.

Posted by: squaredudeman at July 29, 2005 12:07 PM

Fine China's first full-length came out in 2000, earlier than the vast majority of other new-wave revival bands they are often compared to. When I bought their debut, the only other band I knew doing anything similar was Barcelona, who had a decidedly more kitschy retro sound.

Fine China is a wonderful band that deserves far, FAR more exposure.

Posted by: inkling at July 29, 2005 12:51 PM

This band is quite good indeed. it's nice to hear you give The Stills their due. I agree that their record was severely overlooked and underrated. You consistently post amazing and innovative music. Keep it up.

Posted by: Michael at July 29, 2005 8:06 PM

I really dig Fine China. I second everything Michael said up there.

Posted by: at July 29, 2005 10:58 PM

Hi, If you like indie music, here a new indie mp3 blog. www.indiefordummies.blogspot.com .
Please link us to your home, like we've done. 'hanks!

Posted by: Fran P at July 30, 2005 2:06 AM

Josh Dooley is the lead singer/songwriter for an amazing band called Map (released records on Velvet Blue Music, but doubles as a hired-hand guitarist for a few bands (I think he played with SF59 a few times as well). Fine China released a cover lo-fi cover of "Pretty in Pink" that must be heard to be believed. They are the bee's knees.

Posted by: derek at July 30, 2005 3:04 AM

Derek:

I saw Fine China open for SF59 here in Phoenix at a tiny club called Modified. Two hours of bliss.

Posted by: inkling at July 30, 2005 11:10 AM

this is just cutesy indie pop . It sound nothing like that New Wave stuff. you are off your head.
its rather boring though.

Posted by: the_drunkard at July 31, 2005 7:49 PM

This is nice, but it's nothing that the Pernice Bros. haven't been doing for years now, only way better. Oh, wait, I'm sorry, I forgot. The Pernice Bros. aren't obscure, and they play and sing in tune. Hence, no indie cred. What was I thinking?

Posted by: R. at August 2, 2005 4:21 PM

I think FC rocks. I also know that Dooley like mentioned above is just a hired hand and not part of the band. They did have four people. A keyboardist, who is no longer with them. So officially I would say that three is correct.

Posted by: gonupru at August 20, 2005 1:35 PM

I just picked up there new cd on cd baby and i have to say every album Fine China puts out is amazing and each album is very differnt but its all fine china, weird, you guys are amazing...keep putting out amazing art, you are true musicians, if any one started the new wave sound, back up it was you guys and Joy Electric, lets be honest...
Peace
Miq

Posted by: Miq at August 21, 2005 1:08 PM

Really great band. Recently happened to find an album and get extremely interested. Always search the web for cool music "http://mp3rest.com/. is a site where one can compile perfect playlists. A cushy spot for a music addict!

Posted by: Rossie at March 20, 2007 7:57 AM
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