February 8, 2006 | Posted by mark at 11:28 PM

And I Got No Incentives

Hank May1. Hank May - Hey Sandy.

2. Hank May - I'm Going Home Tonight.

Hank May was 2 years old when the Adventures of Pete & Pete first aired and Mark Mulcahey first jumped into the Polaris drum kit during the opening sequence, so I have no idea why Hank offers such an inspired take on an already perfect pop tune. He stretches out the run time to 2 minutes, slowing down the song and finding a quiet sadness to the song that was once so filled with bubblegum explosions. It sounds weird to say that his guitar work reminds me of the Smashing Pumpkins, but what can you do? Good Luck keeping this off your next mixtape.

The second song here -- "I'm Going Home Tonight" -- is a Hank May original. When the song kicks louder and he sings And I hate sick days it's just awesome. He sounds much older than he is, and writes with an impressive confidence. On his myspace site, he namedrops Modest Mouse, Okkervil River and Bedhead (of all people!). I can hear all of that in his music, and I think its great. Part of me is jealous that I wasn't raised on music like that, but what can you do. Hank credits his cousin (a member of American Princes on Yep Roc) for much of his musical education. And that's great. This is how it should be.

At any rate, a friend of mine tipped me to Hank's myspace page and I haven't been able to get his songs out of my head since. The swirling guitar lines of this song are just beautiful. I hear so much promise here, and I want Hank to take his time and keep making great music. He told me that most of his music is recorded solo but that he's looking to put a band together. I'd love to see it happen.

There's no music to buy yet, but you can stop by his page and drop him a note if you're so inclined.

Comments

What a cutie.

Posted by: sarah at February 8, 2006 11:56 PM

The first one is like Elliott Smith with reverb. Who could complain?

Posted by: sam at February 10, 2006 11:34 PM

really enjoyable. thanks!

Posted by: delmo at February 12, 2006 8:33 AM

I implore *all* of you to check out the afforementioned American Princes if you haven't all ready. That's all.

Posted by: JT at February 12, 2006 10:46 PM

The Durutti Column influence, very good!!!!

Posted by: Mauricio at February 14, 2006 12:59 AM

That first one is so great - are those his lyrics, or were they just stripped from the song for Pete & Pete?

Posted by: kristen at February 15, 2006 3:51 PM

People really need to learn (and write) more about the incredible Mark Mulcahy. Hes released some incredible albums since the days of Pete and Pete, a truly great songwriter with a heartbreaking voice. Props to Hank May and to MFR for posting about it, check out his myspace

http://www.myspace.com/markmulcahymusic

and then go buy his albums. (and unless i'm mistaken, Mark's not the one behind the drumset, although he can play drums. thats actually Spot from Miracle Legion / Polaris...Mark's old bands)

Posted by: h. rex at November 19, 2006 8:31 PM
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