It's all right to hold tight just don't try to hold on

These United States - First Sight .

Remember how a like minute ago in the Colin Meloy post I was talking about how the test of really great song is when it survives through mutation, adapting with the evolutionary process and still speaks to you on some deeper level even when some of the basic elements are rearranged or even changed completely? Ladies and gentleman of the jury I give you exhibit B.

These United States have been here before, track 1 on mfr vol 2 you may even remember. Their debut album, "A Picture of the Three of us at the Gate to the Garden of Eden" is just around the corner on March 4th, it was produced with Paleo and I'm telling you it's great. But I'm also telling you, you need to see them live. Fortunately for you they are making their way straight across the country and back in the next many weeks.

These US definitely have a rowdier sound when they are on stage and I honestly can't tell you whether I dig the more tightly controlled, lap-top world of the recorded album or the roadhouse show they put on live. I like 'em both. The important thing is the songs, the lyrics, the intimate melodies are there no matter what. Comparisons to Paul Simon are starting to get thrown around like Springsteen references these days, but in These United States case I think the apt comparison is to Simon's (and I would argue Jesse Elliot's) ability to keep a tightly gripped fist around a song--letting just the right amount trickle through his fingers.

Check out the myspace page to compare album to live tracks and get the tour dates which start Monday in Arlington, VA.