August 27, 2005 | Posted by David B. at 2:02 PM

You're a taker of vanities

so very sereneThe Most Serene Republic is quite possibly the most adorable band I've ever seen. And while it is superficial of me to claim this was a major reason I listened to them in the first place, I'd be lying if I denied it.

Luckily for those who cannot survive on cuteness alone, the music of The Most Serene Republic - like that of labelmates and fellow Canadians Broken Social Scene - is great. Their debut record Underwater Cinematographer was released stateside in July, and I have to admit that I haven't heard it. However, I heard the below track and ordered the record right away.

The Most Serene Republic - Content Was Always My Favorite Colour.

I know the hype behind Broken Social Scene has already overshadowed other bands, so I'll make the comparison short, but I think there is a valid line between these two. The drama, the scope, the attention to melody, it's all there. So is a sense of joy that I wish other bands could grab on to.
Plus, I could never resist a good handclap breakdown, but that's my own issue.

You can order Underwater Cinematographer directly from label Arts & Crafts, but if you're in the states, it's a little cheaper to get it domestically from the fine people at Insound or iTunes.

Comments

This track is incredible. Thanks for posting it.

Posted by: jennifer at August 27, 2005 3:39 PM

rock on and thank you for the info on: the most serene republic, i just purchased it from itunes and currently playing it while i sew, gold sounds...
yours, patricia

Posted by: patricia at August 27, 2005 6:19 PM

amazing

Posted by: ryan at August 28, 2005 3:08 PM

I picked up this album about a month back at my local record store solely based on the fact that they were from the Arts and Crafts label (and they were playing some of the songs in the store) and it became the only album I listened to for 2 weeks straight. Now, a number of my friends have gotten the album and are as obsessed with it as I am. Thanks for posting about them, as I hope they get some quality time in the limelight. They're definitely worth it.

Posted by: Bill at August 28, 2005 3:13 PM

oddly enough, i'm launching a music website tomorrow (at www.iheartmusic.net), and the most serene republic are the first band being profiled. we're giving away three copies of underwater cinematographer, so anyone interested who likes this mp3 should head on over and enter to win.

Posted by: matthew at August 29, 2005 12:17 AM

wow. love this. reminds me of death cab for some reason. thanks for the recommend. Ill probably down this from itunes.

Posted by: steve y. at August 29, 2005 2:55 AM

saw them with Stars back in June, and as per the usual mfr is dead-on: they are dangerously cute. my only gripe with the album (which i purchased that night) is the mix is too muddy/low -- they sound way brighter in the flesh.

Posted by: matt at August 29, 2005 1:18 PM

i don't know... am i missing something here? i'm a BSS fan, but this just sounds like pretty middle of the road indie rock to me. nothing all that special.

Posted by: dan at August 29, 2005 3:09 PM

I mainly bought this to get a free A+C sampler (which, of course, was long gone). But it was good. This is without question the best song. I also hear echoes of The Postal Service and The Arcade Fire in there.

Posted by: caley at August 29, 2005 8:07 PM

This song was decent, but am I the only one who thought the singer was off-key a hell of a lot of the time? He's really hard to listen to and that's coming from someone who digs Clap Your Hands Say Yeah's mumble-monologues.

Posted by: John at August 29, 2005 10:53 PM

I got this album the other day and it hasn't really struck me like the others have posted here.

Posted by: Andrew at August 31, 2005 10:10 AM

Actually, this sounds a lot like the Postal Service minus annoying bleeps.

Which already makes them a whole lot better than the Postal Service.

Posted by: rosie at August 31, 2005 10:11 AM

Why do they (or you) spell favorite like that and colour like that? Shouldn't it be favorite/color or favourite/colour?

Posted by: Neil at August 31, 2005 10:19 AM

Neil,
Good question, I wondered the same thing. The band spells it that way on the CD, so who am I to question it?:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0009S2T4S/qid=1125499648/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-2927347-5093518?v=glance&s=music&n=507846

Posted by: Robot David at August 31, 2005 10:48 AM

Here's a thought on the spelling.
In canada we often spell color 'colour' and since I have not really ever seen "favourite" maybe it's just a question of whats used more. almost like a nature/nurture kind of thing.

To be honest if I was to write my favorite color
I would probably write it as they did.

But that's just my canadian opinion.

Posted by: skot-bot at August 31, 2005 3:31 PM

TMSR = terrible. sorry but this band is only being hyped because of the label they're on and the bands that they associate with. this is a lesser version of ANY Postal Service and/or Death Cab For Cutie song. You might as well pick up the New Buffalo CD on the same label because apparently it's not the music that matters.

Posted by: at August 31, 2005 3:52 PM

you know,
you could have atleast left your name.
now I will call you - Mr. Hit-and-Run

Posted by: skot-bot at September 1, 2005 12:02 PM

This is a little late, I know, but my site is giving away a copy of the album, so anyone who likes it should stop by www.iheartmusic.net!

Posted by: matthew at September 9, 2005 10:33 AM
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